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Holistic Health exam paper for an instructor who believes in homeopathy

JCM

Muse
Joined
Sep 24, 2007
Messages
651
Not sure if this is the right section to post this?

Anyway
Exam consists on a paper that covers the Holistic approach to health.

Questions to be answered in this paper include:

 What is holistic health?
 How do external factors influence personal health and well-being? (Name some of those factors)
 What influences holistic health/lifestyle?
 What does ‘stress’ have to do with holistic lifestyle and what are some stress-relieving suggestions?
 What personal responsibilities might be related to holistic health?
 What might laughter and play have to do in regards to holistic health?
 Anything else you feel might be of significance/interest.

Four page, double spaced paper. Must include websites to substantiate your statements.
My instructor believes in homeopathy and drinks this weird green stuff because it 'cleans out your insides'.

Anyway this is a college course titled principles of diseases and I wanted to dismiss a lot of the nonsense modern healthcare is incorporating in its system and needed some help finding objective resources. Anyone care to help?
 
I think this
quackwatch.com

might be a good place to start.

It is tough when it is a college course. Do you agree with the professor and pass or disagree with the professor and hope he doesn't hold it against you?
 
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Many people think the terms "holistic medicine" and "homeopathic medicine" are interchangeable, but they are not.
 
Thanks for the link. My instructor is professional and will not fail me if I disagree as long as I can back up my position.

Yea I understand holistic medicine and homeopathic medicine are not interchangeable. My instructor does believe in homeopathy though and mentioned I might want to include something about it in the paper.

I still think holistic health is very questionable as while researching I see @ Wiki
Holistic health refers to a philosophy of medical care that views physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment
What does your spirit have to do with medical treatment? Anyway if anyone has anymore skeptic oriented site explaining holistic health care please do share.
 
Perhaps if your spirit is ethanol-based, it helps improve your well-being... ;)
 
Though it may impair your speech :-P

Are there any commentaries from Mr Randi I could quote or anything in his books? I saw a lecture that he gave on homeopathy at Princeton. It was great and I wanted to quote him but I needed a verifiable source and can't give my professor a copy of the lecture. I specifically wanted to mention the grain of rice / water the size of the solar system analogy. The paper is on CAM as a whole and with homeopathy being part of CAM as well as therapeutic touch Im really gearing up to verbally eviscerate many of the ideas about CAM I think my professor is expecting me to expound as great, safe, and effective but I need references. That is unless I'm wrong in thinking therapeutic touch and homeopathy are BS?
 
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I would suggest NOT aiming to eviscerate his notions. That WILL get him offside.

Instead, try to lay out the (il)logicality of them as clearly as possible but "without using adjectives", as it were. Use the physical size comparisons to illustrate, not to deride.

Hopefully then the argument can be made that exposes the silliness, without having to denigrate the holders of same. They will come to their own painfully obvious conclusions...you hope! ;)
 
Tch, you guys are weak. I've always nailed my teachers. For every example of why holistic "spiritual" medicine is fraud, use homeopathy :p .

Also, "stress" is a really big thing in the pseudosciences. Everything from the negative side of magnets to sticking you with needles to lasers are supposed to remove "stress that gets built up in your body" :rolleyes: .

And make sure you toss in psychology and the placebo effect.
 
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this is a college course titled principles of diseases and I wanted to dismiss a lot of the nonsense modern healthcare is incorporating in its system and needed some help finding objective resources. Anyone care to help?


You might find these articles helpful:

Holism: repeating it so often that people begin to believe it
http://www.medicinescomplete.com/journals/fact/current/fact1104a02t01.htm

Being wholistic
http://www.medicinescomplete.com/journals/fact/current/fact0804a03t01.htm

Holistic medicine - holism as it's related to medicine
http://www.skeptics.org.uk/explanation.php?dir=articles/explanations&article=holistic.php
 
Didn't know whether to reply on this thread or the other one - maybe they should be merged?

Like others, I think it's an important distinction to seperate 'holism' from ideas which claim to use the concept like homeopathy.

Nevertheless, because of the common inclusion of 'spirituality' in the discussion of holism I tend to prefer terms like 'biopsychosocial', which includes pretty much everything holism does without edging onto the absurd. Although of course taking into account spirituality isn't necessarily wrong, when a person's belief system is in some way linked to a presenting problem - it's not that you're treating a person's 'spirit', it's that you're taking into account their cultural background where relevant.

The part of the paper you quote seems to me to be driving much more at health psychology ideas than quackery - the reciprocal influence of health and behaviour, and the drivers of that behaviour.

Re: knocking down your instructor's ideas, I've had some of my best marks laying into lecturers' ideas - but you need to judge it right!
 
I think a lot of us would be interested to see you post the paper (or a link to it) and report on your instructor's reactions.
 
Holistic Health | Final

I think a lot of us would be interested to see you post the paper (or a link to it) and report on your instructor's reactions.

Holistic health is a philosophy of medical care viewing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life as interconnected and equally important in the assessment of approaches to treatment and is based on the law of nature that a whole is made up of interdependent parts. Holistic health care incorporates practices and concepts of Eastern philosophy and diverse cultural traditions, including acupuncture and the use of herbs, massage, and relaxation techniques as well as conventional medical practices. While it is commonly associated with alternative medicine, it is also increasingly used in mainstream medical practice as part of a broader view of patient care in the modern healthcare system. Holism as a health concept has existed for some time outside of academic circles and only relatively recently has the modern medical establishment begun to integrate it into the mainstream health care system. Some components of a holistic healthcare approach can include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Bioenergetic therapies, Mind-Body medicine, as well as Herbal Medicine amongst many others. Holistic health may be classified under or as a part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).​

The first National Conference on Holistic Health in the US was held at U of C San Diego’s School of Medicine in June 1975. It initially gained its greatest following among nurses however, many physicians, especially those in the then newly formed specialty of family medicine, also became interested in this movement. The Holistic Health lifestyle is regaining popularity each year, as the holistic principles offer practical options to meet the growing desire for enjoying a high level of vitality and well-being, though this ‘high level of vitality and well-being’ is not guaranteed as many medical professionals skeptical of holistic healthcare will assert.​

The fact that external factors influence over personal health and well-being has been known for some time. Some examples of these contributing factors may be stress, environmental pollutants, and even lifestyle choices as in the case of recreational intravenous drug abuse which could involve needle sharing. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the key factors influencing an individual's state of health have not changed significantly over the past 20 years. Quality of medical care is only 10%. Heredity accounts for 18% and environment is 19%. Everyday lifestyle choices are 53%. The decisions people make about their life and habits are, therefore, by far the largest factor in determining their state of wellness.​

A survey that assessed both the prevalence and predictors of CAM use in a comprehensive cancer center population where all were using conventional therapies found that 63 percent had used at least one CAM approach other than a spiritual practice. Patients unanimously believed that these CAM treatments helped to improve their quality of life by helping them cope more effectively with stress, decreasing their discomforts related to treatment and the illness itself, and giving them a better sense of control. This study shows the role of ‘stress’ in a holistic lifestyle is negative and CAM treatments are available which can help alleviate it. Some CAM related stress-relieving suggestions are utilizing techniques such as biofeedback, guided imagery, massage therapy, and even acupuncture.​

Personal responsibilities related to holistic health practitioners are stressed by skeptics who claim many of the therapies associated with CAM have little to no scientific merit and said practitioners must be more vigilant in making sure the alternative treatments they are providing are not actually harming their patients. A major source of contention concerning CAM amongst medical professionals skeptical of holistic health approaches is the specific use of homeopathy.​

Homeopathy was developed by Samuel Hahnemann in 1796 and involves low doses of certain substances prescribed in miniscule doses to bring about cures to various ailments. It is in fact a treatment with no scientific basis like many holistic health therapies and has many absurd assumptions exemplified by the actual dilutions homeopaths use and well as their methods of preparation of substances used for treatment (some homeopaths ‘charge’ solutions over the phone and even the internet). Skeptics point to dilutions such as 1:40000 which actually exceed Avogadro’s number in that their preparations require such dilution the chance of a single molecule of the original substance is still within the 1:40000 dilution is a near mathematical possibility. An example of this particular dilution using the solar system as a reference would mean that the original substance would be the size of a grain of rice and the diluting water would need to be a sphere the size of the orbit of Pluto. Such examples do not bother homeopaths as they maintain highly diluted substances leave an “energy imprint” in the body and stimulate the immune system thereby helping to cure an illness. This “energy imprint” has yet to be quantified by mainstream science and it is this author’s opinion the idea is a vestige of the 18th century with its originator trying to describe a scientific process (the body’s immunological response) in contemporary terms when the process (antibody / antigen reaction) was yet to be discovered.​

Proponents of CAM research at the NIH state many literature reviews have concluded that larger, more rigorous studies are needed before definitive statements can be made about the benefits of CAM therapies. Unfortunately this seems to be the standard conclusion whenever "CAM" research is done. Proponents counter these data, nevertheless, point to the need for a comprehensive and aggressive research program in several areas of CAM, particularly those areas where CAM practices and products are frequently used adjunctively to mainstream medical care. Skeptics point out research priorities should be based on the likely hood of useful results, not where methods are popular.​

Recently, a major effort has been made to increase conventional physicians' awareness and understanding of CAM through educational programs. However, there is a great deal of variability in the content of these programs. Although a few provide detailed information on potential CAM benefits and safety issues, most are too general in content to provide physicians with the knowledge base they need to feel more comfortable about the subject and to display a willingness to discuss CAM issues with their patients. In other words, most of the "CAM" courses taught at medical schools are worthless.

Holistic physicians encourage patients to evoke the healing power of love, hope, humor and enthusiasm, and to release the toxic consequences of hostility, shame, greed, depression, and prolonged fear, anger, and grief. According to the American Holistic Medical Association, unconditional love is life's most powerful medicine. Holistic physicians strive to adopt an attitude of unconditional love for patients, themselves, and other practitioners. It must not go without saying that “toxic consequences of hostility, shame, greed, depression, and prolonged fear, anger, and grief” are in fact unquantifiable in scientific terms and the existence of such toxicities must be viewed as suspect to say the least.​

All things considered, many aspects of holistic health are still currently considered highly controversial and practitioners of such treatments much proceed with the utmost of care in keeping with the Hippocratic Oath. There have always been ‘snake oils’ and cures of dubious nature and efficacy and the modern era is no exception. The danger of today is a reluctance to callout the pink elephants that so many claim to have been helped by in favor of political correctness and tolerance of opposing views. In the words of another healthcare professional, if it works for you get after it. But if someone asserts you should try any treatment make sure you understand the proof behind supposed effectiveness. In others words be skeptical.​


Walter Suzan "Excerpt from Holistic is an adjective...not a noun" 1996 Online Retrieved on 2007-11-10

Walter Suzan 1999 "Holistic Health chapter from Illustrated Encyclopedia of Body Mind Disciplines" Online Retrieved on 2007-11-10

Walter Suzan 1997 "Introduction to Holistic Medicine chapter from HealthInform's Resource Guide to Alternative Health Online Retrieved on 2007-11-11

American Holistic Medical Association "Principles of Holistic Medicine"Online Retrieved on 2007-11-11

Barrett Stephen M.D. October 15, 2007 "Questionable Organizations: An Overview" Online Retrieved on 2007-11-11

National Institutes of Health, Office of the Director. November 3-5, 1997"NIH Consensus Statement: Acupuncture Volume 15 (5)" Online Retrieved 2007-11-12

Robert S. Ivker 2002 "Comparing Holistic and Conventional Medicine" Online Retrieved on 2007-11-11
 
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Not sure if this is the right section to post this?

Anyway

My instructor believes in homeopathy and drinks this weird green stuff because it 'cleans out your insides'.

Anyway this is a college course titled principles of diseases and I wanted to dismiss a lot of the nonsense modern healthcare is incorporating in its system and needed some help finding objective resources. Anyone care to help?
The weird green stuff is likely a form (or more than one) of grass run through a blender - I am going to check my memory on this. Back soon.
 
Not sure if this is the right section to post this?

Anyway

My instructor believes in homeopathy and drinks this weird green stuff because it 'cleans out your insides'.

Anyway this is a college course titled principles of diseases and I wanted to dismiss a lot of the nonsense modern healthcare is incorporating in its system and needed some help finding objective resources. Anyone care to help?
The weird green stuff is likely a form (or more than one) of grass run through a blender - I am going to check my memory on this. Back soon.

And, a little later later I am well memoried and correct:


wheatgrass: http://thechalkboardmag.com/50-reasons-to-drink-wheatgrass-everyday
 
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Or, wheatgrass drinking makes you **** and/or go blind!!!!! Generally the former.
 
The weird green stuff is likely a form (or more than one) of grass run through a blender - I am going to check my memory on this. Back soon.

And, a little later later I am well memoried and correct:


wheatgrass: http://thechalkboardmag.com/50-reasons-to-drink-wheatgrass-everyday
Holy crap! :eye-poppi
2. Wheatgrass juice is an effective healer because it contains all minerals known to man, and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, l and K. It is extremely rich in protein, and contains 17 amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
All 3800 of them?
9. Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 115 minerals from the soil.
I guess not, then.
 
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...All things considered, many aspects of holistic health are still currently considered highly controversial and practitioners of such treatments much proceed with the utmost of care in keeping with the Hippocratic Oath...
A typo? Shouldn't that be "must proceed"?
 
remember, I did not say the statements were correct, just it is what those who wind up drinking it have been told.
I know that, I was just amazed by the inconsistency. #2 is in there twice, word for word. The article is titled "50 Reasons To Drink Wheatgrass Everyday", but 7 are about topical uses, and #23 is about wheat berries. Does "The Chalkboard" have any editing standards at all?
 
Hypocritic one damn it!!!!!!

Hippocratic?

The Hippocratic Oath is an oath historically taken by physicians. It is one of the most widely known of Greek medical texts. In its original form, it requires a new physician to swear, by a number of healing gods, to uphold specific ethical standards.
 
Hippocratic?

The Hippocratic Oath is an oath historically taken by physicians. It is one of the most widely known of Greek medical texts. In its original form, it requires a new physician to swear, by a number of healing gods, to uphold specific ethical standards.

Yes, and if you noticed other posts of mine in this thread you would soon have noticed I used Hippocratic correctly and used Hypocritic for the weed drinkers ideas. Fully aware it is actually not a word, but a clear indicator for my attitude of overdone and false Health Faadism (see how I did another one there!!!)!!!!:):):):):)

Oh, to limit confusion, the quote of mine you used was me changing a misspelling of Hypocritic!!!
 
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Not sure if this is the right section to post this?

Anyway
Exam consists on a paper that covers the Holistic approach to health.

Questions to be answered in this paper include:

 What is holistic health?
 How do external factors influence personal health and well-being? (Name some of those factors)
 What influences holistic health/lifestyle?
 What does ‘stress’ have to do with holistic lifestyle and what are some stress-relieving suggestions?
 What personal responsibilities might be related to holistic health?
 What might laughter and play have to do in regards to holistic health?
 Anything else you feel might be of significance/interest.

Four page, double spaced paper. Must include websites to substantiate your statements.
My instructor believes in homeopathy and drinks this weird green stuff because it 'cleans out your insides'.

Anyway this is a college course titled principles of diseases and I wanted to dismiss a lot of the nonsense modern healthcare is incorporating in its system and needed some help finding objective resources. Anyone care to help?

Holistic health is a philosophy of medical care viewing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life as interconnected and equally important in the assessment of approaches to treatment and is based on the law of nature that a whole is made up of interdependent parts. Holistic health care incorporates practices and concepts of Eastern philosophy and diverse cultural traditions, including acupuncture and the use of herbs, massage, and relaxation techniques as well as conventional medical practices. While it is commonly associated with alternative medicine, it is also increasingly used in mainstream medical practice as part of a broader view of patient care in the modern healthcare system. Holism as a health concept has existed for some time outside of academic circles and only relatively recently has the modern medical establishment begun to integrate it into the mainstream health care system. Some components of a holistic healthcare approach can include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Bioenergetic therapies, Mind-Body medicine, as well as Herbal Medicine amongst many others. Holistic health may be classified under or as a part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).​

The first National Conference on Holistic Health in the US was held at U of C San Diego’s School of Medicine in June 1975. It initially gained its greatest following among nurses however, many physicians, especially those in the then newly formed specialty of family medicine, also became interested in this movement. The Holistic Health lifestyle is regaining popularity each year, as the holistic principles offer practical options to meet the growing desire for enjoying a high level of vitality and well-being, though this ‘high level of vitality and well-being’ is not guaranteed as many medical professionals skeptical of holistic healthcare will assert.​

The fact that external factors influence over personal health and well-being has been known for some time. Some examples of these contributing factors may be stress, environmental pollutants, and even lifestyle choices as in the case of recreational intravenous drug abuse which could involve needle sharing. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the key factors influencing an individual's state of health have not changed significantly over the past 20 years. Quality of medical care is only 10%. Heredity accounts for 18% and environment is 19%. Everyday lifestyle choices are 53%. The decisions people make about their life and habits are, therefore, by far the largest factor in determining their state of wellness.​

A survey that assessed both the prevalence and predictors of CAM use in a comprehensive cancer center population where all were using conventional therapies found that 63 percent had used at least one CAM approach other than a spiritual practice. Patients unanimously believed that these CAM treatments helped to improve their quality of life by helping them cope more effectively with stress, decreasing their discomforts related to treatment and the illness itself, and giving them a better sense of control. This study shows the role of ‘stress’ in a holistic lifestyle is negative and CAM treatments are available which can help alleviate it. Some CAM related stress-relieving suggestions are utilizing techniques such as biofeedback, guided imagery, massage therapy, and even acupuncture.​

Personal responsibilities related to holistic health practitioners are stressed by skeptics who claim many of the therapies associated with CAM have little to no scientific merit and said practitioners must be more vigilant in making sure the alternative treatments they are providing are not actually harming their patients. A major source of contention concerning CAM amongst medical professionals skeptical of holistic health approaches is the specific use of homeopathy.​

Homeopathy was developed by Samuel Hahnemann in 1796 and involves low doses of certain substances prescribed in miniscule doses to bring about cures to various ailments. It is in fact a treatment with no scientific basis like many holistic health therapies and has many absurd assumptions exemplified by the actual dilutions homeopaths use and well as their methods of preparation of substances used for treatment (some homeopaths ‘charge’ solutions over the phone and even the internet). Skeptics point to dilutions such as 1:40000 which actually exceed Avogadro’s number in that their preparations require such dilution the chance of a single molecule of the original substance is still within the 1:40000 dilution is a near mathematical possibility. An example of this particular dilution using the solar system as a reference would mean that the original substance would be the size of a grain of rice and the diluting water would need to be a sphere the size of the orbit of Pluto. Such examples do not bother homeopaths as they maintain highly diluted substances leave an “energy imprint” in the body and stimulate the immune system thereby helping to cure an illness. This “energy imprint” has yet to be quantified by mainstream science and it is this author’s opinion the idea is a vestige of the 18th century with its originator trying to describe a scientific process (the body’s immunological response) in contemporary terms when the process (antibody / antigen reaction) was yet to be discovered.​

Proponents of CAM research at the NIH state many literature reviews have concluded that larger, more rigorous studies are needed before definitive statements can be made about the benefits of CAM therapies. Unfortunately this seems to be the standard conclusion whenever "CAM" research is done. Proponents counter these data, nevertheless, point to the need for a comprehensive and aggressive research program in several areas of CAM, particularly those areas where CAM practices and products are frequently used adjunctively to mainstream medical care. Skeptics point out research priorities should be based on the likely hood of useful results, not where methods are popular.​

Recently, a major effort has been made to increase conventional physicians' awareness and understanding of CAM through educational programs. However, there is a great deal of variability in the content of these programs. Although a few provide detailed information on potential CAM benefits and safety issues, most are too general in content to provide physicians with the knowledge base they need to feel more comfortable about the subject and to display a willingness to discuss CAM issues with their patients. In other words, most of the "CAM" courses taught at medical schools are worthless.

Holistic physicians encourage patients to evoke the healing power of love, hope, humor and enthusiasm, and to release the toxic consequences of hostility, shame, greed, depression, and prolonged fear, anger, and grief. According to the American Holistic Medical Association, unconditional love is life's most powerful medicine. Holistic physicians strive to adopt an attitude of unconditional love for patients, themselves, and other practitioners. It must not go without saying that “toxic consequences of hostility, shame, greed, depression, and prolonged fear, anger, and grief” are in fact unquantifiable in scientific terms and the existence of such toxicities must be viewed as suspect to say the least.​

All things considered, many aspects of holistic health are still currently considered highly controversial and practitioners of such treatments much proceed with the utmost of care in keeping with the Hippocratic Oath. There have always been ‘snake oils’ and cures of dubious nature and efficacy and the modern era is no exception. The danger of today is a reluctance to callout the pink elephants that so many claim to have been helped by in favor of political correctness and tolerance of opposing views. In the words of another healthcare professional, if it works for you get after it. But if someone asserts you should try any treatment make sure you understand the proof behind supposed effectiveness. In others words be skeptical.​


Walter Suzan "Excerpt from Holistic is an adjective...not a noun" 1996 Online Retrieved on 2007-11-10

Walter Suzan 1999 "Holistic Health chapter from Illustrated Encyclopedia of Body Mind Disciplines" Online Retrieved on 2007-11-10

Walter Suzan 1997 "Introduction to Holistic Medicine chapter from HealthInform's Resource Guide to Alternative Health Online Retrieved on 2007-11-11

American Holistic Medical Association "Principles of Holistic Medicine"Online Retrieved on 2007-11-11

Barrett Stephen M.D. October 15, 2007 "Questionable Organizations: An Overview" Online Retrieved on 2007-11-11

National Institutes of Health, Office of the Director. November 3-5, 1997"NIH Consensus Statement: Acupuncture Volume 15 (5)" Online Retrieved 2007-11-12

Robert S. Ivker 2002 "Comparing Holistic and Conventional Medicine" Online Retrieved on 2007-11-11


Assuming the length is correct (4 pages.. font size unspecified so actually probably meaningless ) I think you have fulfilled the brief pretty well within the size (although I have no expertise whatsoever in this field so take that for what its worth...). It is a somewhat superficial treatment but then what else can you do in such a short space. I personally prefer inline citations and quotes but I have no idea what the norm is for the course(?) you are doing.

9 years to write a short essay piques my interest though... and the fact you have what many here will consider a red flag in your OP (modern medicine nonsense stuff) yet you appear to be sceptical of CAM, yet you are doing a course that includes a holistic medicine module of some kind... perhaps at not degree level (judging by time/length) - I'm intrigued what kind of course is this?
 
All 3800 of them?
thechalkboardmag.com said:
9. Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 115 minerals from the soil.
I guess not, then.
The highlighted part intrigues me. There are only 91 naturally occurring elements...
 
The highlighted part intrigues me. There are only 91 naturally occurring elements...
And only about 25 (or less) are needed for life.

Also neptunium and plutonium are now classified as naturally occurring so it's 94 elements.
 
The highlighted part intrigues me. There are only 91 naturally occurring elements...
I missed that one. Anyway, I thought that there were only four (ok, five, if you count Milla Jovovich)?
 
9 years to write a short essay piques my interest though... and the fact you have what many here will consider a red flag in your OP (modern medicine nonsense stuff) yet you appear to be sceptical of CAM, yet you are doing a course that includes a holistic medicine module of some kind... perhaps at not degree level (judging by time/length) - I'm intrigued what kind of course is this?

I never got around to posting it. It was for a required course for an undergraduate technical degree in healthcare. The focus was not solely on the holistic medicine module, which was just the topic of the final. I am a 'skeptic'. :blush:
 
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