Health Care Reform and Essential Oil Therapy

Today President Obama signed the new health care reform act increasing coverage to millions of uninsured citizens of the United States. This legislation does not go as far as universal coverage for all americans but it is a step in the right direction and does start the ball rolling by at least getting many citizens the needed care they deserve and could not previously afford.

Last night on Larry King Live they had a panel that included Andrew Weil discussing some of the bill and both the good and bad points.  As Mr. Weil clearly pointed out this is more health insurance reform than actual health reform.  This bill does not change the heavy focus of doctors on using costly prescription drugs when there are cheaper (and safer) alternatives nor does it focus action to prevention rather than disease management.  Prevention is the key to bringing down medical costs and  improving quality of life.  That is why many are turning to alternative medicine practices and treatments.

Essential oil therapy and essential oils are still at this time an underused modality that can give great care and benefit to patients.  We have seen that the use of essential oils in hospice care and cancer treatment have a big impact to the patients quality of life and that is to just name a few areas where it is used medicinally.  We also have to look at the health benefits essential oils bring to the massage and spa community clients. Essential oils are being researched and case studies taken to build a more comprehensive view on the preventative and restorative medicinal value of these items.

As this health care debate moves further forward in the next few years hopefully more inclusions to the alternative medicine and prevention aspects will be addressed to improve everyones health care more so than just their health costs coverage.