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I applaud this step in the right direction.
In an effort to reduce opioids addiction, the FDA drafted a proposal to include nonpharmacologic complimentary therapies for pain management -- including acupuncture and chiropracty.
They want health care professionals to be educated on other approaches.
Given that the majority of opioids addicts got their start with the medical community, maybe the holistic therapies can undo the damage.
Here's an excerpt from the FDA Education Blueprint for Health Care Providers
Involved in the Management or Support of Patients with Pain (May 2017).
NONPHARMACOLOGIC THERAPIES
A number of nonpharmacologic therapies are available that can play an important role in managing pain, particularly musculoskeletal pain and chronic pain.
• Psychological approaches – e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy
• Physical rehabilitative approaches – e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy
• Surgical approaches
• Complementary therapies – e.g., acupuncture, chiropracty
Health Care Providers should be knowledgeable about the range of available therapies, when they may be helpful, and when they should be used as part of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management.
I hope to see even more emphasis put on non-invasive, regenerative approaches in the future.