Universal Integrative Health Care Coverage                                   
One such example is integrative health. Statistics show around half the US population has tried alternative or integrative medicine of some kind - be it Ayurveda, chiropractic, homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, or any of a myriad of effective integrative healing modalities.

In the past decade we have seen a positive change in recognition of integrative health care education as well. For example, in 1999 I earned the first Doctor of Science in Ayurvedic Research in the United States from Westbrook University. Back then my program was not accredited - there was no accredited university offering doctoral level Ayurveda research. A decade later we now see a handful of Ayurveda-accredited colleges, and a few accredited Ph.D. programs.  Certainly more recognition through more colleges will come in time.

When we hear the politicians speak of universal health care, those of us in the integrative health care system realize that profound changes will occur only when integrative medicine is also covered. Those who live an Ayurvedic lifestyle, (acting more in tune with nature, eating fresh, healthful foods for one's dosha, etc.), already know from experience that they have control over their health and can live preventative and rejuvenating habits to keep them well and vital.

In addition to helping keep people healthy, basic health care coverage of Ayurveda and other such integrative health systems would also cut the escalating cost of health care - from the cost of prescription drugs, to being healthy enough to not need hospital care, to reducing the high incidence of drug side effects as reported in JAMA. Further, the elderly and the poor, who currently have to choose between buying food to eat and buying medicine can reclaim their life, health, and their dignity in the process. 

When President-elect Obama considers change and progress in the health care industry, I pray he has an ear for the health and financial solutions that integrative health care offers. I pray you all pray for the same. And since we know that actions speak louder than words, I encourage all integrative practitioners and every person who uses any form of integrative therapies to send Mr. Obama a letter or email making him aware of how integrative health care can solve the health care industry crisis. Practitioners, you are also encouraged to send newsletters to all your clients as well. Let's get a groundswell of emails out to awaken their consciousness to the real value of integrative health care! He has a special page dedicated to sharing your health care vision...so he is asking...we have a rare opportunity to speak directly with our president (his transition team).

Contact by email

Obama for America
P.O. Box 8102
Chicago, IL 6068

sample letter
Dear President-Elect Obama,
Congratulations on your historic election as President of the United States!

As a professional/client in the Integrative Health Care field, I encourage you to adopt a policy of Universal Integrative Health Care Coverage, including integrative health practices such as Ayurveda, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage, etc. Compared to allopathic medicine alone, these integrative systems offer inexpensive, highly effective for non-emergency conditions, and without side effects. In short their inclusion can help solve the escalating costs of health care costs, easing the burden of Medicade, Medicare, and the elderly and poor will no longer need to choose between buying medicine and food.

Sir, you have the ability to change the face of health care, and resolve the economic and health considerations of the United States. Thank you for considering adopting a policy of Universal Integrative Health Care Coverage.
Sincerely,

Here's to real change!
Health & Joy