Chapter 31

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

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Allopathic Medicine

Referred to as Western medicine. Began about 200 years ago. Conventional medical approach. Body and mind are separate entities.

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Allopathic Medicine

Health is the absence of disease. The goal of treatment is curing the

disease or “fixing” the problem. Focuses on ridding the body of

symptoms induced by disease or injury.

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Allopathic Medicine

Effective when aggressive treatment is needed in an emergency situation.

Overlooks the crucial role of energy, emotions, and thoughts.

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Historical Roots of CAM Modalities

The concept of the human body is looked at much differently among Western cultures, Eastern cultures, and Indian cultures.

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Influences from Ancient Greece

The ancient Greek culture perceived health as the maintenance of balance in all dimensions of life.

The elaborate healing system consisted of myths, symbols, and rites administered by trained priest-healers.

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Influences from the Far East

The concept of a life force or life energy permeates Eastern philosophies.

Healing systems integrate mind, body, and spirit into a system of balanced energy between the individual and the universe.

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China

Life energy (chi) flows through both the universe and the person.

Chi provides warmth, protection from illness, and vitality.

Chi flows along an invisible system of meridians (pathways) that link Chinese medicine’s five organ systems together.

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China

The chi flow can be enhanced by stimulating points along the meridians.

Acupuncture, acupressure, Chinese herbs, Qi Gong (breath work) and Tai Chi (moving mediation) act by enhancing the flow of chi.

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India

Ayurveda is a healing system based on Hindu and Indian philosophy.

The body and mind are filled with a vital energy (prana) that is the life force.

A chakra is a concentrated area of energy.

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Influences from the Far East

Shamanistic Tradition • Shaminism refers to the practice of entering

altered states of consciousness to help others.

• The shaman is a folk healer-priest who uses natural and supernatural powers to help others.

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Contemporary Trends

The use of CAM modalities is increasing in the United States.• Integrative therapy combines allopathic

medicine with techniques from Eastern medicine.

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Contemporary Trends

Mind-Body Research• Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is the study

of the complex relationship between the cognitive/affective system in the brain, neurological system, and immune system.

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Holism and Nursing Practice

The concept of holism builds on the mind-body connection and adds a spiritual dimension.

Holistic nursing is the art and science of caring for the whole person.

Recognize that each person is unique in all expressions of self.

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Holism and Nursing Practice

The Nature of Healing• Healing is a process that activates the

individual’s healing forces from within.• The nurse acts as a guide, change agent, or

instrument of healing.

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CAM Modalities

Mind-Body Techniques• Methods by which an individual can

consciously control some functions of the sympathetic nervous system

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Mind and Body Techniques

Relaxation Meditation Imagery Biofeedback Hypnosis

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Body and Movement Manipulation Strategies

Techniques employed for moving or manipulating various body parts to achieve therapeutic outcomes

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Body and Movement Strategies

Movement and Exercise Yoga Tai Chi Chiropractic Therapy

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Yoga Postures

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Energy and Body Work

Use of the hands to direct or redirect the body’s energy to enhance or restore balance within the body’s energy field.

Incorporated into nursing over the past 30 years.

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Energy and Body Work

Energy Therapies • Therapeutic Touch• Healing Touch• Reiki• Acupuncture• Acupressure

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Energy and Body Work

Nurse administering therapeutic touch

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Energy and Body Work

Body Work Therapies• Touch is the means of perceiving or

experiencing through tactile sensation.• Touch provides a basic means of interacting

with others and the environment.• Tactile stimulation is necessary for survival

and healthy development.

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Energy and Body Work

Body Work Therapies• Therapeutic Massage• Shiatsu• Rolfing• Reflexology

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Spiritual Modalities

One’s health is dependent upon the spiritual aspects of oneself.

Health maintenance implies having a balanced spiritual life.

The role of the spirit in healing is witnessed in all cultures.

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Spiritual Modalities

Faith Healing Healing Prayer Shamanism

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Nutritional and Diet Therapies

Allopathic research has demonstrated a link between diet and cardiac disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer, specifically gastrointestinal cancers.

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Nutritional and Diet Therapies

Nutraceuticals• Natural substances found in plant or animal

foods that act as protective or healing agents

• Phytonutrients are the chemicals found in plants.

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Nutritional and Diet Therapies

Vitamins and Supplements: Antioxidants and Free Radicals• A healthy, balanced diet should provide all

the vitamins and minerals the body needs.

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Nutritional and Diet Therapies

Vitamins and Supplements• Vitamins and minerals for supplementation

are different from vitamins used for CAM.• Research has just begun on the health

benefits of vitamins and minerals used in CAM.

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Nutritional and Diet Therapies

Antioxidants and Free Radicals• Antioxidants neutralize free radicals,

preventing them from damaging cells or altering DNA.

• Sources of dietary antioxidants- Vitamin C- Beta-carotene- Vitamin E

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Nutritional and Diet Therapies

Herbal Therapy• Many drugs commonly used today were folk

remedies derived from plants.• Through their chemical composition,

different herbal compounds strengthen, alter, or protect organs and systems in the body.

• Indiscriminate use of herbs may result in some negative outcomes.

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Other CAM Modalities

Aromatherapy Humor Pet Therapy Music Homeopathy

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Nursing and CAM Modalities

Nurses provide consumer education about the safety and efficacy of these methods.

Nurses should only practice modalities for which they are prepared.

Assessment of CAM modalities should be a part of every health assessment.

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The Nurse as an Instrument of Healing

Knowledge Base Intentionality Respect for Differences Ability to Model Wellness