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