Chapter 31 Alternative and Complementary Therapies

31-2 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Allopathic Medicine  Referred to as Western medicine.  Began about 200 years ago.  Conventional medical approach.  Body and mind are separate entities.

31-3 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-4 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Allopathic Medicine  Effective when aggressive treatment is needed in an emergency situation.  Overlooks the crucial role of energy, emotions, and thoughts.

31-5 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Historical Roots of CAM Modalities  The concept of the human body is looked at much differently among Western cultures, Eastern cultures, and Indian cultures.

31-6 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-7 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-8 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-9 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-10 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-11 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-12 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Contemporary Trends  The use of CAM modalities is increasing in the United States. Integrative therapy combines allopathic medicine with techniques from Eastern medicine.

31-13 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-14 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-15 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-16 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. CAM Modalities  Mind-Body Techniques Methods by which an individual can consciously control some functions of the sympathetic nervous system

31-17 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Mind and Body Techniques  Relaxation  Meditation  Imagery  Biofeedback  Hypnosis

31-18 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Body and Movement Manipulation Strategies  Techniques employed for moving or manipulating various body parts to achieve therapeutic outcomes

31-19 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Body and Movement Strategies  Movement and Exercise  Yoga  Tai Chi  Chiropractic Therapy

31-20 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Yoga Postures

31-21 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-22 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Energy and Body Work  Energy Therapies Therapeutic Touch Healing Touch Reiki Acupuncture Acupressure

31-23 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Energy and Body Work  Nurse administering therapeutic touch

31-24 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-25 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Energy and Body Work  Body Work Therapies Therapeutic Massage Shiatsu Rolfing Reflexology

31-26 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-27 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Modalities  Faith Healing  Healing Prayer  Shamanism

31-28 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Nutritional and Diet Therapies  Allopathic research has demonstrated a link between diet and cardiac disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer, specifically gastrointestinal cancers.

31-29 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-30 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-31 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-32 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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

31-33 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-34 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Other CAM Modalities  Aromatherapy  Humor  Pet Therapy  Music  Homeopathy

31-35 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 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.

31-36 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. The Nurse as an Instrument of Healing  Knowledge Base  Intentionality  Respect for Differences  Ability to Model Wellness