Complementary & Alternative Therapies

Health & WellnessInstructor: R. Hanock

Complementary & Alternative Therapies

• What is the difference between complimentary & alternative therapies?

• Name alternative or complimentary therapies that you have been exposed to

Complementary & Alternative Therapies

ObjectivesAt the completion of this discussion you will be able to: 1) Discuss the different alternative &

complementary therapies2) Explain the supportive role of the LPN during

the use of these therapies.

I. Western Medicine• Traditional medicine of the United States• Treatment of disease by creating an

environment that is antagonistic to the disease or illness.

• Previously there was n connection seen between the mind and body; there was also no spiritual connection

• 21st century: prevention is a primary part of our HC system; alternative therapies becoming increasingly popular

I. Western Medicine

Traditional Western Medicine Treatments

II: Eastern Medicine

• Usually refers to the practices of Asia & India• Concept of bioenergy: Ch’i, prana, or life-force• Illness & disease is viewed as disharmony,

imbalance, or defect of energy in the body; it is a deviation from normal body function.

• Causes of illness are anything that interferes with the balance and movement of energy.

II: Eastern Medicine

Energy Flows Through Meridians

Mind-body Connections

• Nurses practice a holistic health care model. • The body has the ability to heal itself unless it

has progressed too far for healing to occur. • Most nurses agree that there is a mind-body

connection; “mind-over-matter” is often considered to be a huge healing variable.

• Nursing profession advocates preventive care and health maintenance.

• Nursing profession advocates lifestyles that prevent or reverse disease and illness.

Common Practices in the United States

• Chiropractic• Message Therapy• Acupuncture and acupressure• Herbal supplements• Yoga & meditation

Chiropractic

• Spinal manipulation to relieve pressure on nerves

• Goal: improved function of the spinal nerves improved health, comfort, mobility.

• Read Anatomy & Physiology Connection: (Fundamentals, Burton, p. 212)

Chiropractic

• Focus on enabling proper nerve impulses through spinal nerves healthy neurological function improvement in over-all health & function

Message Therapy

• Involves stroking, pressure, friction, & kneading of muscles muscle relaxation & decreased stress increased well-being

• There are different varieties: Swedish, Shiatsu, reflexology, deep tissue

• Other advantages: stimulates circulation & endorphin release

• There are conditions in which contraindicate message therapy

Message Therapy

List benefits that message therapy bring

Acupuncture & Acupressure

• Acupuncture: fine needles inserted into points located along a meridian

Acupuncture & Acupressure

• Obstruction of the movement of energy causes imbalances such as ill-health.

• Twirling the needles along various points of a meridian helps to remove obstructions restoration of energy flow.

• NIH studies conclude that acupuncture is effective in controlling post-operative nausea and pain, nausea associated with pregnancy, & dental pain.

Accupressure

• Acupressure: pressure is utilized in place of needles. • Pressure points on specific areas of the foot bring about balance of internal functions as indicated

Herbal Supplements

• Used for both prevention and treatment of illness.

• Caution: herbs have interactions with medications and can cause undesirable outcomes. They are not benign substances.

• Huge industry• AMA does not control• Nutritionists and herbalists specialize in the use

of herbs.

Herbal Supplements

Many herbs can be used liberally while others require caution

Yoga• A mind-body intervention used to decrease

the negative effects of stress through the use of breathing exercises, physical postures, & meditation.

• Invokes ideas of harmony, health, & balance• Balancing the nervous system + balancing the

mind, body & spirit free energy flow health & well being.

Yoga

• Certain poses help to open energy channels of certain areas of

the body and promote proper alignment of the body.

Meditation

• Involves turning attention and concentration to one point of focus

• Requires discipline to maintain all attention on one focus

• There is no religious or mystical intent• Believed to promote health and well-being.

Additional Forms of CAM

• Aromatherapy Pet Therapy• Biofeedback Phytonutrients• Imagery• Relaxation exercises• Therapeutic touch or healing touch• Play Therapy• Music Therapy

Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Closure

• Read and review the key points in fundamentals book (Burton) on p. 221

• Review questions p. 221-2.