COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR PAIN RELIEF

-It involves non pharmacologic measures that may be used either as a woman’s total pain
management program or to complement pharmacologic interventions.
-Most of the interventions are based on the gate control theory concept.
-Use of Acupressure, Position changes, Imagery, And other relaxation and techniques.

1. Relaxation
- Keeps the abdominal wall from becoming tense, allowing the uterus to rise with
contractions without pressing against the hard abdominal wall.
- Serves as a distraction technique:

- Bring favorite music

-aromatherapy

2. Focusing and Imagery

-For this technique, the woman uses a photograph of someone important to her or
something she finds appealing(beautiful sunset).
Focusing vs. Imagery
Focusing- woman concentrates on the photo during contraction.
Imagery- Mental Image
Remember: Do not ask or talk while a woman is focusing, imagery or chanting because
that will break her concentration and let the sensation of pain break through.

References: Pillitteri, Adele. Maternal & Child Health Nursing: Care Of The Childbearing
& Childrearing Family. Philadelphia, PA : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007.