Complementany and Altennative Thenapies COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE = Changes in science and health care have provided the knowledge and technology to successfully alter the course of many illnesses - Despite the success of allopathic or biomedicine many conditions such as chronic back and neck pain, arthritis and anxiety continue to be difficult to treat The number of patients seeking unconventional treatments hos risen considerably over the past decade. This increase is caused by: 1. A desire for less invasive, less toxic, more “natural treatments 2. Lack of satisfaction with biomedical treatments 3. An increasing desire by patients to take o more active role in their featment process 4. Beliefs that a combination of treatments (biomedical and complementary) results in better overail results 5. Increased number of research articles in journals such as joumal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine & Beliefs and values that ore consistent with an approach to health that incorporates the mind, body, and spirit or a holistic approach COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES + Are therapies used in addition to or together with conventional treatment recommended by a person's health care provider = As the name implies, complementary therapies complement _—_ conventional treatments INCLUDES: + Therapeutic touch + Guided imagery and breathwork - Reloxation - Exercise - Massage - Reflexology - Prayer + Biofeed/ Hypnotherapy + Creative therapies including art, music, dance therapy = Meditation + Chiropractic therapy + Diagnostic and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders - Herbs/Supplements + Several therapies are always considered altemative because they are based on completely different philosophies and life systems thon those use by allopathic medicine (science-based, modem medicine] + These are identified by the NIH as whole medical systems ond include practices such s Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and Naturopathy + Emphasizes the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient = Focuses on the whole person, is performed by evidence and make use of appropriate therapeutic approaches, health care professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health - Some complementary therapies and techniques are general in nature and use natural processes to help people feel better and cope with both acute and chronic conditions - Complementary therapies teach behavioral modifications that offen alter physical responses - Active involvement is primary principle + The relaxation response is the sate of generalized decreased cognitive, physiological and/or behavioral arousal + It occurs through a variety of techniques that incorporate a repetitive mental focus and the adoption of a calm, peaceful attitude PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION + Training teaches an individual how to effectively rest and reduce tension in the boyMEDITATION Is any activity that limits stimulus input by directing cttention to a single unchanging ‘or repetitive stimulus so the person is able to become more aware of self The root word” meditari” means to cor or pay attention to Different from relaxation Purpose is to become “mindful” increasing ‘our ability to live freely and escape destructive pattems of negativity It is self-directed, it does not necessarily requite a teacher and can be leatned from books or audiotapes 4. COMPONENTS OF MEDITATION 1 Aauiet space 2. Acomfortable position 3. Areceptive attitude 4. A focus of attention Or visualization is a mind-body therapy that uses the conscious mind to create a mental image to stimulate physical changes in the body, improve perceived well-being and/or ‘enhanced self awareness Con be used for pediatric and adult patient population Are Complementary and Alternative medicines (CAM) treatments that nurses administer only offer completing o specific ‘course of study and training Many of these complementary therapies elicit positive effects, all therapies cany some tisk, particulary when used in a conjunction with conventional medical therapies Is a mind body technique that uses instruments to teach self-regulation and voluntary self-control over _— specific physiological responses Electronic or electromechanical instruments measure, process and provide information to patients about their muscle tension, cardiac activity = One of the oldest practice in the world = When used outside TCM, it is viewed as a mind-body therapy and is called medical acupuncture + Regulates or realigns the vital eneray (ai) which flows like @ river through the body channels that form a system of 20 pathways called meridians = Acupuncturists get the needlles are inserted into the skin in specific areas along the channels called acupoints, through which the qi can be influenced and flow reestablished + Developed in the 1970s + Affects the energy field that surrounds and penetrate the human body with the conscious intent to help or heal = Blending ancient eastem tradition with moder nursing theory, IT uses the energy of the provider to positively influence the patient's energy field - A whole system of medicine that began’ approximately 3600 years ago - Chinese medicine views health as “lfe in balance" which manifest as lustrous hair, a radiant complexion, engaged interactions, @ body that functions without limitations, nd ‘emotional balance - Most important concept is the “yin and yang” - TCM Practitioners use four methods to evaluate a patient's condition: a. Observing b. Hearing/Smelling cc. Asking/Interviewing d. Touching/Palpating - Researchers estimate that approximately 25,00 plant species are used medicinally throughout the world - The oldest form of medicine known to man, and archaeological evidence suggest that herbal remedies have been used for over 6000 years - Herbal medicines are a prominent part of healthcare worldwide - Herbal medicines are not approved for use. as drugs and are not regulated by FDA + For this reason many are sold as food or food supplements+ Interest in complementary/ integrative therapies continues to increase + Most people using and seeking information about these therapies are well educate + Nurses work very closely with their patients and are in the unique position of becoming familiar with the patient's spiritual and cultural viewpoints