Alternative

&
Complementary Therapies
Play Therapy, Group/Individual Therapy, Yoga, Exercise
Relah Peninsula and Jevanette Velacruz
BSN 3-B G2
NCM 117
 Introduction
CAM is an “array of health care approaches with a history of
use or origins outside of mainstream medicine”
-NIH/NCCIH

● Complementary Medicine is a group of diverse

medical and health care systems, practices, and
products that are used in conjunction with
conventional medical treatments. This practice can
also be called integrative or integrated medicine.

● Alternative Medicine is a group of diverse medical

and health care systems, practices, and products used
in place of conventional medicine.
 PLAY
THERAPY
 What is play therapy?

 Play therapy is a form of therapy used

primarily for children. That’s because
children may not be able to process
their own emotions or articulate
problems to parents or other adults.

While it may look like an ordinary

playtime, play therapy can be much
more than that.
 BENEFITS OF PLAY THERAPHY
 According to the professional
organization Play Therapy International,
up to 71 percent of children referred to
play therapy may experience positive
change.
 While some children might start off with
some hesitation, trust in the therapist
tends to grow. As they become more
comfortable and their bond strengthens,
the child may become more creative or
more verbal in their play.
Some of the potential benefits of
play therapy are:
• taking more responsibility for
certain behaviors
• developing coping strategies
and creative problem-solving
skills
• self-respect
• empathy and respect for others
• alleviation of anxiety
• learning to fully experience and
express feelings
• stronger social skills
• stronger family relationships
 When play therapy is used

Although people of all ages can benefit from play therapy, it’s typically used
with children between the ages of 3 and 12. Play therapy may be helpful in a
variety of circumstances, such as:

• facing medical procedures, chronic • domestic violence, abuse, or neglect

illness, or palliative care
• developmental delay or learning
disabilities
• problem behaviors in school
• aggressive or angry behavior
• family issues, like divorce, separation,
or death of a close family member
• natural disasters or traumatic events
• anxiety, depression, grief
• eating and toileting disorders
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD)
• autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
 How does play therapy work?

• Children learn to understand the world and their place in it through play. It’s
where they’re free to act out their inner feelings and deepest emotions. Toys
can act as symbols and take on greater meaning — if you know what to look for.
• Since the child can’t adequately express themselves in the adult world, the
therapist joins the child in their world, on their level.
• As they play, the child may become less guarded and more apt to share their
feelings. But they aren’t pressured. They’re allowed to do so in their own time
and with their own method of communication.
• Play therapy will differ depending on the therapist and the particular needs of
the child. To begin, the therapist may want to observe the child at play. They
may also want to conduct separate interviews with the child, parents, or
teachers.
• After a thorough assessment, the therapist will set some therapeutic goals,
decide on what limits may be necessary, and formulate a plan for how to
proceed.
 Play therapy techniques

Sessions typically last 30 minutes to an hour and are held once a week. It
must take place in an environment where the child feels safe and where
there are few limitations. The therapist may use techniques that involve:

• creative visualization • arts and crafts

• storytelling • water and sand play
• role-playing • blocks and construction toys
• toy phones • dance and creative movement
• puppets, stuffed animals, and • musical play
masks
• dolls, action figures
 Play therapy for adults

Play isn’t just for kids, and neither is play therapy. Teenagers and
adults can also have a difficult time expressing their innermost
feelings in words. Adults who may benefit from play therapy include
those affected by:

• intellectual disabilities • anger management issues

• dementia • post-traumatic stress disorder
• chronic illness, palliative care, and (PTSD)
hospice care • unresolved childhood issues
• substance use
• trauma and physical abuse
YOGA
 WHAT IS YOGA?

Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which

focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and scince of
healthy living. The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’
or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’.

● As per Yogic scriptures the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual
consciousness with that of the Universal Consciousness, indicating a perfect
harmony between the mind and body, Man & Nature.
● According to modern scientists, everything in the universe is just a
manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences this
oneness of existence is said to be in yoga, and is termed as a yogi, having
attained to a state of freedom referred to as mukti, nirvana or moksha.
● Thus the aim of Yoga is Self-realization, to overcome all kinds of sufferings
leading to 'the state of liberation' (Moksha) or ‘freedom’ (Kaivalya). Living with
freedom in all walks of life, health and harmony shall be the main objectives of
Yoga practice.
● "Yoga” also refers to an inner science comprising of a variety of methods
through which human beings can realize this union and achieve mastery over
their destiny.
 What is the Purpose of Yoga?

Yoga is performed as part of an exercise program to increase general health, reduce stress,
improve flexibility and muscle strength, and alleviate certain physical symptoms, such as chronic
pain . Because yoga is a low-impact activity and can include gentle movements, it is commonly
used as part of physical therapy and rehabilitation of injuries.

Clinical and psychological studies have demonstrated that performing yoga has the following
benefits:

● Physical postures strengthen and tone muscles, and when performed in rapid succession,
can provide cardiovascular conditioning.
● Meditation and deep breathing can reduce stress, thereby lowering blood pressure and
inducing relaxation.
● Mind/body awareness can influence mood and self-esteem to improve quality of life.
 What are the Benefits of Yoga?
● Yoga for Flexibility
Yoga poses work by stretching your muscles. They can help you move better and feel less stiff or tired.
● Strike a Pose for Strength
Many of the poses, such as downward dog, upward dog, and the plank pose, build upper-body strength.
The standing poses, especially if you hold them for several long breaths, build strength in your
hamstrings, quadriceps, and abs. Poses that strengthen the lower back include upward dog and the chair
pose.When done right, nearly all poses build core strength in the deep abdominal muscles.
● Better Posture From Yoga
When you're stronger and more flexible, your posture improves.Most standing and sitting poses develop
core strength, since you need your core muscles to support and maintain each pose.With a stronger core,
you're more likely to sit and stand "tall."
● Breathing Benefits
Yoga usually involves paying attention to your breath, which can help you relax. It may also call for
specific breathing techniques.
● Less Stress, More Calm
You may feel less stressed and more relaxed after doing some yoga.Some yoga styles use meditation
techniques that help calm the mind. Focusing on your breathing during yoga can do that, too.
● Good for Your Heart
Yoga has long been known to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. A slower heart rate can
benefit people with high blood pressure or heart disease, and people who've had a stroke.
 Precautions

Children and adolescents with injuries, medical conditions, or spinal problems should consult a physician before
beginning yoga. For children with special needs, parents should find a yoga teacher who is properly trained and
experienced and can give children individual attention. Certain yoga positions should not be performed by a person
who has a fever or is menstruating.

Children and adolescents who are beginners at yoga should always be properly supervised, since injuries are
possible, and some advanced yoga postures, like the headstand and full lotus position, can be difficult and require
strength, flexibility, and gradual preparation. Proper form and alignment should always be maintained during a
stretch or posture, and the stretch or posture should be stopped if pain, dizziness , or excessive fatigue occurs.

While yoga can be used therapeutically to help alleviate certain symptoms in children with various medical
conditions, it is not a cure. A physician should be consulted for standard medical treatment.
Risks
Injuries have been reported when yoga postures were performed without proper form or concentration, or by
attempting difficult positions without working up to them gradually or having appropriate supervision. Beginners
sometimes report muscle soreness and fatigue after performing yoga, but these side effects diminish with practice.

Parental concerns
Parents should make sure that the yoga instructor is qualified to teach yoga to children. Yoga instructors
experienced in teaching adults may not understand that teaching children requires different skills and methods.
Yoga certifications and/or training in teaching children are available.
GROUP AND
INDIVIDUAL
THERAPY
 What Is Group Therapy?

• Group therapy is loosely defined as having more than one client

treated at the same time by at least one therapist
• Some groups will have more than one therapist; if this is the case,
most often, there are two therapists addressing the group at the same
time and very  rarely more than that.
• Group sizes can vary depending on the type of group therapy being
employed.
•  For example, couples therapy, a type of group therapy that typically
treats romantic partners, consists of two clients (most often)
 Advantages
• Group therapy assures individuals that they are not alone and that
other individuals share similar problems and struggles.
• Group therapy offers the opportunity to both receive support from
others and to give support to others.
• The therapeutic alliance that occurs in groups is broader than the
alliance that occurs in individual therapy.
• Group therapy helps individuals develop communication skills and
socialization skills, and allows clients to learn how to express their
issues and accept criticism from others.
• Group therapy allows individuals to develop self-awareness by
listening to others with similar issues.
• Sharing one’s experiences with others with similar problems is
often itself therapeutic.
• Group therapy provides a broad safety net for individuals who
may otherwise be hesitant to discuss their feelings, perceived
weaknesses, etc.
• Individuals in group therapy can model the successful
behaviors of other individuals who have gone through similar
experiences. Modeling is a form of learning where individuals
learn by copying or imitating the actions of others.
• Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual
therapy.
 Disadvantages
• The client is not the focus of attention.
• The level of confidentiality in groups is far less secure than it is
an individual therapy.
• The notion of social loafing is a problem with all group efforts.
• Although the therapeutic alliance is broader, it is not as focused
and strong in group therapy as it is in individual therapy.
• Groups typically meet at specific times.
• Group therapy may be inappropriate for certain types of
individuals, such as individuals who are extremely antisocial,
extremely shy, impulsive, passive-aggressive, psychotic, etc.
 What Is Individual Therapy?

Individual therapy consists of a therapeutic

situation where one individual  is involved in the
therapeutic process with at least one therapist. A
therapist can be anyone professionally trained in
the use of therapy, including a psychologist, social
worker, counselor, psychiatrist, marriage and
family counselor, etc.
 Individual therapy offers several advantages:
• The confidentiality of the client’s issues is most easily maintained
in individual therapy.
• The client receives one-on-one attention from the therapist, and
this allows the therapist to be very thorough in understanding the
specific problems of the client and in developing an individualized
approach to helping the client.
• The level of analysis and treatment can be much more intense
and comprehensive in individual therapy compared to group
therapy.
• The pace of the therapy can be tailored to the specific client.
• The therapeutic alliance, which refers to the working relationship
between the client and therapist, is strongest in individual
therapy.
• Individual therapy allows for the development of self-awareness
by discussing issues and getting feedback from the therapist.
• The client can arrange a time for the therapy sessions that is
most conducive to their schedule.
• Therapy sessions can be arranged rather quickly, if needed.
• Individual therapy allows for the development of communication
skills in individuals who need help with these skills.
EXERCISE
 EXERCISE
Exercise is physical activity that is planned,
structured, and repetitive for the purpose of
conditioning the body. Exercise consists of
cardiovascular conditioning, strength and
resistance training, and flexibility.

Physical activity is an inclusive term that refers to

any expenditure of energy brought about by
bodily movement via the skeletal muscles; as
such, it includes the complete spectrum of activity
from very low resting levels to maximal exertion.
Exercise is a component of physical activity.
 PURPOSE AND CAUSES
A sedentary lifestyle and excess caloric consumption are the primary causes of this increase in overweight and obesity;
regular exercise is considered an important factor in controlling weight. Overweight and obese children and adolescents
are at higher risk of developing several medical conditions, including the following:
● asthma
● diabetes
● hypertension
● orthopedic complications, such as hip and knee pain and limited range of motion
● cardiovascular disease
● high cholesterol
● sleep apnea
● psychosocial disorders, such as depression, negative body image, and eating disorders

Clinical studies have shown that regular exercise has numerous benefits, including the following:

● preventing weight gain and maintaining healthy weight

● reducing blood pressure and cholesterol
● improving coordination
● improving self-esteem and self-confidence
● decreasing the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer
● increased life expectancy
 EXERCISE DESCRIPTION
Cardiovascular conditioning
Cardiovascular conditioning involves moderate to vigorous physical activity that results in an elevated heart
rate for a sustained period of time. Regular cardiovascular exercise improves the efficiency of the
functioning of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system.

Strength and resistance training

Strength and resistance training increases muscle strength and mass, bone strength, and the body's
metabolism. Strengthening exercises increase muscle strength by putting more strain on a muscle than it is
normally accustomed to receiving. Strength training can be performed with or without special equipment.

Flexibility
Flexibility is important to improve and maintain joint range of motion and reduce the likelihood of muscle
strains . Most young children are naturally more flexible than older children and adults and will instinctively
perform movements that promote flexibility. As children age, they should be encouraged to continue to
stretch.
Precautions
Before a child begins any exercise program, he or she should be evaluated by a physician in order to rule out
any potential health risks. Children and adolescents with physical restrictions or certain medical conditions may
require an exercise program supervised by a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or exercise
physiologist. If dizziness , nausea , excessive shortness of breath, or chest pain occur during any exercise
program, the activity should be stopped, and a physician should be consulted before the child resumes the
activity. Children and adolescents who use any type of exercise equipment should be supervised by a
knowledgeable fitness professional, such as a personal trainer.

Preparation
A physical examination by a physician is important to determine if strenuous exercise is appropriate or
detrimental. Prior to beginning exercise, a proper warm-up is necessary to help prevent the possibility of injury
resulting from tight muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Appropriate warm-up exercises include walking,
light calisthenics, and stretching.

Aftercare
Proper cool-down after exercise is important and should include a gradual decrease in exercise intensity to
slowly bring the heart rate back to the normal range, followed by stretches to increase flexibility and reduce the
likelihood of muscle soreness. Following vigorous activities that involve sweating, lost fluids should be replaced
by drinking water.
Risks
Improper warm-up and inappropriate use of weights can lead to muscle strains.
Overexertion without enough time between exercise sessions to recuperate also can lead
to muscle strains, resulting in inactivity due to pain. Some children and adolescents may
be susceptible to exercise-induced asthma. For children and adolescents who perform
high-impact activities, such as running, stress fractures may occur. Dehydration is a risk
during longer activities that involve sweating; children and adolescents should be supplied
with water during and after activity.

Normal results
Significant health benefits are obtained by including at least a moderate amount of
physical exercise for 30 to 60 minutes daily. Regular physical activity plays a positive role
in preventing disease and improving overall health status. For children and adolescents
just beginning an exercise program, results (including weight loss, increased muscle
strength, and aerobic capacity) will be noticeable in four to six weeks.
Parental concerns
Given the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents, it is important for parents to
encourage regular exercise and also serve as role models by exercising themselves. Television, computers, and
video games have replaced physical activity for playtime for the majority of children. Parents should make a
commitment to replacing sedentary activities with active indoor and outdoor games. For busy families, exercise can
be performed in multiple 10- to 15-minute sessions throughout the day.

For children aged two to five years, physical activities should emphasize basic movement skills, imagination, and
play . Examples of appropriate activities for this age group include rolling and bouncing a ball, jumping, hopping,
skipping, mimicking animal movements, and pedaling a tricycle.

For children aged five to eight years, physical activities should emphasize basic motor skills and more complex
movements (eye-hand coordination). Non-competitive group sports or classes are appropriate for this age, and
parents should focus on helping their children find an enjoyable physical activity.
THANKS