Definition: Alternative/Complementary modalities have been defined as treatment techniques whose goals are to evoke healing, taking into account the body-mind-spirit connection of every individual (Dossey, 1995).
It is a group of diverse medical and health care system, practices, therapies and procedures that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.
Then, ‘alternative’ medicine means practices and healing techniques that are not generally taught in medical schools, thus alternating with prevailing view.
The technique that replaces the allopathic medical care.
The word ‘complementary’ gained popularity in the field conveying the idea that the modalities or techniques could be used to complement and enhance the biomedical treatments.
The technique that are used in addition to the conventional medicine.
Nursing, however, is a holistic approach at its essence. Likely, it is because nursing is a holistic discipline that nurses have demonstrated great enthusiasm for the techniques and modalities associated with the field of complementary and alternative care as these techniques assist nurses to address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of care.
Reasons to use alternative therapies:
- Poor prognosis
- Focus of care is comfort not cure
- Desire to be more active in one’s own health care
- Reduce side effects of treatment
- Reduce side effects of disease
- Desire to cover all the options
- Suggestions be family, friends and society
- Philosophical or cultural orientation
- Less expensive than conventional medicine
- Easier access to health food stores than physician
- Dissatisfaction with or loss of trust in conventional medicine
- Desire to treat the disease in a natural way
- Decrease the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Improve the immune system
- Improve the quality of life
Classification of alternative and complementary therapies
- Alternative medical system: A complete system of theory and practice that evolved independently of biomedical approach.( traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine, native American medicine)
- Mind body interventions: uses a variety of techniques to enhance the influence of the mind and body’s intimate connections. ( meditation, focused breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, creative visualization, hypnosis, biofeedback, music therapy, and art therapy)
- Biologically based therapies: uses practices and products which are completely natural and biological.e.g. nutrition and special diets (e.g. megavitamins, metabolic therapies )
- Manipulative and body based methods: methods which involve the manipulation and movement of the body. ( massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, acupressure, shiatsu, polarity, chiropractic medicine, yoga and exercise)
- Energy therapies: focuses on the energy within and outside the body. ( Reiki, and therapeutic touch)
- Others ( counseling, group therapy, prayer and spirituality)
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE SYSTEM:
A common feature across the alternative medicine system is an emphasis on working with internal natural forces to achieve a harmonic state of mind and body which can promote a sense of well being and comfort.
a) Traditional Chinese medicine:
TCM view the people as ecosystem in miniature. Diagnosis is based on examination of the person’s complexion, tongue, radial pulse and detection of scent in the body, and the treatment is geared towards correcting the imbalance and is given with acupuncture and herbal therapy.
b) Ayurvedic medicine :
Comes from the Sanskrit word ayur (life) and Veda (knowledge). It considers the disease results from the accumulation of toxin in the body and an imbalance of emotions. It prescribes individualized diets, detoxification, cleansing from orifices, meditation and yoga.
c) Homeopathic medicine:
The treatment is based on the principle, “Like cures like”. Homeopathic medicine are taking original substance from plants, animals and minerals and highly diluting them. It is believed that body’s own healing ability is stimulated by these medicines. They are sold over the counter without prescription. They are so light that they are considered to have very less side effects.
d) Naturopathic medicine:
It cures the disease by harnessing the body’s own natural healing powers. Rejecting synthetic drugs and invasive procedures, it stresses the restorative powers of nature. It takes seriously the motto, “First, do no harm.” It relies on natural healing approaches such as herbs, nutrition, and movement and manipulation of the body.
e) American Indian medicine:
A system of healing. Physical illness is attributed to spiritual causes or spirit. The healing involves activities that appease the spirits, rid the individual of impurities and restore them to a healthful, spiritually pure state.
The central figure in American Indian medicine is the medicine man (healer, sorcerer, seer, educator and priest), often called as Shaman. Shaman and trained spiritual healers who seek to drive the evil spirit out.
Shamanistic methods include
- Incantations
- Charms
- Prayers
- Dances
- Shaking a rattle
- Beating of drum
- Sucking to remove the disease
MIND BODY INTERVENTIONS:
Naturopathy:
It is a complete system natural health care that believes that the body has the ability to heal itself.
A mixture of natural modalities which may include herbs, air, sunlight and hydrotherapy etc.
The aim of naturopathy is to make a person more resilient and to enhance the immune system stronger.
The first stage is to prevent the development of further development of disease through a variety of natural health care modalities.
Three basic principles of naturopathy are:
- The body has a natural drive to maintain the equilibrium, symptoms of disease are viewed and indications that the body is striving to heal it.
- The root cause of all diseases is the accumulation of waste product and toxin due to lifestyle habits.
- The body contains the wisdom and power to heal itself, provided serves to enhance its power.
It includes:
- physiotherapy
- therapeutic exercises
- acupuncture
- hydrotherapy
- nutrition
- Herbal therapy etc.
Meditation:
Self directed practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind. State of consciousness in which individual eliminates environmental stimuli from awareness, producing a state of relaxation and stress relief.
- Meditation evokes a restful state, lowers oxygen consumption, a reduction in respiratory rate and heart rate and subjective reports of reduced anxiety.
Various forms of meditation techniques are there, but all of them can be grouped into two which include mindfulness meditation and concentrative meditation.
Indications for meditation;
- Anxiety or tension
- Chronic bereavement
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Drug abuse
- Irritability
- Hypertension
- Mild depression
- Low self esteem or self blame
- Sleep disorders
- Psychological disorders
Limitations:
- Some may have hypersensitivity to mediation and require less time than average 15-20mts.
- Over meditation should be avoided
- Over meditation in a patient with history of psychosis may precipitate psychoses episode.
- It augments the effect of certain medications so precautions should be taken to alter the dose of medicines.
Relaxation therapy:
It is the releasing of physical and mental tensions.
Relaxation is the state of generalized decreased cognitive, physiological or behavioral arousal. The process of arousal elongates the muscles, reduces the neural impulses sent to brain and thus decreases the activity of brain as well as other body systems.
Goal: the long term goal of relaxation therapy is for the person to continually monitor himself for indicators of tension and to consciously let go and release the tension contained in various parts of the body.
Types:
- Progressive relaxation: one learns to detect the subtle localized sensations of muscle tension in one muscle group and then multiple muscle groups.
- Reduce mental activity is reduced by focusing on muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Passive relaxation: involves teaching the individual to relax muscles passively (without contracting them).
- E.g. deep breathing.
Clinical applications of relaxation therapy:
- lowering heart rate, HR,RR and muscle tension
- improving well being and reducing symptom distress
- in combination with imagery, yoga etc known to reduce pain, improve emotional wellbeing and immune functions.
Limitations of relaxation therapy:
- fear of loss of control, feeling like they are floating
- “predormescent start” in beginning of the therapy
- In advance diseased patients relaxation therapy would not be appropriate.
Music therapy:
"Use of musical or rhythmic interventions specifically selected by a music therapist to accomplish the restoration, maintenance, or improvement of social or emotional functioning, mental processing, or physical health of an older individual.”
- Many experts suggest that it is the rhythm of the music or the beat that has the calming effect on us although we may not be very conscious about it.
- Among the first stress-fighting changes that take place when we hear a tune is an increase in deep breathing. The body's production of serotonin also accelerates.
- The Older Americans Act authorizes grants to states to provide music therapy as a supportive service to enable older persons to attain and maintain well-being.
Imagery:
Formation of mental concepts, figures and ideas applied therapeutically to decrease anxiety. Mental process and a variety of procedures to encourage changes in attitudes, behavior, or physiologic reactions.
- It is a process of incorporating the "power of the mind" to assist the body to heal, maintain health or relax by way of an inner communication involving all senses, (i.e. visual, touch, smell, sight, sound). It forms a balance between the mind, body and spirit.
It uses the conscious mind to create mental images to evoke physical changes in the body, improve sense of well being and enhance self awareness. It is of two types:
- self directed ( individual creates his own mental images)
- guided ( practitioner leads the individual through the particular scenario)
Technique of guided imagery: A common guided imagery technique begins with a general relaxation process asking the person to slowly close their eyes and focus on their breathing. They are encouraged to relax, clear their mind, and surround themselves in images that are peaceful and calm.
- Guided imagery may be practiced independently, with a coach or with an audio or videotape.
- Guided imagery provides an opportunity for people to directly focus on positive thoughts and images, thus allowing a much welcomed "temporary mental escape". People often call imagery their "mini vacation in their mind." - audio guidance
- visual guidance
- olfactory guidance
Clinical applications
- Control or relief of pain
- Decrease blood pressure
- Decrease blood glucose levels (Diabetes)
- Decrease allergy and respiratory symptoms
- Decrease the severity of headaches
- achieve calmness and serenity
- treatment of chronic conditions as asthma, hypertension and GI disorders
Limitations of guided imagery
- Least clearly defined intervention, can range from being highly structured to consisting of day dreaming by the individual.
Art therapy:
A form of expressive therapy that uses art materials, such as paints, chalk and markers.
Based on the belief that the creative process of art is both healing and life-enhancing.
Helps the client to:
-Increase insight and judgment,
-Cope better with stress,
-Increase cognitive abilities,
-Have better relationships with family and friends.
Goal : to improve or maintain mental health and emotional well-being.
Drawing, painting, sculpture and photography are used.
Therapist interpret the symbols and metaphors form the creative work.
“It’s not about being an artist, it’s about using visual symbols to explore feeling and emotions.....it’s about seeing feelings, making them visible to yourself".
For managers and staff under pressure
For people who are generally stressed and overworked
For people with mental health problems
For people with severe learning difficulties
For children and young people who have problems conforming in school and with personal problems at home
For people who feel they are problem free but would like
the opportunity to explore issues within themselves
the opportunity to explore issues within themselves
Biofeedback:
It helps the client to control the physiological functions that are most difficult to control
e.g. in stroke patients muscle recovery.
It involves measuring a person’s bodily processes using machinery that translates physiological functions into audio or video signals conveying that information to him in a real time in order to raise his awareness or conscience of the related physiological functions.
Parameters measured include HR, BP and oxygen saturation etc. and skin temperature.
Types of instrument used to do the measurement are:
- EEG
- ECG
- EMG
- Galvanic skin response training
Uses in anxiety, migraine, raynaud’s syndrome and other GI disorders.
Laughter therapy:
Types of therapy:
Humor therapy (books, shows, movies, or stories to encourage spontaneous discussion of the patients own humorous experiences)
Clown therapy (clowns perform personal hygiene for others with the use of magic, music, fun, joy)
Laughter therapy (client's laughter triggers are identified)
How it works:
-By ensuring the inhalation of more oxygen, it makes people feel better
-It decreases stress leading to lowered stiffness of muscles - muscle relaxation
-gives a sense of well being because of release of endorphins and neuropeptides
-very useful for patients of hypertension
-it also improves the immunity (increases level of interferon)
-decreased incidences of cough and cold.
Laughter has innumerable other benefits.
-It proves a potent anti-stress factor, decreases asthmatic attacks, increases stamina, relives arthritic pain, ensures good sleep and elevates mood.
-Since the serotonin levels go up after laughter, it is an effective antidote for depression too.
-Positive qualities are cultivated, thereby removing negative emotions as jealousy, fear, guilt and anger.
Hypnosis:
Florida's "Hypnosis Law," defines hypnosis as hypnotism, mesmerism, posthypnotic suggestion, or any similar act or process which produces or is intended to produce in any person any form of induced sleep or trance in which the susceptibility of the person's mind to suggestion or direction is increased or is intended to be increased, where such a condition is used or intended to be used in the treatment of any human ill, disease, injury, or for any other therapeutic purpose condition is used or intended to be used in the treatment of any human ill, disease, injury, or for any other therapeutic purpose.
- All hypnosis is self hypnosis.
- It is important to identify this state, because it is individual is typically more suggestible, or more receptive to new ideas and initiation of new behaviours.
- According to Erikson, “in hypnosis the limits of one’s usual frame of reference and belief are temporarily altered so that one can be receptive to other patterns of association and modes of mental functioning that are more conducive to problem solving.”
- Has been shown to be helpful in the management of pain, dyspnea, anxiety and phobias.
Contraindicated in patient with cognitive impairment.
Hypnosis phases
Preparation
The first phase typically involves having the subject sit or lie down and getting comfortable.
Induction
Induction takes the subject from normal awareness to a state of enhanced relaxation.
Deepening
The deepening phase takes the subject from a very relaxed state into the fully "hypnotized" state, where conscious thinking is minimized
Awakening
The awakening phase is when the subject is taken out of the hypnotic state. If the session is to try to alleviate insomnia, then the subject is encouraged to sleep, otherwise the subject is brought back to a state of awareness with the conscious mind fully reengaged.
Length of an induction:
- Progressive Relaxation (PR)
- Rapid Induction (RI)
With fear removed, most individuals can be deeply hypnotized in 5-10 seconds.
Not all people can be hypnotized, but about 10% of people respond exceptionally well.
Recent research suggests that highly hypnotizable people have high sensory and perceptual gating abilities that allow them to block some stimuli from awareness (Barnier, McConkey, and Wright, 2004).
Disinhibition leads the subject to performing acts that he would normally consider socially unacceptable or simply would not do.
General effects:
- Focused attention: a state is very similar to other states of extreme concentration, where a person becomes oblivious to his or her surroundings while lost in thought.
- Suggestibility:
- Depth of hypnosis:
Pupillary reflex
An objective sign of hypnosis can be observed by a pupillary reflex test. The subjects' pupils are usually dilated and remain dilated, or react poorly, when a penlight is shone into them (the normal non-hypnotic response is a contraction of the pupil).
Applications
Hypnotherapy is a term to describe the use of hypnosis in a therapeutic context.
- Cessation of smoking (often in a single session) and
- The aid of weight loss (body sculpting).
- Psychologists and psychiatrists use hypnosis predominantly for the treatment of Dissociative disorders,
Phobias,
Habit change,
Dépression and
Post-traumatic syndromes
- Medicine and dentistry
- Education
- Surgery
- Entertainment
Self-hypnosis
— Hypnosis in which a person hypnotizes himself or herself without the assistance of another person to serve as the hypnotist
— Most often used to help the self-hypnotist stay on a diet, overcome smoking or some other addiction, or to generally boost the hypnotized person's self-esteem.
Walking hypnosis
Naturally occurring trance that one can enter while performing a monotonous repetitive task, such as walking or gardening, or in sedentary pursuits such as listening to a lecture or reading, in which one's attention drifts from the task into a trance-like state, often known as "zoning out".
Waking hypnosis
Involves altering the behaviour of a subject by suggestion without inducing a trance. Related to the placebo effect, a subject becomes subconsciously convinced that what they are being told is inevitable reality, for example that the air in the room will cause them to swallow.
Post hypnotic suggestions:
"a person can act, some time later, on a suggestion seeded during the hypnotic session. Post-hypnotic suggestions can last for a long time. A hypnotherapist told one of his patients, who was also a friend: 'When I touch you on the finger you will immediately be hypnotized.' Fourteen years later, at a dinner party, he touched him deliberately on the finger and his head fell back against the chair."
Potential dangers
- "A hypnotized patient will respond to a suggestion literally. A suggestion that requires conscious interpretation can have undesirable effects."
India
The Indian Ministry of Health & Family Welfare stated that hypnotherapy is a recognized mode of therapy to be practiced by only appropriately trained individuals.
BIOLOGICALLY BASED THERPIES:
Alternative treatments that use substances found in nature, such as:
Botanicals
Animal-derived extracts
Vitamins
Minerals
Fatty acids
Amino acids
Proteins
Prebiotics and probiotics
Herbalism
A traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts.
Also called as herbal medicine, herbology, and phytotherapy.
A number of traditions dominate the practice of herbal medicine.
Homeopathy, Naturopathy
The Ayurvedic medicine system from India
Chinese herbal medicine
Photochemical derived from plants:
Alkaloids: dramatic effect of CNS (e.g. caffeine provides a mild lift, Datura cause severe intoxication and even death.
Quinine from Chincona, Morphine and Codeine from the Poppy, and Digoxin from the Foxglove.
Some of uses of herbs as therapy:
Herbal bath: with hot water disperse the qualities of herbs.
Herbal wrap: body is enveloped in warm linen sheets which have been soaked in a special blend of herbs.
Aloe vera: heals burns,wounds;stimulates cell regeneration and has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Ginger: cleanses the colon and useful for bowel disorders.
Apitherapy:
Medical use of honey bee products. This can include the use of honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom .
Bee venom is the most commonly used product, in treatment of:
Arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis
Autoimmune diseases
Dissolving scar tissue (e.g. keloids), Herpes zoster (shingles), etc
Mode of action:
Contains active component melittin, which has a powerful anti-inflammatory action
Administered either by live bees stings or through injection.
Caution needs to be taken for any anaphylactic reaction.
Color therapy:
Color is simply light of varying wavelengths and, as such, is a form of energy that is used in Color Therapy.
Light energy (color) affects all living cells, so it can have a profound and healing effect on all creation, human or otherwise
Each color has its own specific wavelength and vibration. These wavelengths resonate with energies in different areas of the body.
Methods used are:
The placing of color silks on the body
The directing of colored light on to the body
Solarized water
Meditation with color
Color breathing
There are seven main energy centers (chakras) of the body which resonate with the seven rainbow colors.
Good health and well being is achieved by a balance of all these energy chakras.
An appropriate color is used to balance each chakra.
Flower therapy:
Dilute flower infusions used to treat emotional conditions
It is believed that harmful emotions were the main cause of disease
Each negative emotion is associated with a particular plant.
Flower Remedies and Essences are liquid preparations created by boiling parts of plants in spring water or by placing the flowers onto the surface of spring water and leaving them to infuse by natural sunlight for a period of time.
Some examples:
- Rose- Cools mind and body, satisfies those that crave attention
- Peppermint- Eliminates stomach problems, aids digestion
- Jasmine keeps alert
MANIPULATIVE AND BODY BASED THERAPIES:
Acupuncture
The term "acupuncture" describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world.
Is one of the key components of traditional Chinese medicine.
Concept: It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang.
Qi: represents the body’s vital energy which flow through meridian or channels, Life force proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang.
Yin and yang: The concept of two opposing yet complementary forces described in traditional Chinese medicine. Yin represents cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects.
A major theory is that health is achieved through balancing yin and yang and disease is caused by an imbalance leading to a blockage in the flow of qi.
Technique of acupuncture: involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles is inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.
Mode of action: it is thought that acupuncture needling releases endorphins and other nerurotransmitters in the brain.
Duration: Treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more.
Uses: in vomiting and pain relief of cancer patients.
Risk and complications: Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. Other complications are:
- Small bruises on the insertion site
- pneumothorax
- Infections and
- Punctured organs.
Acupressure:
It is pressing of the single point or specific points to relieve pain and stress in a particular area of the body.
Concept: it is based on the same concept as that of the acupuncture but unlike acupuncture, acupressure does not involve the use of needles to stimulate energy points along the meridians, but employs pressure from the fingers and hands for the same purpose. In stimulating the energy points in this way, acupressure aims to remove energy blocks which produce health problems.
It is used as an adjunct therapy to either acupuncture or massage.
It promotes relaxation and comfort.
Caution: should not be applied near areas of fractures, broken bones or near blood clots, wounds, sore and bruises
Massage therapy
Acting and manipulating the patient's body soft tissue - the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia with pressure, tension, motion, or vibration done manually or with mechanical aids.
Used in
Pain relief (e.g. back pain, headache)
Reducing anxiety
Depression and
Temporarily reduction in blood pressure, heart rate, and state anxiety etc.
Encourage healing by
Promoting the flow of blood and lymph,
Relieving tension,
Stimulating nerves, and
Stretching and loosening muscles and connective tissue to keep them elastic.
Equipments used:
Massage table
Massage chair
Massage oils: fractionated coconut oil, grape seed oil, macadamia oil, sesame oil, pecan oil, and mustard oil. Often uses olive oil as a base when used medicinally, or almond oil when used as massage oil.
Massage methods:
Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage: performed by one or two therapists using a heated blend of herbal oils that is believed to be based on the body's dosha. The aim is to loosen the excess doshas through techniques such as kneading, rubbing, and squeezing.
Bare foot deep tissues (can be used to sense and manipulate tissue, release fascia, as well as search for and attack trigger points).
Bowen therapy: rolling type movement over fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. It is said not to involve deep or prolonged contact
Breema: consists of rhythmical and gentle leans and stretches while lying on the floor.
Alexander therapy:
Alexander technique is actually a method to relieve the pain and stress caused by the way we have misused our body during daily activities.
The Alexander Technique, teaches people to change dysfunctional movement patterns by educating clients in how to change their daily habits of movement and posture to
- restore the correct relationship of head, neck, and back
- promote proper balance, posture, and movement in the body
It assumes a connection between serious physical problems and faulty posture in sitting, standing, and moving.
Through awareness, movement, and touch, the modality aims to interrupt habitual patterns of posture.
Three primary things to remember in daily movements:
Three primary things to remember in daily movements:
- Think of freeing the neck
- Allow the head go up and forward
- Let the back lengthen and widen.
E.g. Sitting and Standing
Correct Way – Think of the shoulder as going away from each other. Feet must be firmly planted on the floor with sufficient width apart (normally hip width).
Do not - fold or wrap your feet. Don’t arch the back and do not lean.
Aromatherapy:
Aroma - fragrance or smell; therapy – treatment
"Treatment using scents”
"It is a holistic treatment of caring for the body with pleasant smelling botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint.
Uses Volatile liquid plant materials, known as essential oils (Essential oils are aromatic essences extracted from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses and seeds).
Modes of application:
- Skin application (bath, massage)
- Inhaled directly
- Diffused to scent an entire room
- Oral, rectal, vaginal interfaces
Mode of action:
When inhaled, stimulates the olfactory nerves.
Direct pharmacological effect of oil used.
Used for the relief of pain, care for the skin, alleviate tension and fatigue and invigorate the entire body
Essential oils contain chemical components that can exert specific effects on the mind and body
Name of the chemical component | Properties of the chemical component | Essential oils that contain the chemical |
Aldehydes | Anti-inflammatory, calming, sedative | lemon grass, lemon balm, |
Alcohols | Bactericidal, stimulant, energizing, vitalizing | Rose, rosewood, peppermint, myrtle, tea tree, sandalwood, |
Ketones | Wound healing, mucolytic | Camphor, rosemary |
Chiropractic:
Combines the Greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (action) to describe a treatment done by hand.
Hands-on therapy–especially adjustment of the spine–is central to chiropractic care. Misalignments of the spine can interfere with the flow of energy needed to support health.
Focuses on the relationship between the body's structure–mainly the spine–and its functioning.
Is based on these key concepts:
- Body has a powerful self-healing ability
- Body's structure (primarily that of the spine) and its function are closely related, and this relationship affects health.
- Therapy aims to normalize this relationship between structure and function and assist the body as it heals.
The goal is to increase the range and quality of motion in the area being treated and to aid in restoring health
The aim of such treatment is to restore a full range of movement to the joints of the spine, relax and lengthen muscles, tendons and ligaments and relieve pain.
Chiropractors may combine the use of spinal adjustments with several other treatments:
- Heat and ice
- Electrical stimulation
- Rest
- Rehabilitative exercise
- Counseling about diet
Side effects
Temporary headaches, Tiredness or Discomfort in parts of the body.
Rolfing:
Technique of deep massage intended to realign the body by altering the length and tone of myofascial tissue.
Basis of practice is the belief that misalignment of myofascial tissue may have detrimental effect on person’s energy level, self image, muscular efficiency and general health.
Pressure is applied with the fingers, knuckles, and elbows.
The Rolfing practitioner endeavors to manipulate and stretch the body's fascial tissues to reestablish proper physical alignment of the head, torso, pelvis, legs, and feet and
To promote associated mental and emotional balance.
Magnetic therapy:
Based on the principle that the earth is one big magnet and that all our bodies are surrounded by magnetic waves emanating from the earth and other spatial bodies including the sun and moon.
This natural magnetism influences and supports all forms of life.
Disease is therefore caused by the imbalance between the various electro-magnetic forces present within our bodies.
Thus strategic placement of magnets on specific parts of the body can cure chronic ailments that standard medicine might find difficult to control
Hydrotherapy:
Treatment of disease by the use of water. Specifically a method of treatment that attempts to cure all diseases by the external (bath) or internal (colonic irrigation) use of much water.
Water can be in the form of ice, vapor, or liquid.
Can be hot or cold water which is used.
Types
- Packing
- Hot air baths (Saunas)
- General baths
- Local baths
- Compress
Used in:
Musculoskeletal disorders (arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
Spinal cord injuries and
In patients suffering burns, spasticity, stroke or paralysis
Mech. of action:
Heat is soothing, easing muscle tension and relieving pain. Heat also improves circulation.
Cold can either be stimulating or soothing.
Examples
A warm bath is soothing to the nerves and helpful for bladder and urinary problems, mild colds, and low fevers. Adding herbs helps to soften and moisturize, and can stimulate or relax.
An alternating hot and cold footbath is said to promote circulation in the legs, help varicose veins, insomnia, headache and high blood pressure.
Polarity therapy:
A holistic health system developed by Randolph Stone
Polarity Therapy is a comprehensive health system involving energy-based bodywork, diet, exercise and self-awareness.
Human Energy Field is affected by touch, diet, movement, sound, attitudes, relationships, life experience, trauma and environmental factors.
Works on many different levels, influencing the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gynecological and digestive systems, as well as mental and emotional health
Reflexology:
Practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.
Uses same points as that of acupressure, to improve nerve stimulation and circulation.
Reflexology evolved from acupressure which was part of the ancient healing methods used by Egypt, India and China.
Osteopathy:
Therapeutic approach that uses all forms of medical diagnosis and therapy but places greater emphasis on the influence of the relationship between the organ and musculoskeletal system than conventional medicine.
Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints.
An osteopath employs many manual therapies for the treatment of:
Neuromusculoskeletal pain syndromes (low back pain, tension headache etc.)
Alongside exercise and other rehabilitative techniques.
Attempts to treat conditions such as asthma, middle ear infections in children, menstrual pain, and pulmonary infection
Shiatsu:
Uses thumb pressure and work along the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching.
Diagnosis and Therapy combined” is the ability of the practitioner to use his sensory organs (palms, fingers, and thumbs) to detect irregularities, such as stiffness of the surface of the body, and to promptly correct or heal these problems.
Used in anxiety, headache, premenstrual syndrome etc.
AYUSH:
Ayurveda:
Ayur = Life; Veda = Knowledge/wisdom
Ayurveda: “the science of life”
A system of medicine that originated in India several thousand years ago.
Two ancient books on palm leaves are first books written for Ayurveda (i.e. Charak Samhita, Charak susruta)
Ayurveda and variations of it have also been practiced for centuries in Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Tibet
Aim is to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit
Philosophy is that people, their health, and the universe are all related and health problems can result when these relationships are out of balance.
Herbs, metals, massage, and other products and techniques are used with the intent of cleansing the body and restoring balance.
Herbs, metals, massage, and other products and techniques are used with the intent of cleansing the body and restoring balance.
Beliefs:
Interconnectedness (among people, their health, and the universe ):
All the things are joined together
Each human being has element that can be found in the universe.
All are born in a state of balance within themselves and in relation to the universe.
Health will be good if one's interaction with the immediate environment is effective.
Health will be good if one's interaction with the immediate environment is effective.
Constitution (Prakriti) and health:
Three doshas control the constitution (i.e. vata, pitta, and kapha )
Each dosha is made up of one or two of the five basic elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth.
Each dosha has a particular relationship to body functions
An imbalance in a dosha will produce symptoms that are related to that dosha and are different from symptoms of an imbalance in another dosha.
Vata dosha;
Vata dosha: combination of the elements space and air.
Most powerful dosha because it controls very basic body processes such as cell division, the heart, breathing, and the mind
People with vata dosha are more susceptible to skin, neurological and mental diseases.
Pitta dosha:
Elements fire and water.
Control hormones and the digestive system.
Pitta is upset by, for example, eating spicy or sour food; being angry, tired, or fearful; or spending too much time in the sun.
People with Pitta are more susceptible to heart diseases and arthritis.
Kapha dosha:
Elements water and earth
Help to keep up strength and immunity and to control growth
Aggravated by, for example, sleeping during the daytime, eating too many sweet foods
People with kapha dosha are more susceptible to gallbladder problems, stomach ulcers, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma.
Treatment goals:
Eliminate impurities (Panchkarma): focuses on respiratory and digestive tract. (enema, fasting, inhalers)
Reduce symptoms: yoga, meditation, breathing exercises etc., herbs with honey to improve digestion and reduce fever.
Reduce worry and increase harmony in the patient’s life: yoga, meditation
Eliminate both physical and psychological problems
Some examples of use of plants
Spice turmeric is used in Rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and wound healing.
A mixture (Arogyawardhini) of sulfur, iron, powdered dried fruits, tree root, and other substances has been used to treat problems of the liver.
Ayurveda colleges in INDIA:
Total no. of Ayurvedic colleges – 196.
Maximum no in Karnataka.
Provides degree course in BAMS (bachelor of Ayurvedic medicine and surgery).
Total duration is 41/2 +1 yr internship.
Yoga:
Derived from Sanskrit word: Yuj- to unite or to control.
An Indian practice that includes postures (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama), and cleansing practices (kriyas)
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice using physical postures to obtain a harmony of mind, body and spirit.
It is not a religion, but the discipline of breathing and concentration during practice will bring tranquility and awareness to the mind.
How does it work?
Increased oxygenation of the blood
Muscle toning throughout the body
A clearer and more relaxed mind
Improved posture
Improved circulation of blood and lymph
Regulation of bodily functions
Goal of yoga:
It range from improving health and fitness, to reaching Moksha.
Moksha: liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) at which point there is a realization of identity with the Supreme Brahman.
Main branches of Yoga:
Hatha Yoga- Yoga of purifying physical and mind
Karma Yoga- Yoga of action
Jhana Yoga- Yoga of knowledge
Bhakti Yoga- Yoga of devotion
Raja Yoga- Yoga of controlling mind.
Eight Limbs of yoga practice are:
Yama
Niyama
Asna
Pranama
Pratyahara
Dharna
Dhyana
Samadhi
E.g. of asnas and how they help?
Trikonasana: Stretches the spine, opens the torso, and improves balance and concentration.
Unani medicine:
It is influenced by Islam.
It has a base of honey which is considered to have healing properties and used in medicine and food practiced in Islamic world.
Based on theory of the presence of the elements (in Unani, they are considered to be fire, water, earth and air) in the human body.
Pearls and metal are also used in making medicines.
Unani colleges in INDIA:
Total no. of unani colleges- 45
Under graduation- 37
Post graduation-08.
Gives degree course in BUMS (bachelor of unani medicine and surgery), duration is 41/2 yrs. +1 yr internship.
DELHI:
- AYURVEDA AND UNANI TIBBIA COLLEGE (karol bagh). Seats-40
- FACULTY OF MEDICINE, JAMIA HAMDARD NAGAR, ND. Seats- 50
Siddha medicine:
Siddha means the “one who is accomplished” or who has attained “siddhi”.
Siddhi - the attainment of flawless identity with Reality (Brahman); perfection of Spirit."
Perfected masters, who have transcended the ahamkara, are called as Siddha.
Oldest medicine system in India.
Medicine professed and practiced by siddhars who wrote their recipes on Palm leaves.
Mainly developed by the Dravidians.
Still practiced in south India.
Medicine is made of the parts of the plants and trees such as leaves, bark, stem, root etc
Metals like gold, silver and iron powder are used.
Mode of action:
Revitalizes and rejuvenates the organs, the dysfunction of which is causing the disease. This brings back normal functioning of the organs.
Maintains the ratio of Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
It works when Allopathy fails, e.g. in DM, corrects the function of pancreas, stimulating it to produce insulin in the natural way, which in turn maintains the blood sugar level.
Siddha colleges in INDIA:
- Total no. of Siddha colleges- 7.
- No one in DELHI.
- BSMS( bachelor of Siddha medicine and surgery),
o Under graduation
o Post graduation
Homeopathy
Greek words homeo, meaning similar, and pathos, meaning suffering or disease.
Based on law of similars", (all effective drugs produce symptoms in healthy individuals similar to those of the diseases that they can treat).
History:
In the late 1700s, Samuel Hahnemann proposed a new approach to treatment.
Tested cinchona bark on himself and found the “law of similars.”
Key concepts
Stimulate the body's defense mechanisms and processes so as to prevent or treat illness.
Giving very small doses of substances called remedies that produce the similar symptoms of illness in healthy people if they were given in larger doses.
Treatment in homeopathy is individualized (tailored to each person).
Preparation of remedies
Dilution and succussion
- Centesimal or "C scale", diluting a substance 1 part in a 100 of diluent at each stage.
Provings
To determine which specific remedies could be used to treat which diseases
Repertory
- In the initial treatment of acute infections, of the upper and lower respiratory tract, and skin.
- For chronic conditions such as skin disease, arthritis, post viral fatigue.
- For recurrent conditions-upper respiratory tract infections, glue ear, rhinitis, bronchitis, cystitis, vaginitis.
Homeopathy colleges in INDIA:
Total no of Colleges for BHMS (Bachelor of homeopathic medicine and surgery) - 149.
In DELHI: 3 colleges are there:
- GURU GOBIND SINGH INDRAPRASTHA UNIVERSITY (diploma course in BHMS, duration is 3 yrs.)
- Dr.B.R. SUR HOMEOPATHY MEDICAL COLLEGE, HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE (degree course in BHMS, duration is 41/2 yrs. + 1 yr. Internship).
- NEHRU HOMEOPATHY MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL (degree course in BHMS, duration 41/2 +1 yr internship)
ENERGY THERAPIES:
Common assumptions/principles:
Energy fields and currents exist everywhere in nature.
Energy systems function in their natural state.
Energy flows smoothly without significant blockage or fixation.
Our physical, psychological and spiritual well-being depends on the free and uninterrupted flow of 'life energy' around the body
When energy is unbalanced, blocked or fixed due to stress or other factors, pain and disease arise.
Energy therapies seek to find the blockages and release energy to normal flow patterns, and to maintain the Energy Field in an open, flexible condition.
There are 3 types of energy fields in the human body: Long line currents that run north to south on the body; Transverse currents that run east-west in the body; and spiral currents that start at the navel and expand outward.
Body is regarded as a system of electromagnetic energy fields in which the pull of opposing positive and negative poles keeps 'life energy' in constant motion through a neutral field.
The head and right side of the body represents the positive pole and the feet and left side the negative pole. The centre of the body, along the spinal cord, is neutral and contains five 'energy centers' that correspond to the chakras of Ayurvedic medicine.
Reiki
Derived Chinese word, rei- unseen or spiritual and ki- life force or energy. (Universal life energy)
A form of spiritual practice.
Derived from ancient Buddhist practices.
Practitioner places his hands on or above the body area and transfers, “universal life energy” to the patient.
Technique:
Hands are kept either in direct contact or few centimeters away from the body.
Kept in the same position for about 5 mts and then moved to next position.
Total it takes around 45 mts.
Practitioners state that energy flows through their palms.
This energy provides strength, harmony and balance to treat the health disturbances.
It can be given with direct exposure or from distance by means of some symbols.
Nursing and alternative modalities of care
Nurses are in an excellent position to adopt complementary/alternative modalities into practice that addresses assessed client needs and to use these techniques to achieve the goals of nursing.
Use of theory and nursing classification systems help nurses and provide a context to use these complementary/alternative modalities professionally.
Nursing theory providing context
Alternative/complementary modalities performed from within a context of a nursing theory/model take on meaning from within the theory.
E.g. Roy adaptation model, deals with the concept of focal, contextual and residual stimuli.
Nurse working within the context of this, assesses the stimuli and takes action to promote the client’s adaptation in physiologic needs, self-concept, role function, and relations of interdependence nursing health and illness.
With regard to contextual stimuli, she uses Music therapy to change the environment and promote the client’s adaptation to stressful situation.
Nursing taxonomy providing the context
Provide frameworks for naming and documenting the phenomena of concern of professional nursing.
Use of CAM, this action becomes an identified nursing intervention planned to address/remedy a nursing problem or concern.
E.g. fear related to undergoing medical diagnostic procedures (concern), and use of guided imagery becomes a useful nursing intervention.
Nursing Diagnosis/concern | Nursing Intervention(s) | Rationale |
Impaired Comfort | Acupressure, TT | to decrease perceived pain |
Disturbed Sleep Pattern | Massage | to promote relaxation, rest |
Impaired Communication | Art therapy | to facilitate expression |
Impaired Coping | Humor | to facilitate appreciation of that which is funny, to relieve tensions |
Spiritual Distress | Spiritual support | to facilitate a sense of inner peace |
Nurses documenting practice using these systems are accomplishing three important things:
- Appropriate documentation of care,
- Identification of work as within the scope of professional nursing, and
- Building a body of knowledge for nurses on the use of specific interventions.
Thus, documentation of care from a nursing framework provides for practice which is recognizable as nursing, and legally defensible as within nursing’s scope of practice.
Nursing Education in Homoeopathy
Homoeopathy is a recognized system of medicines by Government of India
Most of the Homoeopathic medical colleges have its own teaching hospitals
There is a great need to have a system of nursing personnel duly trained in Homoeopathic skill of patient care with the background of Homoeopathic subjects.
Yoga in Nursing Curriculum
As per INC guidelines Yoga is included as alternative subject in final year.
Alternative modalities of care have been included in M.Sc. Nursing program of AIIMS in Advance nursing and allied subjects.
In critical care alternative therapies has been included, e.g., acupressure, hydrotherapy.
