Exam 13 - Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Complementary Therapies

• These therapies are used in addition to conventional (Western) medicine.
• Between one-third and one-half of the US population uses CAM.
• Examples of complementary therapies:
  • Exercise
  • Massage
  • Reflexology
  • Prayer
  • Guided Imagery
  • Creative Therapies
  • Relaxation Strategies
  • Therapeutic Touch
  • Chiropractic therapy
  • Biofeedback
  • Acupuncture
  • Herbalism

Alternative Therapies

• These therapies replace conventional medicine.
• Clients use this form of therapy because they see it as less invasive.
• Alternative therapies are not used for immediate cures.
• The Office of Alternative Medicine was established in 1992 to evaluate alternative medical treatments.

Herbal Therapy

• Herbal therapy has been practiced for thousands of years.
• Herbal therapies are often gentler than pharmaceuticals.
• The goal of herbal therapy is to restore balance within the individual.
• Herbal preparations use unpurified extracts of whole plants.
• Some herbs may be toxic if used incorrectly.
• Herbal medicines are sold as foods or food supplements.

Chiropractic Therapy

• Exists since the late 1800s.
• It is an acceptable treatment for back pain and headaches.
• Chiropractors undergo training in musculoskeletal manipulation.
• Chiropractic therapy focuses on the body's capacity to heal itself.
• Chiropractors adjust joints, usually vertebrae, to restore proper alignment.
• They use radiographs for diagnosis and hot/cold packs for treatment.
• Chiropractic care often involves lifestyle changes such as exercise.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture is a key modality in Chinese medicine.
• It's based on the belief that energy (Qi) flows through the body along meridians.
• Blockages in meridians cause illness or discomfort.
• Acupuncture stimulates specific points (acupoints) with needles.
• Acupuncturists insert thin, sterile, one-time use needles.
• The needles are manually, electrically, or thermally stimulated.
• Acupuncture is used to treat a range of conditions, including pain, neurological disorders, and addictions.

Acupressure

• Acupressure applies gentle pressure to acupoints.
• Pressure is applied with fingers or blunt objects.
• It reduces tension, increases circulation, and encourages relaxation.
• Acupressure helps relieve stress, promote wellness, and aid in sleep.

Energy Field Therapies

• Healing Touch
• Therapeutic Touch
• Reiki is the most popular energy field therapy in the US.
• Verbal consent is obtained before starting a session.
• Energy field therapies are not religious or atheistic practices.
• Prayer may be incorporated into the session.

Therapeutic Massage

• Nurses have used massage to relax patients and prevent skin breakdown.
• Therapeutic massage is performed by a trained professional.
• Nurses may incorporate massage into their plans of care.
• Massage can be relaxing or energizing and used to heal or prevent injuries.
• A general health profile is needed before massage.
• Massage is contraindicated for patients with phlebitis, thrombosis, or infectious skin diseases.
• Massage uses oils or lotions, so client allergies should be checked first.

Aromatherapy

• Aromatherapy uses essential oils to provide health benefits.
• Oils are formulated for inhalation, topical application, or bathing.
• Scents are often used for their psychological effects, and may be dispersed with candles or oil diffusers.
• Certain scents may be taken orally but require prescriptions from qualified practitioners.
• Essential oils are thought to relax, stimulate, improve digestion, increase hormone production, and improve circulation or memory.
• Essential oils should not be applied to patients with atopic eczema.
• Asthmatic patients may experience exaggerated symptoms from aromatic essences.
• Essential oils with abortifacient potential should be avoided during pregnancy.

Reflexology

• Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears.
• Reflexologists use foot charts to guide their treatment.
• Reflexology aims to influence the entire body by targeting specific points.
• It is believed that reflexology can interfere with medical or alternative treatments.
• A complete health history is required.
• Reflexologists are not qualified to diagnose medical conditions.
• Benefits of reflexology include relaxation, enhanced circulation, metabolism normalization, and complementing other healing modalities.

Magnetic Therapy

• The exact mechanism of magnetic therapy is unknown.
• It is thought to increase circulation to the affected area, promote healing, and stimulate acupoints.
• Magnets are used to increase circulation, increase energy levels, and decrease pain.
• Magnets are placed over the affected area using jewelry, wraps, or tape.
• Magnet insoles are placed in shoes.
• Magnetic field exposure can cause:
  • Vasodilation
  • Analgesia
  • Anti-inflammation
  • Spasmolytic activity
  • Healing acceleration
  • Anti-edema activity
• Contraindications for magnetic therapy include:
  • Pregnancy
  • Patients with pacemakers
  • Insulin delivery systems
  • Cochlear implants
  • Defibrillators
  • Use of electric blankets or heating pads
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Adrenal gland dysfunction
  • Hypothalamic and pituitary dysfunctions

Imagery Therapy

• Imagery therapy or visualization techniques use mental images to evoke physical changes, improve well-being, and enhance self-awareness.
• Imagery is often combined with relaxation training to enhance its effects.
• Imagery can be self-directed or guided by a practitioner.
• Imagery has the power to trigger significant psycho-physiologic responses.
• Imagery can involve visual, auditory, proprioceptive, gustatory, and olfactory senses.
• Imagery has been used to treat chronic conditions such as asthma, hypertension, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Relaxation Therapy

• Relaxation therapy is a state of reduced cognitive, physiologic, or behavioral arousal.
• The goal of relaxation therapy is to empower individuals to recognize and release tension.
• The process of relaxation lengthens muscle fibers, reduces neural impulses, and decreases overall body activity.
• The relaxation response is characterized by:
  • Decreased heart and respiratory rates
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Decreased oxygen consumption
  • Increased alpha-wave brain activity
  • Increased peripheral skin temperature
• Various techniques achieve the relaxation response, incorporating repetitive mental focus and calmness.

Yoga

• Yoga means "union" and has been practiced in India for over 5000 years.
• Yoga is a system of therapy and practice involving breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation.
• Yoga is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic treatment in Western medicine.
• There are over 100 different schools of yoga. Hatha yoga is the most common in the US.
• All schools of yoga share basic principles:
  • Body control
  • Correct posture
  • Breathing
  • Emotion and mind control
  • Meditation and contemplation
• Everyone can practice yoga, including children, athletes, and people with disabilities.
• Yoga provides numerous benefits:
  • Toning muscles, including those in the internal organs.
  • Increased spine flexibility.
  • Improved chronic back issues.
  • Promotes deep relaxation and stress reduction.
• Patient teaching:
  • Patients with glaucoma should avoid inverted poses, such as the downward dog, as they can cause temporary pressure increases in the eye.

Older Adult Considerations

• Essential oils should be used in smaller amounts and lower concentrations.
• Older adults should have professional supervision prior to using herbal treatments.
• Exercise is beneficial but should be adjusted based on individual conditions.
• Massage should utilize lighter pressure.
• Magnets cannot be used on patients with pacemakers.

Cultural and Ethnic Considerations

• Avoid using the term "alternative therapy" as it may be perceived as disrespectful to the patient's beliefs.
• Be sensitive to cultural and religious differences.
• Honor the patient's culturally based health beliefs.
• Remember that each individual is culturally unique and shaped by their experiences, beliefs, and norms.
• Seek permission before touching the patient.

Complementary Therapies

• Complementary therapies are used in addition to traditional medicine
• Between one-third and one-half of the U.S. population uses one or more forms of complementary therapies
• Examples include exercise, massage, reflexology, prayer, guided imagery, creative therapies, relaxation strategies, therapeutic touch, chiropractic therapy, biofeedback, and acupuncture
• Complementary therapies do not replace traditional medicine

Alternative Therapies

• Alternative therapies are the same as complementary therapies but may replace traditional medicine
• Clients may find alternative therapies less invasive than traditional medicine
• Alternative therapies are not for the immediate cure for illness or acute injury
• An example is herbal therapy

Herbal Therapy

• Herbal therapy seeks to restore balance in the body and facilitate self-healing
• Herbal preparations are usually unpurified extracts of the whole plant
• One herb can be used for a variety of purposes
• The quality of herbal products is unregulated
• Herbs are sold as foods or food supplements

Pharmaceutical Therapy

• Pharmaceuticals (drugs) derived from herbs are more potent than the herbs themselves
• There is a risk of adverse interactions with other medications
• Drug therapy targets specific diseases or symptoms

Chiropractic Therapy

• Chiropractic uses gentle manipulation of the musculoskeletal system to put a disturbed area back in alignment
• Chiropractic began in the late 1800s and is acceptable treatment for certain disorders
• The chiropractor does not prescribe medication as part of the treatment

Acupuncture

• This therapy is based on the belief that Qi (life force) flows through meridians (channels of energy)
• Blocked meridians cause illness
• Acupuncture stimulates acupoints with needles to open meridians and allow Qi to flow freely
• Acupuncture is used to treat low back pain, myofascial pain, headaches, sciatica, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, whiplash, and musculoskeletal sprains

Acupressure

• Acupressure uses gentle pressure on the body at similar points to acupuncture
• Pressure may be applied with a finger or small blunt object
• Acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax

Energy Field Therapies

• Include healing touch, therapeutic touch, and reiki
• Therapists quiet the mind and work with the patient’s energy field
• Energy field therapies are not religious or atheistic practices; prayer may be included.

Massage

• Massage is a form of touch used by nurses to relax patients and help prevent skin integrity issues
• Therapeutic massage is performed by trained professionals to manipulate soft tissues and assist with healing
• There are various types of massage designed to heal or prevent injury
• Avoid massage on patients with phlebitis or thrombosis

Aromatherapy

• Uses essential oils produced from plants to provide health benefits
• Essential oils can be used for inhalation, topically, or in bathing
• Certain scents are thought to relax or stimulate, aid digestion, increase hormone production, and improve circulation or memory
• Avoid the use of essential oils on the skin of a client with atopic eczema

Reflexology

• Apply pressure to specific areas of the feet, hands, and ears to exert an effect on the entire body
• Reflexologists use foot charts to identify areas
• Reflexology can interfere with medical and alternative treatments
• Main benefits of reflexology are: relaxation, improved circulation, improved metabolism, and complements other healing modalities

Magnetic Therapy

• Magnetic therapy uses magnets to increase circulation, increase energy, and decrease pain
• The magnet is placed over the affected area
• Common physiologic responses include vasodilation, analgesia, anti-inflammatory action, spasmolytic action, healing acceleration, and anti-edema activity

Imagery Therapy

• Uses the conscious mind to create mental images to create physical changes, improve well-being, and enhance self-awareness
• Frequently combines with relaxation training
• Can be self-directed or guided
• Creates psycho-physiologic responses including alterations in immune function

Relaxation Therapy

• Relaxation therapy decreases cognitive, physiologic, or behavioral arousal
• The goal of relaxation therapy is for the person to monitor themselves for tension and release the tension
• The relaxation response is characterized by decreased heart and respiratory rates, decreased blood pressure, decreased oxygen consumption, increased alpha-wave brain activity and increased peripheral skin temperature

Yoga

• The word yoga means “yoke” or union of the personal self with the divine source
• Yoga began in India over 5000 years ago and uses breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation
• Yoga is becoming recognized as a therapeutic treatment
• There are many benefits to yoga including muscle toning, increased flexibility, stress reduction, and improved flexibility of the spine

Older Adult Considerations

• May be more sensitive to essential oils
• Should have professional supervision before taking herbal treatments
• Should adapt exercise to their condition
• Massage should use light pressure
• Magnets cannot be used on patients with pacemakers

Cultural/Ethnic Considerations

• Avoid the term "alternative therapy."
• Be sensitive to cultural beliefs and respect differences in health beliefs
• Ask permission before touching a patient