5: Complimentary Therapies Flashcards
o Why should we know about them?
So we can have informed discussions with patients
sometimes integrated into rehabilitation settings and can be offered responsibly and in conjunction with other treatments
o alternative medicine:
practices used in place of conventional medical treatments
o complementary medicine:
practices used in conjunction and cooperation with conventional medicine
allopathic medicine
The treatment of disease by conventional means
holistic view:
See the person as a whole, including physical, mental, spiritual well-being.
integrative health :
bringing conventional and complimentary approaches together
o TCM:
Traditional Chinese Medicine
What is Qi
concept of the “vital life force” existing both inside and outside of the body, force that composes and binds all things in the universe together
· yin/yang concept:
A balanced relationship means health; a disturbed relationship is disease. A balanced (think homeostasis) relationship results in strong qi, and healthy body systems
types of treatment:
· Herbal Medicines
· Acupuncture
· Moxibustion
· Massage (Tuina)
· Cupping
· Guasha
· Qigong & Tai Chi
· Diet & Nutrition
o Ayurveda:
The Science of Life
Ayurveda basics
Started in India more than 5,000 years ago
o Each person has a unique pattern of energy
o Factors in the body, and environment, can affect this energy
o Treatment Ayurveda
maintaining balance
o Balance is the natural order; imbalance is disorder
o Each person is born with a ‘constitution’
o Diet+ lifestyle appropriate to one’s individual constitution strengthen the body, mind and consciousness.
Energies & elements:
3 energies: Vata, Pitta, Kapha
o Indigenous Healing:
Variable for each nation, with some commonal, holistic practice that aims to treat imbalances in a person’s body, mind, emotions, and spirit together
o purpose of the First Nations’ Health Authority:
supporting First Nations in protecting, incorporating and promoting their traditional medicines and practices
o Medicine Wheel
o A circle that represents the cycles of life
o Divided into four quadrants, each with a different colour, represent the 4 seasons, 4 directions, 4 sacred animals, 4 sacred plants, and elements of importance in people’s lives
o Traditional healing can also be based on season b/c seasons can influence the practices being done
o various Indigenous healers use plants, trees, herbs, soils, food, and water from the land around them
o Naturopathy: what is it?
distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional+natural forms of medicine
stimulate the healing power of the body+treat the underlying cause of disease
o Acupuncture theory
When body is healthy, Qi flows smoothly through meridians that make up a network of pathways through body
o When the balance/flow of Qi is deficient/obstructed it may be diseased/susceptible to illness
what is Acupuncture Canada:
-Often used in other practices, TCM practitioners are the most trained
-Acupuncture+ related modalities are universally available, accessible, recognized to improve health + well-being.
o Acupuncture Canada promotes acupuncture + related modalities through continuing education and support for regulated health professionals.
o In North America acupuncture is often used when western medicine has failed
o Acupressure:
Uses the same meridians+concepts of acupuncture
o Can be done at home by clients
o Use of fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities.
o When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and Qi to aid healing
o Qi Gong:
typically involves moving meditation, coordinating slow flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and calm meditative state of mind
o Tai Chi:
moving form of yoga and meditation combined, 108 movements
o Herbal Medicine:
Used in both TCM and Ayurveda
o Some herbs are common in both (ex: turmeric)
o herbs balance the body
o Ayurvedic treatment often also include massage
