Ch. 11 Complementary and Psychosocial Therapy (not on Test 2) Flashcards
Introduction
- The connection between mind and body is well recognized
Allopathic Medicine
Traditional medicine practiced in the US is based on scientific methodology and is known as allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine is basically poison.
Alternative medicine
Practices that differ from, and are used instead of, the traditional practices are known as alternative medicine
Complementary medicine
Practices that differ from, but used in conjuction with, traditional or conventional medical treatment are known as complementary medicine
The Office of Alternative Medicine
- The OAM was established by the National Institutes of Health in 1991 to study nontraditional therapies and to evaluate their usefulness and effectiveness
- The name has been changed to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Increasing numbers of thrid party payers are bowing to public pressure and including alternative therapies in their coverage
Intro to complementary medicine and therapies
- Complementary medicine is viewed as holistic health care, which deals not only with the physical perspective, but also with the emotional and spiritual components of the individual
- Most complementary therapies are not founded on scientific principle, but they have been shown to be effective in the treatment of certain disorders and merit further examination as a viable component of holistic health care
Herbal medicine complementary therapy
- Virtually every culture in the world has relied on herbs and plants to treat illness
- The US FDA classifies herbal remedies as dietary supplements or food additives; therefore, their labels cannot indicate medicinal uses, and they are not subject to FDA approval
- The Commission E of the German Federal Health Agency has been researching and regulating the safety and efficacy of herbs and plant medicines in Germany
- All of the Commission E monographs of herbal medicines have been translated into English
- The fact that a substance is called “natural” doesn’t mean that it is necessarily completely safe
- Some plants from which even prescription drugs are derived are highly toxic in their natural form
- Because of lack of regulation and standardization, ingredients may be adulterated
- Method of manufacture may alter potency
What are accupressure and acupuncture based on?
- They are healing techniques based on the ancient philosophies of traditional Chinese medicine dating back to 3000 BC
What is the main concept of acupuncture and acupressure?
The main concept is that healing energy (qi) flows through the body along specific pathways called meridians. The meridians connect a series of acupoints. In acupressure therapy, the clinician applies pressure to these acupoints.
How does acupressure work?
Pressure to these acupoints is thought to dissolve any obstructions in the flow of healing energy (qi) and to restore the body to a healthier functioning
How does accupuncture work?
Hair thin, sterile, disposable, stainless steel needles are inserted into acupoints to dissolve the obstructions along the meridians
What is the Western medical philosophy regarding acupressure and acupuncture?
The Western medical philosophy regarding acupressure and acupuncture is that they stimulate the body’s own painkilling chemicals, the morphine-like substances known as endorphins
What can acupressure and acupuncture treat?
The treatment has been found to be effective in the treatment of asthma, headaches, dysmenorrhea, cervical pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, stroke, rehabilitation, nausea of pregnancy, postoperative and chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, low back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome
Diet and nutrition (complementary therapy) intro
- Many diseases today are linked to poor nutritional habits
- The USDA and US Dept. of Health and Human Services have collaborated on a set of guidelines to help individuals understand what types of foods to eat to promote health and to prevent disease
US Gov’t nutritional guidelines
- Consume adequate nutrients within calorie needs
- Maintain body weight in a healthy range
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Food groups to encourage- fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk and milk products
- Food groups to moderate- fats, salts, alcoholic beverages, refined carbohydrates
Most widely used form of alternative healing in US? When was it developed?
Chiropractice medicine; developed in 1800s
Theory behind chiropractic medicine
Theory behind this type of healing is that energy flows from the brain to all parts of the body through the spinal cord and spinal nerves; when vertebrae of the spinal column become displaced, they may press on a nerve and interfere with normal nerve transition
Subluxations and adjustments
- Displacements of vertebrae are called subluxations, to restore normal function, the vertebrae are manipulated back into their normal positions
- The manipulations are called adjustments
- Adjustments are made by hand or facilitated by the use of special treatment tables
How can muscle relaxation be achieved?
With massage, application of heat or cold, or use of ulrasonographic treatments
What is the most common ailment individuals seek chiropractic treatment for? Others?
Most common is back pain. Others are headaches, neck injuries, scoliosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory and GI disorders, menstrual difficulties, allergies, sinusitis, and certain sports injuries
What states are chiropractors licensed to practice in?
all 50
When was therapeutic touch developed?
It was developed in the 1970s by Dolores Krieger, a nurse associated with the NY School of Nursing
What is therapeutic touch based on?
This therapy is based on the philosophy that the human body projects a field of energy around it; when this field is blocked, pain or illness occurs. Because TT is based on the premise that the energy field extends beyond the surface of the body, the practitioner need not actually touch the client’s skin.
How is TT used and how do they do it?
- TT is used to correct the blockages and relieve the discomfort
- Slow, rhythmic hand motions are swept over the entire body while the hands remain 2-4 inches from the skin; heat should be felt where the energy is blocked
- The therapist “massages” the energy field in that area, smoothing it out and thus correcting the obstruction
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What is TT thought to do? How is it useful?
- TT is thought to reduce pain and anxiety and promote relaxation and health maintenance
- It has been useful in the treatment of chronic health conditions
What is the technique of massage?
Massage is the technique of manipulating the muscles and soft tissues of the body
How was massage first used?
It has been used by Chinese physicians for the treatment of disease for more than 5,000 years
What does the Eastern style of massage focus on?
The Eastern style focuses on balancing the body’s vital energy (qi) as it flows through pathways called meridians
What does the Western style of massage focus on?
This style affects muscles, connective tissues (tendons and ligaments), and the cardiovascular system
What techniques are used during massage?
A variety of gliding and kneading strokes, along with deep circular movements and vibrations, are used to relax the muscles, improve circulation, and increase mobility