Why is it important for nurses to learn about alternative therapies?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses strategies that can help individuals meet this goal. CAM includes therapies such as acupuncture, dietary supplements, reflexology, yoga, massage, chiropractic services, Reiki, and aromatherapy. Many CAM therapies focus on the concept of energy. The literature describes the use of CAM in individuals with …
Why are nurses so interested in complementary and alternative care?
May 14, 2019 · Alternative health care is used instead of mainstream treatments. Why Choose Complementary Care? When it comes to complementary therapies, “it is best for providers and patients to use a shared decision-making approach,” Zappas said.
What is alternative health care and how does it work?
The issue of alternative medicine interfering with conventional medical practices is minimized when it is turned to only after conventional treatments have been exhausted. Many patients feel that alternative medicine may help in coping with chronic illnesses for which conventional medicine offers no cure, only management.
Are nurses involved in alternative/integrative medicine?
Likely, it is because nursing is an 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.
Why are alternative treatments important?
There is growing evidence that certain complementary therapies can help to control some symptoms of cancer. And treatment side effects. For example, acupuncture can help to relieve sickness caused by some chemotherapy drugs. Or, it can help relieve a sore mouth after having treatment for head and neck cancer.
Why should nurses be complementary and alternative medicine?
Nurses have a unique opportunity to provide services that facilitate wholeness. They need to understand all aspects of CAM, including costs, patient knowledge, and drug interactions, if they are to promote holistic strategies for patients seeking to achieve a higher quality of life.
Why do people choose alternative treatment?
People seek out these alternatives because (1) they are dissatisfied in some way with conventional treatment; (2) they see alternative treatments as offering more personal autonomy and control over health care decisions; and (3) the alternatives are seen as more compatible with the patients' values, worldview, or ...May 20, 1998
What is CAM in nursing?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard medical care.Mar 21, 2022
Why is it important for the nurse to determine any alternative or complementary medicines the patient may be using and how should it be included in the plan of care?
“It's important to help patients get information from reliable sources and to know if a suggested alternative treatment, such as herbal supplements, may interfere with the medications they are currently prescribed or may be detrimental to their health,” says Tina M.Jan 28, 2020
Can nurses practice alternative therapies?
RNs can, and often use, holistic nursing therapies that can be described as complementary or alternative in nature.
Is alternative medicine effective?
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 80% of people around the world use herbal medicine. Studies show certain herbs are effective in treating a number of health issues, like allergies, premenstrual syndrome, chronic fatigue, and more.Mar 20, 2021
What is alternative health care?
Alternative health care services are health treatments that are not typically provided in a traditional Western medicine practice. There are a wide range in practices, but typically these services focus on creating health through balance between mind, body, spirit, and environment.Apr 16, 2018
What is alternative health care modalities?
The most common CAM modalities are: reflexology, Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, massage, shiatsu, twina, homeopathy and naturopathy. These modalities partly match the Jewish and Arab populations' preferences concerning Chinese medicine and touch/movement modalities.
How effective is complementary and alternative medicine?
Research shows that some complementary therapies are safe and effective when used with standard cancer treatment. Complementary therapies can help people cope with the side effects of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments.
What are the risks of alternative medicine?
Furthermore, alternative 'natural' therapies are not guaranteed to be safe. Examples include a serious risk of cyanide poisoning from laetrile, permanent scarring or disfigurement from cancer salves, and bowel damage, blood salt imbalances or even life-threatening septicaemia caused by coffee enemas.Apr 27, 2015
What is the treatment for smoking cessation?
Hypnosis is a treatment that is offered for smoking cessation and obesity treatment. Massage therapy and acupuncture have been demonstrated to be beneficial in addiction treatment. Therapeutic touch has been demonstrated to help with pain in some instances by manipulating the energy fields that surround the body.”.
How do nurses train?
Nurses train via interactive distance learning— so they can still work—and most complete their programs within a year. While many institutions teach CAM, Christie advises nurses to use caution: “Only spend time and money on accredited schools.
What does CAM stand for in medical terms?
Within this article, we will use the abbreviation CAM, which stands for complementary and alternative medicine.
What is the 8th edition of NCLEX?
Now in its eighth edition, this highly acclaimed, newly revised and expanded text continues to deliver innovative practice guidelines for evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies that can easily be incorporated into curriculum and applied directly to practice. The book describes holistic treatments that are culturally appropriate for clients across the life span and NCLEX®-relevant content appropriate for preparation of advanced practice nurses.
How many CAM therapies are there?
According to Baxter, there are eight most commonly used CAM therapies in health care: acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnosis, massage therapy, meditation, Tai Chi, therapeutic touch, and vitamins/herbal supplements. These, she says, are the most researched and studied.
Does tai chi help with falls?
Tai Chi has been shown to improve balance and flexibility for older adults and thereby reducing falls in long-term care and community settings,” explains Baxter. “Herbal supplements such as CBD oil have shown some efficacy in reducing seizures, pain, and anxiety.
Is it safe to take vitamins over the counter?
With any kind of health therapy, there are cautions to be aware of. For example, just because vitamins and other supplements are sold over the counter, that doesn’t mean that they are safe at all times. Steele says that there are still precautions nurses should take. “As with any medical or physical therapy, all have side effects and can cause potential harm or injury to the patient,” she says.
What is alternative health care?
A third term in the mix when it comes to patient care is alternative health care, which is a non-mainstream therapy used in place of conventional care. It includes homeopathic, naturopathic and Chinese or Ayurvedic medicine, which involve the use of botanical drugs.
What are complementary therapies?
Complementary Health Therapies. Natural products: This includes dietary supplements such as vitamins and minerals that may benefit patients’ health. Other products in this category include fish oil to lower cholesterol, probiotics for gut health and melatonin for sleeping.
What are the best ways to reduce pain?
Meditation, progressive relaxation and guided imagery: Smoking cessation, chronic pain and anxiety are three areas where these therapies may be effective. Massage: Seeing a massage therapist can greatly improve circulation, reduce stress and anxiety and reduce the effects of sports injuries and joint pain.
1. People use the terms differently
Complementary medicine and alternative medicine can mean different things, but they are often blended into the umbrella acronym CAM. Complementary and alternative are both terms for health care options outside conventional western medicine, according to the American Holistic Nurses Association.
5. You can use CAM in your clinic or hospital
It’s more common than you might think. “An act as simple as giving chamomile tea to calm a patient demonstrates traditional healing modalities,” says Courtney Allen-Gentry, the nursing coach known as Nurse Courtney.
6. Understanding CAM can help you diagnose
Complementary medicine can help medical professionals look at the body from another angle, boosting the creative aspect of diagnosis and treatment.
Why is acupuncture used?
The acupuncture is being practiced for relief or the prevention of pain and for various other health conditions. Preclinical studies have documented acupuncture’s effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of the western system of medicine.
What is traditional oriental medicine?
Traditional oriental medicine consists of a group of techniques and methods, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, oriental massage and qi gong (a form of energy therapy described more fully below). Naturopathy (naturopathic medicine) is a whole medical system that has its roots in Germany.
What is CAM in medical terms?
Complementary and alternative healthcare and medical practices (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. The list of practices that are considered as CAM changes continually as CAM practices and therapies that are proven safe ...
How does biofield therapy work?
Biofield therapies are intended to affect the energy fields, whose existence is not yet experimentally proven, that surround and penetrate the human body. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields.
Where did Naturopathy originate?
Naturopathy (naturopathic medicine) is a whole medical system that has its roots in Germany. It was developed further in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, where today it is part of CAM.
Who is the founder of homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of medical theory and practice. Its founder, German physician Samuel Christian Hahnemann (1755–1843), hypothesized that one can select therapies on the basis of how closely symptoms produced by a remedy match the symptoms of the patient’s disease. He called this the “principle of similars”.
What is the healing system?
These systems are based on the belief that one’s body has the power to heal itself. Healing often involves marshalling multiple techniques that involve the mind, body and spirit. Treatment is often individualized and dependent on the presenting symptoms.
What are alternative modalities in nursing?
With nationwide interest in complementary healthcare, nurses have actively incorporated alternative/integrative modalities into their practice. Registered Nurses regularly attend continuing educational sessions on techniques such as acupressure, guided imagery, humor, massage, meditation, and therapeutic touch/healing touch. Review of continuing educational offerings advertised in holistic nursing newsletters and websites indicates that many nurses learn these techniques in sessions alongside other healthcare providers and are taught by non-nurses. In such situations, nurses may raise questions related to their legal scope of practice and the use of alternative/complementary modalities within professional nursing. When these techniques are taught by and practiced by individuals who are not nurses as well as by nurses, questions such as, "May a nurse practice guided imagery as an RN?", "May a nurse perform simple massage or therapeutic massage?" and "May a nurse practice therapeutic touch (TT) as a private, independent professional?" become critically important and not easily answered. While the practice of nursing is regulated by each state, ability to bring alternative/complementary modalities into a nursing context assists in defining the practice as part of professional nursing. When operating from a nursing perspective, nurses recognize that the ability to perform and use these techniques can be greatly enhanced when they integrate these techniques into the context of professional nursing. The purposes of this paper are to explore how a professional nursing context provides a discipline-specific direction to the practice of complementary/alternative modalities by adding qualities of assessment, reflection, and holism to the performance of the techniques, and to provide examples for nurses to incorporate alternative/complementary practices into care that is clearly identified as professional nursing.
When did alternative medicine become popular?
The use of the word ‘alternative’ became popular in the 1990s when holistic medicine was considered a new or emerging field. Then, ‘alternative’ medicine meant practices and healing techniques that were not generally taught in medical schools ( Eisenberg, et.al., 1993 ), thus, alternative to the prevailing view.
What is nursing model?
Nursing care is planned only after discussion and mutually agreed-upon goals of care. The concept of ‘modeling’ guides the nurse to specific modalities. When a nurse models the client’s world, the nurse attempts to enter into the client’s worldview.
What is therapeutic touch?
While Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a modality developed by and researched by nurses ( Keiger, 1979; Quinn, 1988; Straneva, 2000 ), other energy-based modalities such as Reiki and Healing Touch techniques are widely used by and taught to non-nurses.
What is the context of nursing?
The Context for Professional Nursing. There are two ways of thinking about nursing that underpin professional nursing practice and help nurses to understand and articulate a worldview. These are the nursing theories/conceptual models for practice and the current nursing taxonomies.
What is the purpose of music therapy?
Music therapy is a systematic application of music to produce relaxation and desired changes in emotions, behaviors, and physiology ( Guzzetta, 2000) and armoatherapy is the use of essential oils to offer symptomatic relief or to enhance a sense of well being ( Buckle, 1998; Stevenson, 1994 ).
What is NANDA taxonomy?
Originally presented to the nursing community in the 1970's the NANDA taxonomy is a statement of nursing problems and concerns. Over the years many nurses have worked within this (and other nursing diagnostic systems, for example the Omaha and Saba systems) to identify and name all phenomena of concern to nursing.
Why is holistic nursing important?
The Importance of Holistic Nursing Care: How to Completely Care for your Patients. The American Holistic Nurses Association defines holistic nursing as “all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal.”. This ideal of caring for the entire person, not just their physical body, is one that dates back to Florence Nightingale ...
What is holistic nursing?
Holistic nursing care involves healing the mind, body, and soul of our patients. It involves thinking about and assisting patients with the effects of illness on the body, mind, emotions, spirituality, religion, and personal relationships. Holistic care also involves taking into consideration social and cultural differences and preferences.
How to help a patient with dignity?
Assist the patient to see themselves as someone that deserves dignity. Preserve their dignity. Educate your patients on the importance of self-care. Ask the patient how you can reduce their anxiety or pain. Use non-pharmacological methods of pain control such as imagery, relaxation techniques, and more.
Is nursing a tough profession?
Nursing is a tough profession. It is physically, mentally, and emotionally draining at times. Other times you experience a patient or moment that reminds you why you became a nurse. One way to increase these experiences and provide better overall care to our patients is through holistic nursing care.
Why is alternative medicine important?
There are several reasons why alternative medicine is a powerful and crucial addition to modern healthcare. Alternative medicine allows you to participate and take responsibility for your health – providing more options when seeking a treatment that fits their needs. Another benefit that makes it highly popular is the all-natural approach.
What is alternative medicine?
Alternative Medicine Covers A Broad Spectrum of Practices. To give you a little bit of background, alternative medicine covers a broad range of treatment. It is often referred to as complimentary alternative medicine (CAM) because it is used along with traditional medicine practices. The emphasis is on education, prevention, and holistic treatment.
What is Western medicine?
It is defined as medical treatment based on the use of drugs and surgery to treat symptoms (signs of illness). Western medicine has been criticized for its reliance on drugs to treat symptoms of an ailment as opposed ...
Can Tylenol cause liver damage?
Regular use of common pain relievers such as Tylenol™ can cause liver damage, stomach ulcers, and increase your risk of stroke. Certain herbal medicines should not be taken with prescribed medications or during pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before attempting an alternative medicine therapy.
Why is it important for patients to be guided on what to eat?
It’s important for patients to be guided on what to eat, this is because some conditions require one to not eat certain foods. If taken, there can be associated risks.
Is holistic care unhealthy?
Family members of patients who need holistic care should also be counselled on what is going on. Failure to do this, it’s possible for them to get depressed, which is unhealthy.
