Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies
Acupuncture/Acupressure
DEFINITION
• Acupuncture is based on the belief that the body has energy that runs through pathways, called meridians, in the body. This energy supports the organs and basic physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Blood tends to follow the energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”).
• Too much or too little qi results in the potential for disease to develop.
• The acupuncturist affects the flow of energy by influencing some of the 400 points on the meridians, called acupoints.
• The acupuncturist may use needles, pellets, cupping, or herbs to affect the flow of energy.
• The goal is to bring the energy back into balance.
• Acupressure uses the same acupoints, but the therapist uses finger pressure to stimulate or sedate the points.
• Acupuncture is one aspect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM includes acupuncture, herbology, diet, massage, and qigong (exercise that integrates movement, breath, and meditation).
WHO PERFORMS THIS SERVICE?
• The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine awards three types of certificates: Diplomate in Acupuncture, Diplomate in Herbology, and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine (includes both acupuncture and herbology).
• Clients should ask about the practitioner’s credentials.
• There is some difference in practice standards from state to state.
COST
• The initial or first visit fee is often higher because of the extensive assessment. Cost varies from $65-$150 per session.
• Treatment time varies; however, the initial visit is typically 1 hour with subsequent visits lasting 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Frequency of visits varies by condition and could be several times a week to once a month.
• Needles are left in for 15 to 30 minutes. The practitioner generally leaves the room after placing the needles and will reassess the client during the session.
Bauer B. Mayo clinic guide to alternative medicine. New York: Time Inc, 2007;76–77.
Beinfield H., Korngold E. Between heaven and earth, a guide to Chinese medicine. New York: Ballantine Books, 1991;240–249.
Duke Center for Integrative Medicine, Liebowitz R., Smith L. The Duke encyclopedia of new medicine, conventional and alternative medicine for all ages. London, UK: Rodale Books, 2006;446–450. 464, & 465
Aromatherapy
DEFINITION
• For thousands of years, essential oils have been used to promote physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
• Each essential oil is made up of several different chemicals that determine its therapeutic effects.
• These natural chemicals are easily recognized and used by the body. Methods of use for essential oils include inhalation, diffusion, massage, embrocation (a lotion that relieves muscle or joint pain), compresses, application to reflex/acupuncture points, and baths.
• The more commonly used oils by cancer patients include frankincense, niaouli, peppermint, lavender, cypress, lemongrass, tea tree oil, and marjoram.
BENEFITS
• Simultaneous treatment of emotional and physical concerns
• Each single essential oil can have several indications for treatment depending on the chemical makeup.
• Examples of indications are antitumoral, antibacterial, antifungal, antidepressive, analgesic, antispasmodic, antiinflammatory, lymphatic decongestant, expectorant, antiemetic, bronchodialating, and antianxiety.
Balz R. The healing power of essential oils. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Light Publications, 1990;13. 35, 36, 56-59, 96, 107, 111, 118
Duke Center for Integrative Medicine, Liebowitz R., Smith L. Duke encyclopedia of new medicine, conventional & alternative medicine for all ages. London, UK: Rodale, 2006;548–549.
Enteen S. Aromatherapy for clients with special needs. Massage Today. 2007;7:5.
Schnaubelt K. Advanced aromatherapy, the science of essential oil therapy. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1998;31–50.
Art Therapy
DEFINITION
• Art therapy uses different art mediums to help clients explore and express feelings with a therapist. This modality provides a safe way for unconscious feelings and thoughts to come into awareness. The therapist assists the client toward expression and self-understanding. This is particularly helpful with clients who have a difficult time recognizing and expressing their feelings.
• No artistic skills are required by the client.
• A wide variety of artistic modalities may be used, such as print, paint, clay, crayon, collage, and sand.
• Can be performed one-on-one with a therapist or in a group setting
Guided Imagery
DEFINITION
• The purposeful use of the mind to affect changes in the body, mind, and emotions
• Cultures for thousands of years have used imaging to promote health and heal disease.
• Guided imagery is one of the most widely used of the complementary healing modalities.
• Research demonstrates that mental images can result in changes in physiological, biochemical, and immunological responses of the body.
• The same areas of the brain used for imagination control vital functions such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and digestion. Images can serve as a bridge between the mind and body.
BENEFITS
RESOURCES
• University of California, San Diego Medical Center, Moores Cancer Center, Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer Patients: http://cancer.ucsd.edu/outreach/publiceducation/CAMS/guidedimagery.asp
• Well Baskets: http://www.wellbaskets.com
• Belleruth Naparstek’s Guided Imagery Center, Health Journeys: http://www.healthjourneys.com/
Healing Touch
DEFINITION
• The goal of healing touch is to affect the energy field within and around the body to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Healing touch uses a number of different energy healing techniques to restore the client’s energy to its highest potential.
• Energy healing has been a part of many cultures for thousands of years.
• The client and practitioner are viewed as working together.
• The practitioner may lightly touch the client or work with hands close to but off the body. The client remains fully clothed, in either a sitting or lying down position.
Bauer B. Mayo clinic guide to alternative medicine. New York: Time Inc, 2007;78.
Duke Center for Integrative Medicine, Liebowitz R., Smith L. Duke encyclopedia of new medicine, conventional & alternative medicine for all ages. London, UK: Rodale, 2006;562. & 563
Hover-Kramer D. A resource for health care professionals. Albany, NY: Delmar, 1996;6. 11-13, 27, 30-37
Herbal, Vitamin, and Oral Supplementation
DEFINITIONS
• Oral supplementation includes vitamins, herbs, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, juices, probiotics, hormones, transfer factors, fatty acids, organ tissues, glandular extracts, and other compounds extracted from plants or animal products.
• Many persons believe that, as a result of overuse of farm lands, overuse of chemicals and petrochemical pollution, our food sources no longer supply us with enough of the proper nutrients. Also eating of prepared and preserved foods with decreased vitality has led to increased health problems. Hence, many people choose to supplement their diets.
• The scope of oral supplementation available today is overwhelming. This text reviews some of the more commonly used supplements. The reader is encouraged to explore the resources for more specific information.
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