Discuss four complementary/alternative methods (CAM) of health care, and explain why it is important for health care workers to be aware of these methods

Answer 1

acupressure: pressure is applied with fingers, palms, thumbs, or elbows to specific pressure points of the body to stimulate and regulate the flow of energy;

acupuncture: very thin needles are inserted at specific points along the meridians in the body to stimulate and balance the flow of energy;

antioxidants: nutritional therapy that encourages the use of substances to prevent or inhibit oxidation of free radicals;

aromatherapy: use of selected fragrances to alter mood and restore the body, mind, and spirit;

biofeedback: relaxation therapy that uses monitoring devices to provide a patient with information about his/her reaction to stress by showing the patient his/her physical responses to stress;

healing touch: gentle hand pressure is applied to the body's chakras (energy centers) to harness and balance the life energy force, help clear blockages, and stimulate healing;

herbal or botanical medicine: uses herbal medicines to remove impurities, strengthen the immune system, and protect against disease;

homeopathy: uses very minute, dilute, doses of drugs to produce the symptoms of the disease being treated and to stimulate the immune system to remove toxins and heal the body;

hydrotherapy: uses water in any form for healing purposes;

hypnotherapy: induces a trancelike state so a person is more receptive to suggestion;

imagery: uses imagination and as many senses as possible to visualize a pleasant and soothing image;

ionization: uses air ionizers to produce negatively charged air particles to treat respiratory diseases;

macrobiotic diet: nutritional therapy based on the balance between yin and yang;

meditation: teaches individuals breathing and muscle relaxation techniques to quiet the mind by focusing attention on obtaining a sense of oneness;

pet therapy: uses animals to enhance health and stimulate an interest in life;

phytochemicals: nutritional therapy that uses nonnutritive plant chemicals to help prevent disease;

play therapy: uses toys to allow children to learn about situations, share experiences, and express emotions;

positive thought: developing self-awareness, self-esteem, and love for oneself to allow the body to heal itself;

reflexology: applies pressure to specific points on the foot so energy is directed toward the affected body part;

spiritual therapies: employ prayer, meditation, self-evaluation, and spiritual guidance to allow an individual to use the powers within to increase a sense of well-being and promote healing;

tai chi: uses a series of sequential, slow, graceful, and precise body movements combined with breathing techniques to improve energy flow;

therapeutic (Swedish) massage: uses kneading, gliding, friction, tapping, and vibration with the hand to increase blood and lymph flow, reduce pain and stiffness, and induce relaxation;

therapeutic touch: practitioners use their hands to locate alterations or changes in the body's energy field in order to balance the energy flow to stimulate healing;

yoga: uses concentration, specific positions, and ancient ritual movements to maintain the balance and flow of life energy;

patients have the right to use these methods, and health care workers must respect this right while providing total patient care