Aromatherapy is a CAM modality commonly practiced all around the world. It uses distilled essential oils from plants in holistic care for physical and psychological health¹´²´³. Aromatherapy is thought to affect the body by triggering the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters to create a feeling of well-being, vitality, relaxation, or analgesia, depending on the oils used¹. The essential oils are absorbed through the olfactory (smelling) processes, directly linked to the limbic system of the brain which is also responsible for emotional functions². Physiologically, the essential oils can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin, often through massage, and are excreted by the body in sweat, urine, and through exhalation in about 3-6 hours in healthy persons. Essential oils are also known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties³.
True aromatherapy requires the use of 100% pure essential oils that are naturally derived, as chemically-obtained oils may not produce the expected and/or beneficial outcomes found from essential oils². It is also important to note that essential oils are not just pleasant-smelling compounds; rather they are potent, volatile compounds with concentrations that must be carefully administered¹. Because of the potency of essential oils, those new to aromatherapy should research the oils and applications prior to beginning therapy, and/or work with a skillful aromatherapy practitioner. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy is a good place to begin researching this CAM modality. In addition, aromatherapy or certain oils may be contraindicated in pregnancy; women who may be pregnant should consult their health care practitioners before starting any aromatherapy treatments.
There are many education programs for nurses wanting to learn more about aromatherapy. The American Holistic Nurses Association lists several endorsed programs.
¹Potts, J. (2009). Aromatherapy in nursing practice. Australian Nursing Journal, 16, 55.
²Walls, D. (2009). Herbs and natural therapies for pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. Interntional Journal of Childbirth Education, 24, 29-37.
³Yim, V.W.C., Ng, A.K.Y., Tsang, H.W.H., Leung, A.Y. (2009). A review on the effects of aromatherapy for patients with depressive symptoms. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15, 187-195.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
On Pins & Needles: Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest healing treatments. It has been practiced for thousands of years in China and rapidly gaining popularity in the West. According to Traditional Chinese philosophy, acupuncture needles are placed in specific anatomic points called meridians to unblock the flow of vital life energy called qi (pronounced chee). Properly flowing qi returns the body to its natural, balanced state of health¹.
Western medicine is beginning to integrate acupuncture in its conventional practices. For example, anesthesia specialists may use it to help treat pain or postoperative nausea². While Western philosophy and science continually debates how acupuncture works, it is believed that placement of needles at the acupoints (which often correspond with the meridians) yields neurochemical changes, releases endorphins, and increases blood flow.
Adverse effects of acupuncture are rarely discussed, but as with any invasive intervention, they must be considered. Some common adverse effects might include bleeding at the puncture site, increase pain or discomfort, aggravation of symptoms, or needle breakage¹. It is important for clients to consider the cleanliness and sterilization techniques of acupuncture needles in relation to blood-borne pathogens.
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) outlines certification requirements for licensed acupuncturists, as well as assists interested parties in locating certified practitioners. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine also has a lot of information and links related to acupuncture available.
¹Chung, A., Bui, L., & Mills, E. (2003). Adverse effects of acupuncture: Which are clinically significant? Canadian Family Physician, 49, 985-989.
²Jindal, V., Ge, A., & Mansky, P.J. (2008). Safety and efficacy of acupuncture in children: A review of the evidence. Journal of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, 30, 431-442.
Western medicine is beginning to integrate acupuncture in its conventional practices. For example, anesthesia specialists may use it to help treat pain or postoperative nausea². While Western philosophy and science continually debates how acupuncture works, it is believed that placement of needles at the acupoints (which often correspond with the meridians) yields neurochemical changes, releases endorphins, and increases blood flow.
Adverse effects of acupuncture are rarely discussed, but as with any invasive intervention, they must be considered. Some common adverse effects might include bleeding at the puncture site, increase pain or discomfort, aggravation of symptoms, or needle breakage¹. It is important for clients to consider the cleanliness and sterilization techniques of acupuncture needles in relation to blood-borne pathogens.
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) outlines certification requirements for licensed acupuncturists, as well as assists interested parties in locating certified practitioners. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine also has a lot of information and links related to acupuncture available.
¹Chung, A., Bui, L., & Mills, E. (2003). Adverse effects of acupuncture: Which are clinically significant? Canadian Family Physician, 49, 985-989.
²Jindal, V., Ge, A., & Mansky, P.J. (2008). Safety and efficacy of acupuncture in children: A review of the evidence. Journal of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, 30, 431-442.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Healing Touch: A nursing intervention
Healing Touch is a nursing therapy, an energy-based treatment, developed in the late 1980’s by a nurse, Janet Mentagen. It has expanded beyond nursing, to other health care professions- even laypeople are learning & practicing this healing modality².
Healing Touch was based on the ancient, Eastern philosophies where health is believed to be impacted by the level of balance in energy between the physical & the metaphysical, or energy field surrounding the body². Some related therapies include Reiki and Therapeutic Touch.
The most notable outcome of Healing Touch sessions is a sense of relaxation, often profoundly, thus delivering a multitude of benefits, such as decreased pain, shorter hospital stays and increased inter-personal relationships¹´³. These benefits are supported by the growing area of research in the scientific community.
It can be used as adjunct therapy, meaning in addition to conventional therapy, like surgeries, cancer treatments, and pain medications. Healing Touch aims to preserve individual dignity at all stages of life, prenatally to the end of life.
Healing Touch Program can help provide information on learning HT techniques as well as finding practitioners and self-care measures. They also publish a journal, Energy Magazine with articles focused on Healing Touch practice. Find out more including a video regarding the uses, benefits, and learning process for Healing Touch therapy by visiting their website at http://www.healingtouchprogram.com.
¹MacIntyre, B., Hamilton, J., Fricke, T., Ma, W., Mehle, S., & Michel, M. (2008). The efficacy of Healing Touch in coronary artery bypass surgery recovery: A randomized clinical trial. Alternative Therapies, 14, 24-32.
²Mentagen, J. & Bulbrook, M.J. (Eds., 2007), Healing touch notebook level 1 (5th ed.). Golden, CO: Healing Touch Program.
³Waddell, D.W., & Weymouth, K.F. (2004). Review of studies of Healing Touch. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 36, 147-154.
Healing Touch was based on the ancient, Eastern philosophies where health is believed to be impacted by the level of balance in energy between the physical & the metaphysical, or energy field surrounding the body². Some related therapies include Reiki and Therapeutic Touch.
The most notable outcome of Healing Touch sessions is a sense of relaxation, often profoundly, thus delivering a multitude of benefits, such as decreased pain, shorter hospital stays and increased inter-personal relationships¹´³. These benefits are supported by the growing area of research in the scientific community.
It can be used as adjunct therapy, meaning in addition to conventional therapy, like surgeries, cancer treatments, and pain medications. Healing Touch aims to preserve individual dignity at all stages of life, prenatally to the end of life.
Healing Touch Program can help provide information on learning HT techniques as well as finding practitioners and self-care measures. They also publish a journal, Energy Magazine with articles focused on Healing Touch practice. Find out more including a video regarding the uses, benefits, and learning process for Healing Touch therapy by visiting their website at http://www.healingtouchprogram.com.
¹MacIntyre, B., Hamilton, J., Fricke, T., Ma, W., Mehle, S., & Michel, M. (2008). The efficacy of Healing Touch in coronary artery bypass surgery recovery: A randomized clinical trial. Alternative Therapies, 14, 24-32.
²Mentagen, J. & Bulbrook, M.J. (Eds., 2007), Healing touch notebook level 1 (5th ed.). Golden, CO: Healing Touch Program.
³Waddell, D.W., & Weymouth, K.F. (2004). Review of studies of Healing Touch. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 36, 147-154.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Reputable Resources
I chose a career in nursing because I realized that I wanted to treat the whole person, not just a disease. My desire to treat the whole has brought me to discover Holistic Nursing. The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) has a wonderful website to learn more about a variety of Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) practices. I highly recommend checking out their site.
Another useful scientific resource to learn about available CAM modalities is through the National Institutes of Health in Washington DC. They have a branch specifically geared toward CAM: the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. They present a lot of the on-going research related to the use of different CAM treatments.
Both of these professional institutions are helpful places to start embarking on the journey to learn more about CAM & natural health therapies. Enjoy!
Another useful scientific resource to learn about available CAM modalities is through the National Institutes of Health in Washington DC. They have a branch specifically geared toward CAM: the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. They present a lot of the on-going research related to the use of different CAM treatments.
Both of these professional institutions are helpful places to start embarking on the journey to learn more about CAM & natural health therapies. Enjoy!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Cheers to wellness!
Welcome to my blog! This Blog is all about my quest to learn about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM): modalities, therapies, & practices. With my background as a nurse, I am interested in healing through natural health promotion & disease prevention, including environmentally sustainable options. I believe health is inherently natural and occurs amid balance: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And so, my prescription to life is a Healthy Dose of Happiness.
My plan with this blog is to explore different CAM options, using professional literature to guide my learning. I welcome feedback from people who have expertise and/or personal experiences with any CAM treatments to share your experiences. Whenever possible, please include reputable resources related to these CAM treatments so that readers of this blog & I can find out more information. Thank you in advance for your interest & contribution to my blog.
Cheers to our wellness!
My plan with this blog is to explore different CAM options, using professional literature to guide my learning. I welcome feedback from people who have expertise and/or personal experiences with any CAM treatments to share your experiences. Whenever possible, please include reputable resources related to these CAM treatments so that readers of this blog & I can find out more information. Thank you in advance for your interest & contribution to my blog.
Cheers to our wellness!
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