Using Complementary Therapies in Everyday Life By Margaret Thomson
Complementary vs Alternative Therapies Considerations Overview Attitude of some health professionals Some useful complementary therapy techniques Application to everyday life
Complimentary vs Complementary
Complementary vs Alternative
Complementary Therapy Definition Supports & enhances patient outcomes with integration of body, mind & spirit Used in collaboration or to complement mainstream medical/ nursing intervention Can provide wider range of health care options
Considerations Why choose: Another option Other therapies not working Miracle cure Access to appointments Location Cost Relationship with practitioner
Education Code of Practice Considerations when choosing Practitioner Framework or Standards of Practice Informed consent and documentation Professional indemnity insurance Research evidence based practice
Deals to commit for many of sessions especially before starting Beware Diagnose, treat and cure
From one extreme to the other: Attitude of Health Professionals It s me or the other It s your choice. It s your fault. Work together
Examples of Complementary Therapies
Examples Physiotherapy Occupational Therapy Osteopathy Massage Acupuncture Reflexology Reiki Kinesiology
Examples Hypnotherapy Mindfulness Tai Chi Chiropractic Cranial Sacral Therapy Naturopathy Homeopathy
Complementary Care
Three (3) Complementary Care Techniques Aim: Reduce stress response including anxiety Reduce physical and mental tension Assist with sleep
QUICK, EASY & EFFECTIVE
Promoting Relaxation
Breathe in through nose & out through mouth Controlled Breathing
Emotional Stress Release (ESR) Instead can place one hand across brow and stand on the side If wish, other hand can be placed over back of head Do not worry if you cry a little or feel like you need to move your head. It is releasing stress
Ezi-Calm Breathe in through nose, and out through mouth If fingers tingle, it just shows how up tight they have been 1st move 2nd move
Using ESR & Ezi-Calm
Examples of Complementary Care
Application to Everyday Life Case 1: 7 year old girl Doing first dance concert & made a mistake Next 40 minutes teachers attempted to calm her down Mother of another child did ESR & Ezi-Calm In 2 minutes she was back on stage dancing happily
Application to Midwifery Case 2: 30 year old female Found out she was pregnant with second child when first child was 6 months old Struggling with back and pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, nausea and constipation Used physiotherapy, massage, acupressure, reflexology & aromatherapy During delivery used TENS Machine & meditation (TENS = transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
Application to Midwifery Case 2: Post natal depression GP/Chiropractor/Naturopath The combination of all complementary therapies assisted with managing pregnancy, delivery & post natal depression Led to complementary therapy study 30 year old female
Application to Perioperative Care Case 3: 74 year old male Full dental clearance under local anaesthetic (NO sedation) Did diversional therapy (chatter!) & some Kinesiology techniques with him prior to procedure ESR, controlled breathing & music during local anaesthetic Used relaxation techniques & Reiki during the procedure
Application to Perioperative Anaesthetist believed that without complementary care, surgery would not have proceeded successfully Case 3: 74 year old male
Application to Palliative Care Case 4: 45 year old woman
Complementary care can be very effective Conclusion There are many considerations when choosing Health professional attitudes vary It can be useful in everyday life
CONTACT DETAILS Margaret Thomson Associate Nurse Unit Manager Complementary Therapy Wellbeing Service Coordinator Southern Adelaide Palliative Services Ph: 08 8404 2210 Email: margaret.thomson@sa.gov.au