Utilize the information from bellow’s lesson to identify and briefly summarize a complementary or alternative health practice. Briefly summarize any research that has been done on the selected practice that supports the use of this practice.
MODULE 14: COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH PRACTICES
Introduction
Complementary and alternative health are growing areas within health care. Complementary medicine refers to “using a non-mainstream approach together with conventional medicine” while alternative refers to “using a non-mainstream approach in place of conventional medicine” (The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2014). It has become common for individuals to search for complementary treatments that will augment conventional medical treatments. Some therapies that were once considered “alternative” or “complementary” are now mainstream. This includes treatments such as guided imagery, acupuncture, and meditation that are used in conjunction with cancer treatment or pain control. Other forms of non-conventional treatments include natural, herbal, and non-prescription substances such as vitamins or minerals. Each of these areas are gaining in popularity and use.
KEY POINTS IN THIS SECTION
• Complementary Health Practices
• Alternative Health Practices
• Cultural Influences on Health Practices
Nurses need to be aware of not only traditional treatments used in health care, but also those that are considered complementary or alternative. Nurses should also have an understanding of how culture influences the use of traditional and non-traditional health practices. This unit will provide information on the different forms of non-traditional health care and how these may be used in a variety of cultures.
Objectives
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
• Discuss complementary and alternative health practices.
• Discuss select evidence based complementary health practices.
• Identify how culture influences health practice.
Quote to Consider
The art of healing comes from nature and not from the physician. Therefore, the physician must start from nature with an open mind.” ~Paracelsus
Read It
• The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Health Information at: https://nccih.nih.gov/
• The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Research at: https://nccih.nih.gov/research/results
See It
• The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. On-line Continuing Education Series. Selected video.
o https://nccih.nih.gov/training/videolectures
• How Culture Influences Health Beliefs (EuroMed Info). Available at, http://www.euromedinfo.eu/how-culture-influences-health-beliefs.html/
Directions:
Write 2 pages
Scholarly written APA formatted (Watch out for letter cases)
A minimum of 2 references