Psychopharmacology and Integrative Therapies

allopathic medicine

Traditional medicine practiced in the United States based on scientific methodology

alternative medicine

Practices that differ from the usual traditional practices

complementary medicine

Practices that differ from, but are used in conjunction with, traditional or conventional medical treatment

◆Viewed as holistic health care

◆Deals not only with the physical perspective but also with the emotional and spiritual components of the individual.

◆Not founded on scientific principle, but shown to be effective in the treatment of certain disorders and merit further examination as a viable component of holistic health care.

◆Commonalities and contrasts between complementary medicine and conventional health care

office of alternative medicine

- Established by the National Institutes of Health in 1991 to study nontraditional therapies and to evaluate their usefulness and effectiveness. The name has been changed to: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

- Increasing numbers of third-party payers are bowing to public pressure and including alternative therapies in their coverage.

integrative health

a holistic approach that incorporates complementary and conventional practices

conventional medicine

focuses on physical or material parts of a person-body: bones, muscles, nerves

(integrative/alternative view: physical, spiritual, energetic, social)

herbal medicine

◆Virtually every culture in the world has relied on herbs and plants to treat illness.

◆The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies herbal remedies as dietary supplements or food additives. Therefore, their labels cannot indicate medicinal uses, and they are not subject to FDA approval.

◆The Commission E of the German Federal Health Agency has been researching and regulating the safety and efficacy of herbs and plant medicines in Germany.

◆All of the Commission E monographs of herbal medicines have been translated into English.

natural vs safe

◆The fact that a substance is called "natural" does not mean it is necessarily completely safe.

◆Some plants from which even prescription drugs are derived are highly toxic in their natural state.

◆Because of lack of regulation and standardization, ingredients may be adulterated.

◆Method of manufacture may alter potency.

acupressure and acupuncture

◆Acupressure and acupuncture are healing techniques based on the ancient philosophies of traditional Chinese medicine dating back to 3000 BC.

◆The main concept is that healing energy (qi) flows through the body along specific pathways called meridians. The meridians connect a series of acupoints. In acupressure therapy, the clinician applies pressure to these acupoints.

◆Pressure to these acupoints is thought to dissolve any obstructions in the flow of healing energy (qi) and to restore the body to healthier functioning.

◆In acupuncture, hair-thin, sterile, disposable, stainless steel needles are inserted into acupoints to dissolve the obstructions along the meridians.

acupressure and acupuncture - the western medical philosophy

◆Acupressure and acupuncture stimulate the body's own painkilling chemicals: endorphins

◆Endorphins are morphine-like substances in the body.

◆Research and effectiveness

◆Certification for acupuncture

diet and nutrition

◆Many diseases today are linked to poor nutritional habits.

◆The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) have collaborated on a set of guidelines to educate individuals about diet and lifestyle factors important in the promotion of health and prevention of disease.

◆Follow a healthy eating pattern across the life span

◆Customize and enjoy nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preference

◆Focus on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages, and stay within calorie limits

◆Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limit alcohol.

chiropractic medicine

◆One of the most widely used forms of alternative healing in the United States

◆Developed in the late 1800s

◆The theory behind this type of healing

◆Energy flows from the brain to all parts of the body through the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

◆Vertebrae may press on a nerve when becoming displaced.

◆Pressed nerve Interferes with normal nerve transmission.

◆Displacements of vertebrae are called subluxations. To restore normal function, the vertebrae are manipulated back into their normal positions.

◆The manipulations are called adjustments.

◆Adjustments are made by hand or facilitated by the use of special treatment tables.

◆Muscle relaxation may be achieved with massage, application of heat or cold, or use of ultrasound treatments.

◆The most common type of ailment for which individuals seek chiropractic treatment is back pain.

◆Chiropractors are licensed to practice in all 50 states.

therapeutic touch

◆Developed in the 1970s by Dolores Krieger, a nurse associated with the New York University School of Nursing.

◆Based on the philosophy that the human body projects a field of energy around it. When this field is blocked, pain or illness occurs.

◆The energy field extends beyond the surface of the body

◆Slow, rhythmic hand motions are swept over the entire body while the hands remain 2 to 4 inches from the skin.

◆The therapist "massages" the energy field in that area, smoothing it out and thus correcting the obstruction.

◆Therapeutic touch is thought to reduce pain and anxiety and promote relaxation and health maintenance. It has been useful in the treatment of chronic health conditions.

massage

§Technique of manipulating the muscles and soft tissues of the body.

§Used by Chinese physicians in the treatment of disease for more than 5,000 years.

§The Eastern style focuses on balancing the body's vital energy (qi) as it flows through pathways called meridians.

◆The Western style of massage affects muscles, connective tissues (for example, tendons and ligaments), and the cardiovascular system.

◆A variety of gliding and kneading strokes, along with deep circular movements and vibrations, are used to relax the muscles, improve circulation, and increase mobility.

yoga

◆Thought to have been developed in India some 5,000 years ago.

◆The objective is to integrate the physical, mental, and spiritual energies that enhance health and well-being.

◆Helpful in relieving stress and in improving overall physical and psychological wellness.

◆Breathing is a deep, diaphragmatic breathing that increases oxygen to the brain and body tissues

◆Meditation achieves a profound relaxation

◆Western yoga uses body postures, along with meditation and breathing exercises, to achieve a balanced, disciplined workout

pet therapy

◆Reduce the death rate from recurrence of heart attack

◆Lower blood pressure, which can occur as a result of simply petting a dog or cat

◆Enhance mood and improve social interaction among nursing home clients

◆Diminish depression and anxiety in individuals

◆Dogs assist in service to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

◆Some researchers believe that animals actually may retard the aging process among those who live alone.