Chapter 8 - Considering Alternative Approaches

Conventional Medicine

Standard Western medical care: doctors, hospitals, medications, surgery

Alternative vs. Complementary Medicine

• Are either rooted in Western medicine?

• Alternative Medicine—used INSTEAD OF conventional medicine

• Complementary Medicine—used WITH to conventional medicine

• NOT rooted in Western medicine

Limitations of CAM

• Limited research compares CAM to placebo treatments.

• Natural products are not well regulated

• Herbal & botanical remedies may have dangerous interactions with other stuff

• High cost + limited availability

• People with some conditions should avoid them (ex: weak bones w/ massage)

• May use CAM but other treatments more effective

Types of Alternative Medicine—Ancient Systems of Medicine

• Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Ayurvedic Medicine

• Naturopathy

• Homeopathy

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

• Based on Qi (or chi)—

• Health depends on yin & yang

• Health impairment occurs becaus…

• Qi—a vital force that animates the body, flowing through meridians

• yin & yang—Opposing forces / energies that must be balanced for good health

• because qi is blocked or stagnant

According to TCM, what are some techniques to restore balance?

• Acupuncture

• Acupressure

• Massage

• Herbal preps

• Diet

• Exercise

What types of pain is acupuncture more effective for?

• Neck pain

• Tension-type headaches

• Arthritis knee pain

• Back pain

For chronic pain, when is acupuncture most effective?

When combined with standard medical care

Ayurvedic Medicine

• Origin + meaning

• Goal

Originated from India, meaning “Science of Life”

• Goal:

  • Balance the body, soul, and mind

  • Eliminate impurities + increase harmony & balance through changes in diet & exercise

Naturopathy

• Origin

• Main view

• Origin: Europe

• Main view: bodies can maintain + return to a state of health

What lifestyle changes do naturopathic practitioners recommend?

• Meditation

• Yoga

• Massage

• Herbal Supplements

Homeopathy

• Origin

• What is the principle of “like cures like”?

• Origin: Germany

• “Like cures like” — substances causing symptoms in healthy people may cure similar symptoms in sick people

Does homeopathy use a holistic approach?

Yes, it considers emotional and psychological factors

Types of Alternative Practices

• Chiropractic

• Massage

• Energy Healing

• Diets & Supplements

What is the focus for chiropractic treatment?

Adjusting the spine and joints to correct misalignment.

Chiropractic treatment most often used for — and — pain.

back and neck pain

Types of Mind-Body Medicine

• Meditation & Yoga

• Biofeedback

• Qi gong & Tai Chi

• Hypnosis

What is mind-body medicine based on?

The idea that the brain, mind, body, and behavior interact and affect health.

What techniques does mind-body medicine use?

• Meditation

• Guided imagery

• Yoga

• Qi gong

• Tai chi

• Biofeedback

• Hypnosis

Meditation

• Common factors?

• 2 most common forms? (TM)

• % U.S. adults practice meditation?

• Quiet place, specific posture, focus of attention, and open attitude.

• Common forms: transcendental meditation + mindfulness meditation

• >9%

How is transcendental meditation practiced?

Sitting relaxed with eyes closed while repeating a mantra or sound to distract self from outside thoughts + just breathing

Mindfulness Meditation

Focusing nonjudgmentally on thoughts and sensations as they occur.

What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)? How does it work?

An 8-week mindfulness program used for stress reduction (2 hrs/day). It alters brain function

What happened in the psoriasis study using MBSR?

Patients listening to MBSR tapes cleared psoriasis four times faster.

In the brain imaging, what brain changes occur during mindfulness meditation?

Increased activity in the left frontal lobe and decreased activity in the right frontal lobe.

What emotional effect is associated with mindfulness meditation?

Increased positive emotions.

What is guided imagery? What are the 3 main categories of guided imagery?

Using mental images to promote healing or relaxation.

• 3 main categories

  • Relaxation, peaceful scene

  • Replace less desirable behavior w/ healthier one

  • Heal damaged body part

Why is guided imagery difficult to research?

Researchers cannot easily know what people are imaginin

Some research suggests guided imagery helps with what?

• Chronic pain

• Quality of life in cancer patients

• Hypertension

• Obesity

• Headaches

What is electromyography (EMG)?

Biofeedback technique measuring electrical activity in muscles

Biofeedback

Use of electronic measurements to provide immediate information about body responses.

What is biofeedback shown to be effective for?

• Lower back pain

• Tension headache

• Migraine headache

• Raynaud’s disease

Is biofeedback better than hypnosis or relaxation?

No, it is about equally effective

What is hypnosis?

Trancelike state

What controversy exists about hypnosis?

Whether it’s an altered state of consciousness or a generalized trait that some people have

Who is hypnosis most effective for? How?

Suggestible individuals b/c it provides high levels of relief

What types of pain does hypnosis work best for?

• Cancer pain

• Burn pain

• Surgery pain

• Acute pain

Qi Gong

practice of TCM; exercises/movements to help body’s energy and restore balance

Tai Chi

From Qi Gong; involves slow, gentle movements

Energy Healing

idea that energy can heal the body

Reiki

manipulate energy from the universe to the body of the recipient

Yoga

uses physical postures, breathing, and meditation

What is the goal of yoga? What does it seem to help with?

• Goal: balance mind, body, & spirit

• Helps with: anxiety & depression

What are the most commonly used Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) products?

Natural products (17.7%), such as

• omega-3 fatty acid supplements

• ginseng

• Echinacea

What percentage of people may have used CAM if prayer for health is included?

Up to 63%.

What is the most common problem among people who use CAM?

PAIN

Do most people use CAM instead of traditional medicine?

No, most use it alongside traditional medicine.

How does belief in science relate to CAM use?

People who strongly believe in science are less likely to use CAM.

How does health status relate to CAM use?

People in poorer health are more likely to use CAM.

Is it true that recent immigrants are the main users of CAM?

No, that stereotype is incorrect.

Which demographic groups are most associated with CAM use?

• European Americans

• Women

• Wealthy individuals

• Well-educated people.

What influences CAM use among Chinese Americans?

How strongly they identify with their Asian heritage.

What mental health problems can meditation and mindfulness help treat?

Anxiety, stress-related problems, and relapse into depression.

How can yoga help people?

Effective for stress management.

What benefits do qi gong and tai chi provide?

Reduce stress

How may acupuncture help mental health?

May help treat depression

Which CAM approaches are especially effective for chronic pain management?

Meditation and guided imagery.

How can tai chi help headaches?

Reduce tension headaches.

How do tai chi and qi gong help people with fibromyalgia?

Relieve pain and improve quality of life.

How does acupuncture help pain?

Decreases pain perception and tension headaches.

Is acupuncture always the best pain treatment option?

no, others can be more effective

What type of pain may massage help with?

Low back pain.

What has recent research shown about chiropractic manipulation?

Provides only small benefits for back and neck pain.

How effective is biofeedback for pain management?

Has limited benefits

What are some uses of CAM?

• achieve lower blood pressure

• improve balance

• achieve more rapid healing

• lessen nausea and vomiting

• decrease hostility

• treat insomnia

What is integrative medicine?

“The Best of Both Worlds”

Conventional medicine + CAM

Which two medical areas are advancing most rapidly in integrative medicine?

Pain management and cancer treatment.