Complementary medicine/holistic nursing/communication

Complementary medicine

Refers to a range of therapeutic approaches used alongside conventional treatments

-Treat patients as whole individuals

-Healing is slow and individualized

Allopathic (western medicine) therapy

Evidence-based conventional care

-Medications, surgery

Complementary therapy

Used alongside conventional treatments

-Acupuncture, massage, yoga

Alternative therapy

Used instead of conventional care

-Herbal medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy

Integrative therapy

Combination of all approaches safely

-Medication, meditation, coordinated care

Nursing-Accessible Therapies

Techniques and practices that nurses can easily implement to improve patient care and well-being

Stress response

Body’s reaction to perceived threat

Relaxation response

Body’s counter action to stress that promotes calmness and lower HR. Triggered with deep breathing or meditation

Progressive relaxation

Tense and relax muscle groups to reduce physical tension and increase awareness

Passive relaxation

Focuses on mental calm without muscle engagement-guided imagery, calming music, mindfulness

Clinical application

Integrates relaxation techniques into nursing care to reduce anxiety, pain, and stress

Limitations of relaxation therapy

May not be effective for al patients since some individuals may find it difficult to engage in relaxation techniques due to severe anxiety, physical pain, or other health conditions

Biofeedback

Technique that uses instruments to teach individuals how to control physiological responses

-several clinical applications, including managing stress, anxiety, and chronic pain

Therapeutic touch

Uses conscious intent to help or heal by affecting the body’s energy fields

-Reduce pain, anxiety and promote healing

Patient education: promoting safe and informed care

Assess understanding, provide clear instructions, promote safety, encourage questions

Holistic nursing scope and standards of practice overview

Provide a framework for delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care

-Guide holistic nurses in their practice, ensuring consistency and quality in patient care

Historical foundations of holistic nursing

Florence Nightingale’s contributions to holistic nursing

-Growth of holistic nursing as a recognized specialty

-Integration of evidence-based practice and complementary modalities

Therapeutic communication

Traditional approach focusing on the exchange of information to address specific health issues

Holistic communication

comprehensive approach that includes physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions

Key components of holistic communication

Active listening, non-verbal communication, empathy, mindfulness