Chapter 5:Complementary Health Practices

Elizabeth LewisFall 2011

What Are Complementary Health Practices?

• Often referred to as alternative medicine

Includes both practitioner-administered and self-care treatments

• Linked with various remedies

Continuing to grow rapidly

Complementary Healing Approaches

• Herbal Medicine

Botanical and herbal medicines

• Currently researching the safety of commonly used herbs

• Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese medicine

• Used to attract, disperse, or unblock the flow of qi

• Use of small needles in various parts of the body

Spinal Adjustment

• Osteopathic and chiropractic practices

• Bodywork

Physical and bodily manipulation and movement

• Massage

• Many different types of massage treatment

• Relaxes the body and releases muscle tension

Meditative Practices

• Meditation

“The intentional paying of attention from moment to moment”

• Calming, stress release, and spiritual practice

• Yoga

Combination of physical poses and breathing exercises

• Used for exercise, help with breathing, or spiritual expression

• T’ai Chi

Chinese martial arts

• Balances the flow of energy

• Relaxation

Progressive relaxation training (PRT)

• Visualization

Continued Practices...

• Dance and Movement Therapies

Pleasure and relaxation

• May have cultural and spiritual aspects

• Physical and emotional healing

Spiritual Healing

• Has many different meanings

• Varies with cultural and beliefs

Energy Healing

• Therapeutic touch

• Homeopathy

• Natural based ingredients; plants, animals, minerals

Which One Is Right For You?

• Research through books, online, classes, and talking with others

Consult with a health care provider and request a referral

• Determine personal factors including location, support groups, and type of pain

Inspirational Quote

“Health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of well-being in which the body, mind, and spirit are balanced”

Discussion Question?

• Do you think people are reluctant to try new forms of medical treatments?

• Are there any treatments you would be willing to try or not try?