Task 3
In contemporary society modern medicine usually takes on a curative role, it attempts to cure. Complementary therapy however takes on a very different role; it is used to maintain wellbeing and health as well as a helping to restore wellbeing to before illness or poor health. These therapies are usually used in conjunction with modern medicine. This is usually to relieve symptoms that traditional medicine fails to help with or to boost a person’s emotional or physical health.
Reflexology
There have been many studies conducted into what kind of effect reflexology can have on various conditions.
One area that has had many studies conducted regarding the effects reflexology is Cancer treatment. The role of complementary therapy in this instance is to help manage a client’s symptoms that they may be experiencing from the aggressive cancer treatment. In 2000 Hodgson found using 12 patients who were in the palliative stage of cancer that there was 100% improvement in many areas of the lives of the participants within the group who were given reflexology, whereas the participants within the placebo group only reported an improvement of 67.6% within the same categories. The categories included their general mood, pain, mobility, tiredness, constipation, concentration and nausea.
…show more content…
looked at whether the quality of life of 20 cancer patients is effected by reflexology. The results of the study showed that quality of life was improved due to the physical and emotional symptoms being reduced by the reflexology.
While these studies provide positive results the draw back to them are that the sample groups for each were considerably small which means that there is insufficient evidence to support
I have integrated various holistic practices into my treatment plans including acupuncture, yoga, massage, meditation and prayer. I also discuss and recommend the importance of balance in our lives, which is a major philosophy of Ayurvedic Medicine, “balance between body, mind and spirit” (What is the philosophy, n.d.). I stress how healthy choices regarding diet, exercise and relationships can impact a patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual balance in their life.
This therapy is used to treat depression, relieve tension and improve circulation (Pitman & Mackenzie, 2002). It also helps to restore the natural functions in different organs. Healthy cells are rejuvenated in the body. Stressors can be eliminated and/or reduced which brings positive cognitive thoughts and emotions (Pitman & Mackenzie, 2002). Reflexology helps to restore neurotransmitter imbalances which may cause depression and other mental disorders (Pitman & Mackenzie, 2002). Once the hormones are release calmness and serenity returns giving the individual the ability to handle problems.
It could be considered that conventional medicine has indirectly contributed to the rise of complementary and alternative medicine. A broad definition of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country’s own tradition or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the dominant health-care system” (The World Health Organisation, n.d.). Expanding on this definition it is important to address the variable similarities of CAM modalities. CAM therapies across the various modalities have in common a shared, in varying degrees, holistic approach and subscribe to some form of vitality - a contrast from the science-based view point of conventional medicine prevalent in western society. In spite of CAM therapies empirical nature and efficacies, it is suggested that dissatisfaction of conventional medicine underpins the popularity it has garnered, thus, it will be examined further as to how and why. A further discussion will be made to related dangers of both alternative and science-based medicine; providing an opportunity to constructively educate the public on the differences between the two systems.
Throughout the years there have been two traditions within the practice of medicine. One is the 'art of healing ' which involves its own specialised brand of training. The art of healing is dependent on the prescriber 's foreknowledge and the clients’ viewpoint of the prosperous results. The 'Science of healing ' is based on scientific and technological ideas. This tradition results in a lower liability for practitioners regarding the showing of an original approach to medicine, however the results of this method are more calculable (Kayne 2002). It is believed that the tradition of the ‘art of healing’ is increasing in popularity. The World Health Organisation states ' 'that the terms ' 'complementary medicine ' ' or ' 'alternative medicine’ ' are used interchangeably with traditional medicine in some countries. They refer to a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country 's own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health care system” (World Health Organization 2000). This type of treatment, is commonly known as ‘Complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM). The word complementary derives from the meaning ‘together with’ established practices and the word alternative refers to ‘in place’ of established practices. Some patients choose to participate in complementary therapies along with the medication prescribed by their general practitioner whilst others prefer complementary therapies as opposed to the medications
P5 – explain the advantages and disadvantages of complementary therapies in maintaining health and wellbeing
These complementary therapies would benefit the individual with the disorder they have. Although, these complementary therapies may not be able to cure the individuals cancer but it would be able to support the individual with the treatments they may have. The role of the complementary therapy reflexology would be to massage the individuals feet which would make them feel at ease and although they might be unaware of the different areas of their body being affected, through the reflexology they will be able to identify any areas that might have been affected due to the disorder. For example, if an individual describes that they might feel a sharp feeling this would suggest that the individual’s body might be out of balance.
In this assignment I will be explaining factors that affect access to complementary therapies; I will then explain how the use of complementary therapies is regulated. Then I will explain the principles and practises of complementary therapies I will then go on to discuss complementary therapies that are available for users of Health & Social Care services.
Knowledge and lack of knowledge can have a major influence on whether individuals use complementary therapies. For example; people may have heard negative stories about certain therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy or massage. This negativity may implement fear of using these therapies. Lack of knowledge may also case negative feelings, for example; individuals may have never heard of certain therapies before that are now available in their local area. Some might know about the therapy, but do not understand the benefits of using it.
(2014), “16% to 63% of North American cancer patients are reported to commonly use acupuncture, hypnosis, and spiritualism, as well as vitamin therapies and botanicals.” (p. 2). The Chinese have already used acupuncture in their everyday treatments for many decades stated Hubner in his article (p. 345). He also stated that acupuncture was found to reduce the acute vomiting but not acute or delayed nausea. Liao found that acupuncture treatments responded best to “pain, gastrointestinal side effects, hot flushes, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.” (p. 7). Similarly, Liao also found that acupuncture treatments would reduce the severity of acute and delayed vomiting (Liao, Apaya, & Shyur, p.
Context Breast cancer rates are continuously on the rise, and improvements in diagnostic technology have made it possible for patients to undergo treatment as early as possible in attempt for a higher survival rate. However, conventional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy leave patients weak, fatigued, and often depressed. Alternative forms of medicine are being sought out to provide a better experience for these breast cancer patients. This systematic review examines the effects of two such methods: Yoga and acupuncture. Methods An electronic review of CINAHL complete, PubMed, Medline Plus, and ProQuest Medical databases was performed independently by four researchers; a total of 20 different peer-reviewed publications were selected for data extraction and review. Inclusion and exclusion criteria was determined to select articles that applied only to women with breast cancer, or a history of breast cancer, over the age of 35 utilizing yoga and acupuncture as forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Results Although this systematic review provides a wide range of sample populations and study designs, all studies provided a positive outcome from patients using these forms of CAM. Reduced fatigue and depression as well as increased quality of life was seen throughout all studies and reviews. Conclusion The researchers concluded that reviewed data supported the belief that yoga and acupuncture can be used by breast cancer patients to improve overall
Reflexology is a strange consept for most Americans to grasp but however people all over the world are using it to prevent and even cure infirmity. This technique was first introduced in Egypt. With some of their heiroglyptic art, a person can easily observe other practitioners massaging the feet and hands of other people. For the record, foot massage was very important to the Egyptians, considering the fact that they often walked without shoes on hot rugged terrain. In other different cultures with a similar issue, foot massage was common. It was also mentioned in an ancient Chinese medical book in the reign of Emperor Wendy
Reflexology promotes the alignment of various organs and muscles by increasing their metabolism and energy process (10 Benefits of Reflexology 2017). Furthermore, toxins that are circulating within our bodies can negatively impact how much oxygen we receive to our vital organs. Reflexology improves circulation throughout the body, which allows for oxygen and blood to flow through the body more easily. In return, by optimizing oxygen flow, this can increase metabolism and promote “healing and re-growth of damaged cells” (10 Benefits of Reflexology
Stephanie Rick in his book 'The Reflexology Workout' has mentioned that in Europe nearly six thousand medical personnel combine reflexology as a part of their healing process these days. The number of such practitioners is increasing gradually. More and more people are now taking deep interest in this system. In view of its multifarious qualities, Reflexology has now become one of most popular systems of natural treatment in many
Reflexology is an ancient method of healing that originated in Egypt and the Orient. More than four thousand years ago, man discovered this treatment for imbalance, and recorded their discovery in drawings on cave walls. It is suggested that reflexology evolved from acupuncture and acupressure. Reflexology flourished in the United Kingdom in the nineteenth
Alternative remedies, sometimes known as complementary remedies, offer a wide variety of products and methods in improving well-being separate from contemporary medicinal practices. According to