Qlt1 Task 3

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.

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.

P5 – explain the advantages and disadvantages of complementary therapies in maintaining health and wellbeing

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.

Over many years, society has explored options into different varieties and forms of medicine to help people with pain along with other treatment options not prescribed by mainstream medicine. Some options of alternative medicine consist of acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine, meditation, massage, aromatherapy, hypnosis, and other medicines not prescribed by mainstream medical care. People look towards these options after most other options are explored and tried out over years to help cope with personal trauma or pain/injury. We will be looking at all the various examples listed above in more significantly detail and give more detailed explanation of what each individual technique can do for you. These methods can be used in a variety of approaches to promote self-healing and growth after a significant traumatic event in one’s life. Acupuncture, Massage therapy, and meditation are all significant forms of alternative medicine which will be the primary focus in this paper. Alternative medicine can help people with significant mental, physical and emotional issues. The benefits of alternative medicine are going to be explored and introduced as a possible solution besides mainstream medicine.

Reflexology is the theory that the human body can be healed from disease or imbalance through pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, and ears (http://www.doubleclickd.com/reflexology.html). This alternative form of healing is doubted by many, although there are studies that support its theory.

Complementary therapies are good for a person’s health and wellbeing. It is used as a form of medicine and treatment to some illnesses. Complementary therapies can be used to help the individual manage pain and help relieve pain. According to NHS Direct “These medicines and treatments range from acupuncture and homeopathy to aromatherapy, meditation and colonic irrigation.”

(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.

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.

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

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

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in complementary medicine, and indeed alternative medicine (Lee-Treweek 2002, Andrews 2004, Barry 2006). Moreover the number of professionally trained therapist and practitioners has increased giving the patient/client a better choice and at more competitive rates (Smallwood, 2005).

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

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

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