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INTRODUCTION
A variety of terms have been used to describe health-related approaches that are considered
outside the mainstream of the dominant system of health care. The terms currently used in
Western cultures to describe such approaches include alternative, intergrative , nontraditional,
unconventional ,holistic and natural.Currently ,the most frequently used term to refer to such
modalities and practices is complementary and alternative therapies.
DEFINITIONS
o Alternative/Complementary modalities have been defined as treatment techniques
whose goals are to evoke healing, taking into account the body-mind-spirit connection
of every individual . (Dossey,1995).
o It is a group of diverse medical and health care system, practices, therapies and
procedures that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.
CLASSIFICATIONS
According to the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine(NCCAM),
Complementary and alternative medicine therapy is classified into following Categories :-
AYURVEDA-
It is a system of traditional medicine native to India and practiced in other parts of the
world as a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, the word ayurveda consists of the
words ‘ayus’, meaning ‘longevity, and ‘veda’ meaning ‘related to knowledge’ or’
science.’ Its focus is on the balance of mind,body and spirit. Disease is viewed as an
imbalance between a person’s life force (prana) and basic metabolic condition (dosha).
Some animal products may also be used ,for example, milk ,bones ,and gallstones . In
addition, fats are used both for consumption and for external use. Minerals, including
sulfur, arsenic, lead ,copper sulfate and gold are also consumed as prescribed. This
practice of adding minerals to herbal medicine is known as rasa shastra.
UNANI
Unani Medicine is based on the Greece philosophy. According to Basic Principles of
Unani, the body is made up of the four basic elements, i.e. Earth, Air,Water,Fire which
have different Temperaments,i.e. Cold ,Hot,Wet ,Dry.
ACUPRESSURE:- It s an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the
surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities.When these points are
pressed,they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s
life force to aid healing.Acupunture and Acupressure use the same points,but acupuncture
employs needles,while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands(and even feet).
HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathic remedies are prepared by serial dilution with shaking by forceful striking
on an elastic body,which homeopaths term succession.Each dilution followed by
succession is assumed to increase the effectiveness.Homeopaths call this process
potentization.Dilution often continues until none of the original substances
remains.Aparts from the symptoms,homeopaths examine aspects of the patient’s physical
and psychological state,then homeopathic reference books known as repertories are
consulted,and a remedy is selected based on the totality of symptoms.
SIDDHA
Siddha medicine is a form of medical treatment of diseases using substances of all possible
origins in way that balances the possible harmful effect of each substance. This form of
medicine was professed and practiced by siddhars who wrote their recipes on palm leaves for
the use of future generations.Siddha medicine was developed by outstanding
Dravidians(ancient Tamils),locally called Cittars.
Preparations are made mainly out of the parts of the plants and trees such as
leaves,bark,stem,root,etc, but includes also minerals and some animal substances. This form
of medicine is still today well-known in South India. The use of metals like gold,silver and
iron powders (Sanskrit bhasma) in some preparations is a special feature of siddha
medicine,which claims it can detoxify metals to enable them to be used for stubborn
diseases.This claim is especially relevant in the mercury which is relatively often used in the
system;medicine containing purified mercury should only be received ,if at all,from a highly
qualified practitioner of the art.
NATUROPATHY
a. Meditation
Decreased respiration
Decreased blood pressure
Improved mood
Heightened awareness
Relaxation
Improved functioning of the immune system
Slowed heart rate
Efficient and effective oxygen consumption
Spiritual relief
Reduced level of lactic acid
b. Relaxation
Stands quite generally for a release of tension,a return to equilibrium .It is any
method,process, procedure, or activity that helps a person to relax;to attain a state of
increased calmness;or otherwise to reduce levels of anxiety,stress or anger. Relaxation
techniques are often employed as one element of a wider stress management program and can
decrease muscle tension,lower the blood pressure and slow heart and breath rates,among
other health benefits. It is therapeutic process incorporating the basic elements of meditation.
A quit environment
A comfortable position
Focused attention
A passive attitude, practice
It involves progressive muscle relaxation. Progressive relaxation is the alternate tensing and
relaxing of muscles. Nurses can use relaxation techniques to reduce pain and stress in clients.
c. Imagery
d. Biofeedback
In this, people are trained to control certain bodily processes that normally occur
involuntarily, such as heart rate or blood pressure.these processes can be measured and
displayed on a monitor that the person watches. The monitor provides feedback about
theinternal working of your body. You can then use this display to gain control over these
“involuntary” activities lowering your blood pressure.
e. Hypnosis
The earliest definition of hypnosis was given by Braid,who coined the term” hypnotism” as
an abbreviation for “neuro –hypnotism,or nervous sleep,which he opposed to normal
sleep,and defined as:”a peculiar condition of the nervous system,induced by a fixed and
abstracted attention of the mental and visual eye,on one object,not of an exciting nature.
Uses of Hypnosis:
Pain management
Anesthesia
Skin disease
Habit control
Quit smoking
IBS
Weight loss
Smoothing anxious surgical patients
Sports performance.
f. Yoga
Traditional physical and mental disciplines in India.Sanskrit root “yuj” meaning “to control
,to unite,joining,uniting,conjunction and means.” Outside India ,yoga is typically associated
with asanas(postures) or as a form of exercise. Goals – improving health to achieving
moksha; liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (samsara),at
which point there is a realization of identity with the supreme Brahman. In Mahabharata,yoga
is described as entering the world of brahma, as Brahman.
g. Aromatherapy
Uses volatile plant materials (essential oils) and similar aromatic compounds
for the purpose of improving a person’s mood,cognitive function or health.
Aroma therapist
Generic term; used by manufactures (of personal care and hygiene
products),massage therapists,chiropractors,nurses and doctors.
OTC products that make use of essential oils (menthol) include
mouthwashes,liniments and rubbing ointments (Vicks Vaporub)
Essential oils useful in the treatment of infectious disease
Used as medicines,with other herbal preparations,by doctors in
France(commonly)
Used in pain management,anxiety/depression ,and Alzheimer’s disease.
a. Diet Therapy
According to this therapy,the food must be taken in natural form. Fresh seasonal fruits,fresh
green leafy vegetables and sprouts are excellent. These diets are broadly classified into three
thypes which are as follows:
Eliminative Diet
o Liquids –Lemon ,Citric juices, Tender coconut water, Vegetable soups,Butter –
milk etc.
Smoothing Diet
o Fruits,salads,Boiled /Steamed vegetables ,Sprouts,Vegetable chutney etc
Constructive Diet
o Wholesome flour, Unpolished rice, Little pulses,Sprouts,Curd etc.
Macrobiotic diet:
Predominantly a vegan diet (no animal products except fish).Initially used in the management
of a variety of cancers. Emphasis placed on whole cereal grains, vegetables and unprocessed
foods.
Orthomolecular medicines:
Increased intake of nutrients such as Vitamin C and beta carotene. Diet used in treatment of
cancer, schizophrenia and certain chronic diseases such as hypercholesterolemia and
coronary artery disease.
b. Ayurvedic Herbs
Traditional Hindu system of herbs used for over 2000 years. The herbal products are used in
the form of powder, tonic, etc. These could be a single herb or a mixture of many herbal
products, depending on the disease and the treatment required. Some common herbal
remedies include the following:
o Garlic
o Peppermint
o Chamomile
Phytochemicals:
These are non-nutritive ,physiologically active compounds present in plants in very small
amounts. They protect against cancer and prevent heart disease,stroke ,and cataracts. Main
source for phytochemicals is fruits and vegetables.
Free radicals : Antioxidants prevent tissue damage related to these ,which are unstable
molecules that alter genetic codes and trigger the development of cancer growth.
It includes:
Massage : It is use of the hands to direct or redirect the flow of the body’s energy fields and
enhance balance within those fields. It includes touch,therapeutic touch or healing touch,
acupressure, and reflexology. The means of perceiving or experiencing through tactile
sensation.
Therapeutic Massage
The application of hand pressure and motion to improve the recipient’s well-being.
A back rub or massage results in relaxation ,increased circulation of the blood and
lymph ,and relief from musculoskeletal stiffness, spasm,pain.
Therapeutic Touch
Based on the ancient practice of the laying on of hands and using the hands to direct
energy to achieve a balanced state
Non –contact Therapeutic Touch (NCTT) , “Healing Touch ,” or Distance
Healing.
It is an energy therapy, practitioners say,promotes healing and reduces pain and
anxiety . Practitioners of therapeutic touch state that by placing their hands on, or
near, a patient ,they are able to detect and manipulate the patient’s energy field.
Reflexology
Art and science of enervating ovder 7,000 nerves in the feet believed to correspond to
every muscle system and organ in the body
Promotes health by relieving pressures and accumulation of toxins in the
corresponding body part.
Reflexology , or zone therapy is an alternative medicine involving the physical act of
applying pressure to the feet, hands ,or ears with specific thumb,finger ,and hand
techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on what reflexologists claim to
be a system of zones and reflex areas that they say reflect an image of the body on
the feet and hands, with the premise that such work effects a physical change to the
body.
5. ENERGY THERAPIES
These are alternative therapies that involves the use of purported energy fields. These are two
main types – biofield therapies, and bioelectromagnetic –based therapies.
They are intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human
body. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and /or
manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through ,these fields. Examples include
Qigoing, Reiki, and Therapeutic touch.
Reiki is a spiritual practice developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. It uses a
technique commonly called palm healing as a form of complementary and alternative
medicine and is ,sometimes ,classified as oriental medicine by some professional bodies.
Electromagnet therapy :
It is a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice involving the use of static magnetic
fields.Practitioners claim that subjecting certain parts of the body to magnetostatic fields
produced by permanent magnets has beneficial health effects. In this process ,the different
positive forces of a magnet are taken into account to cure any kind of diseases. It is used to
counter wrought by bleeding and for countering infertility among women. Products includes
magnetic bracelets and jewelry; magnetic straps for wrists,ankles,knees ,and the back; shoe
insoles ; mattresses; magnetic blankets (blankets with magnets woven into the material );
magnetic creams: magnetic supplements; plasters /patches and water that has been
“magnetized”.Application is usually performed by the patient.
Objective:-
Mainstreaming of Ayush in the health care service delivery system to strengthen the existing
public health system.
Strategies:-
Integrate and mainstream ISM and H in health care delivery system including
National Programs
Encourage and facilitate setting up of speciality centers and ISM clinics
Facilitate and strengthen quality control laboratory
Strengthening Research Activities on Ayush
Develop Advocacy for Ayush
Establish sectoral linkages for Ayush activities.
Activities :-
Availability of Ayush faculities and integrating it with the existing Health Care
Service Delivery System
Integration of Ayush services in CHC /PHC with appointment contractual Ayush
Doctors.
Appointment of a Data assistant to support the ISM and H Directorate.
Strengthening of Ayush dispensaries
Making provision for Ayush drugs at all levels
Establishment of specialized therapy centers in district hospitals.
Ayush doctors to be involved in all National Health
Programs(IMR,MMR,JSY,Malaria,Filaria etc.)
Training of Ayush doctors in PHC
All Ayush institutions will be strengthened with necessary infrastructure
Block level School Health Programs to be conducted twice in ayear in two groups
consisting of 100 students in each group.
1. Not subjected to testing. Attempts to disprove this fact sometimes use the
appeal,ie.”That which is natural cannot be harmful.”
2. Homeopathic remedies are extremely dilute,thus considered safe,but their
products are exempt from goods manufacturing practice requirements(expiry date
and identity and strength of products and their alcohol concentration).
3. Treatment delay
4. Danger increased when used as a complement to standard medical care.
THEORY APPLICATION
Ludwig Von Bertalanffy General System Model
System Theory was proposed in the 1940’s by the biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy and
furthered by Ross Ashby (1964). The system theory focuses on the organization as a
whole,its interaction with the environment, and its need to achieve equilibrium.
I have applied Ludwig General System theory for reducing hypertension through yoga
therapy.
Input
In this input refers to the demographic variables such as age ,sex, educational status,
occupation ,duration of illness, family history ,food pattern.
Through put
Output
Output is any information that leaves the system and enters the environment through
system boundary.
Reassessment
CONCLUSION :-
We thus observe that the people are shifting their allegiance to the Indian alternative
therapies, because these therapies are natural and have no side-effects. The western
medicine has failed to deal with the chronic diseases as well as new, antibiotic resistant
bacteria. Ancient therapies, by contrast, have an excellent record of curing the chronic
diseases that do not respond well to western medicine.
MAR BASELIOS COLLEGE OF NURSING , BHOPAL
BOOKS :-
2. Brar, Kaur Navdeep. & Rawat,HC , “A text book of Advanced Nursing practice.”
Jaypee Brothers medical Publishers Ist edition, Daryaganj ,New Delhi (2015):
page.no.933- 944.
JOURNAL:-
Shilpa Babbar MD,Karen.B. Williams PhD,Dev Maulik MD PhD ,” A Survey of the
Central Association of Obstetricians & Gynecologists Members,” Complementary
and Alternative Medicine Use in Modern Obstetrics” Journal of Evidence–Based
Integrative medicine, October 5, 2016.
INTERNET:-
1. https://www.slideshare.net/FIROZQURESHI/alternative-modalities-of-care
2https://www.slideshare.net/jalpaJalpa/alternative-modality-of-care