Holistic and Alternative Medicine

Holistic and Alternative Medicine Presented by Lauren Jost and Rachel Mullenger Psychology 310 What is Alternative Medicine • Holistic health refers to a philosophy of medical care that views physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment. • Treatments that are not part of conventional medicine • Treats the cause of the disease rather than the symptoms (example – headache) • Fills a gap in the health care system • Natural substances and treatments to support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself • The body is able to restore itself to homeostasis – provides environment to do so Holistic Medicine • -Holism as a health concept has existed for ages outside of academic circles, but only relatively recently has the modern medical establishment begun to integrate it into the mainstream health care system. • -In the United States, the first National Conference on Holistic Health was held with the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in June 1975. Alternative Medicine and the Biopsychosocial Model of Health • • • • Offers choice Sees the whole picture Benefits through patient empowerment Social, cultural and psychological aspects to treatment • Cooperative relationship among all involved • Physical, mental, emotional, social, environmental, spiritual, nutritional aspects of health The Whole Picture CANCER Physical Trauma Mental Stress Surgical Treatment Radiation Fear of dying Concern for Family Lifestyle Changes Evolution of Alternative Medicine • 2000 B.C. – Here eat this root • 1000 A.D. – That root is heathen. Say this prayer • 1850 – That prayer is superstitious. Drink this potion • 1940 – Swallow this pill • 1985 – That pill is ineffective. Take this antibiotic • 2000 - Antibiotic doesn’t work. Eat this root. Types of Alternative Medicine • Mind-body medicine • Biologically based practices • Manipulative and body based medicine • Energy medicine • Alternative medical systems Manipulative and Body Based Medicine • Based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Under this umbrella term includes practices such as chiropractic, massage therapy, and reflexology. • Focus primarily on the structures and systems of the body, including the bones and joints, the soft tissues, and the circulatory and lymphatic systems. • Derived from traditional systems of medicine, such as those from China, India, or Egypt, while others were developed within the last 150 years. Examples • Chiropractic: Chiropractic is based on the absolute science that every function in the human body is directed and coordinated by the nervous system. • Subluxations • Massage Therapy: involves pressing, rubbing and moving muscles and other soft tissues of the body primarily by moving hands and fingers. The aim is to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the massaged area. • Reflexology: a practice in which pressure is applied to one place on the body which corresponds to another part of the body. For example, if you have pain in your left shoulder, putting pressure on your left hand above the knuckle on your pinky will help the pain subside. Energy Medicine • Energy fields surround and penetrate body • Restore disturbances in the body’s natural energy • The existence of such fields has not yet been scientifically proven. Involves putative energy fields which have defied measurement to date by reproducible methods. Examples • Biofield Therapies: • involving putative energy fields are based on the concept that human beings are infused with a subtle form of energy. • Therapeutic touch and Acupuncture • Bio-Electromagnetic based Therapies: involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields. Involves veritable energies, which are energies that employ mechanical vibrations. Measurable. Mind-body Medicine • Connection between mind, body and spirit • Enhances the mind’s capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms • Meditation • Yoga • Biofeedback • Prayer • Tai Chi • Music therapy Biology Based Practices • • • • • • Helps to heal the body Herbs Foods Vitamins Supplements Teas Alternative Medical Systems • • • • • • Systems of theory and practice Traditional Chinese Medicine Ayurveda Homeopatic medicine Naturopathic medicine Osteopathy Conventional Medicine • Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. • Involves scientific knowledge of the body • Treatments proven effective through scientific research • Treats symptoms rather than the cause • Used throughout the world in hospitals and health care facilities • Relies on surgery and medication as treatment Complementary &Alternative Medicine • CAM – Complementary and Alternative medicine • Similar • Alternative is used instead of conventional medicine • Complementary is used with conventional medicine • Less invasive than conventional medicine • Not always supported by scientific evidence How do you become a Naturopathic Doctor? • Minimum of 3 years undergraduate studies including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry • 4 year program in naturopathic medicine • The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine is located in Toronto, Ontario • Clinical internship in 4th year of study • Standardize North American Board Exam • Regulated in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Need to be licensed in one of these provinces • 125 – 150 graduates each year in Canada (25 in 1990) Principals of Naturopathic Medicine Do no harm Cooperate with the healing power of nature Address the cause Heal the whole person through individualized treatment 5) Teach the principals of healthy living 1) 2) 3) 4) Typical Naturopathic Appointment • • • • • • • • • • • Initial visit is one hour Find the cause of the disease Complete medical history Review of all the body systems Chief complaints Complaint oriented physical exam Lab tests is necessary Look at how all the information is related Individualized treatment plan Two follow up visit are each ½ hour Ongoing care when needed Conditions treated at Naturopathic Clinic • • • • • • • • • • • Variety of conditions including: Allergies Arthritis Hypertension Heart problems Eczema Psoriasis Cystis Impotence Infertility Menopause • • • • • • • • • • • • PMS Fibrocystic breast disease Pregnancy ADHD Autism Pediatric conditions Anxiety Insomnia Depression Digestive conditions Cold/flu Headaches Who Seeks Alternative Medicine? • • • • • Eastern vs Western Countries Males and females All ages All socio-economic statuses “When it comes down to it, there is no better investment than your health, and if a patient has a condition that they want addressed, than they make the commitment to themselves to become healthier.” – Teresa Donovan, ND Why Do People Use Alternative Medicine? • • • • • • Long lasting problem Not cured by conventional medicine Improve overall health Prevent illness Healthy lifestyle Do not need to be sick to practice alternative medicine • Cultural or ethnic tradition • To meet faith based or spiritual need • For natural approach to health care Dangers of Alternative Medicine • Patients don’t always tell physicians • Some treatments have adverse effects with specific medications • Lack of scientific evidence • Delay in seeking conventional medicine when necessary Future of Alternative Medicine • • • • • • Rising popularity of Alternative medicine Beginning to implement into hospitals All provinces and territories in Canada regulated National Standard Medical schools teach techniques and theories Incorporated into the contemporary medical system Questions? • For more information please see www.cand.ca or www.NSAND.ca