Question

Case Studies, Chapter 27, Complementary and Alternative Therapies

1. As a nurse volunteering in Haiti after the devastating earthquake, you are caring for hundreds of people with minimal medications and equipment in a makeshift clinic. Being a holistic nurse, you understand how holistic therapies can be quite effective, especially when used as part of integrative care. In your luggage, you minimized the amount of clothing and brought homeopathic products to use as treatment tools. (Learning Objective #3)
2. Describe the types of complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) that can be beneficial in reducing stress.
3. What alternative treatments could be effective in treating pain?
4. How could dietary intake affect pain?
5. Describe situations in which healing touch could be beneficial.
6. Which homeopathic remedies could be helpful in a crisis, such as Haiti’s earthquake?

Answer 1

Describe the types of complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) that can be beneficial in reducing stress.

Integration of mind, body, and spirit are necessary for reducing stress. Relaxation, regular meditation helps to relax the body and to relieve stress. Guided imaginary therapy and aromatherapy help to improve the mind's ability. spiritual support and deep breathing exercises help to reduce pressure and to relax.

What alternative treatments could be effective in treating pain?

Physical therapy such as massage, acupuncture, Yoga, Yin-Yang therapy, Chinese traditional medicine, Chiropractic medicine is effective in treating pain.

How could dietary intake affect pain?

Intake of sugar, fatty acids, animal-derived extracts worsens the pain. Some of the food products such as herbal products, protein intake, vitamins help to heal the wound and reduce the intensity and duration of pain.

Describe situations in which healing touch could be beneficial.

Healing touch is a therapeutic approach which promotes wound healing. Healing touch enhances the immune system thereby it promotes the management of pain in chronic illness. It reduces pain and improves sleep.

Which homeopathic remedies could be helpful in a crisis, such as Haiti’s earthquake?

People suffered in Haiti's earthquake had experienced following the crisis

• Grief, loss, sadness: It can be remedied by having green tea, essences.
• Stress and irritability: Potato water, Chamomile can give relief.
• Bruising sprains: It can be relieved through Epsom salt, magnesium oil.
• Cuts, burns, scrapes: It can be relieved through honey, aloe vera, coconut oil, olive oil.