RUFAIDA COLLEGE OF NURSING

JAMIA HAMDARD

ASSIGNMENT ON
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE
MEDICINE

SUBMITTED TO : Ms. Rajlaxmi

Tutor

SUBMITTED BY: Diksha Malhotra

M.Sc. Nursing 2nd year (3rd Sem)

SUBMITTED ON: 23/11/23

 § Definition:

• Alternative therapies: It refers to a broad group of natural and spiritual healing methods
that are different than the conventional western medicine (or pharmaceutical medicine).
Many of these healing methods have been used for centuries in many different cultures.
• They are used instead of conventional or mainstream medical modalities.
Complementary therapies are used in conjunction with conventional or mainstream
medical modalities.

Complementary therapy Alternative therapy

Used together with conventional medicine Used in place of conventional medicine

An example of a complementary therapy is An example of an alternative therapy is using

using meditation to help lessen a patient's a special diet to treat cancer instead of
discomfort following surgery. undergoing surgery, radiation, or
chemotherapy that has been recommended
by a conventional doctor.

§ Complementary And Alternative Medicine

• Therapy (CAM) -The field is very broad and constantly changing. The National Centre
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines CAM as a group of
diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally
considered part of conventional medicine.

Classifications according to NCCAM, complementary and alternative medicine therapy

(CAM)

Whole medical Mind-body Biologically Manipulative Energy therapies

systems interventions based therapies
and body-based
methods
Homeopathic, relaxation, Dietary Chiropractic, Biofield
naturopathic, imagery, supplements, osteopathy, therapy,
Meditation, biofeedback, herbs, foods, massage Bioelectromagnetic
traditional, hypnosis vitamins, therapy
Chinese, natural
ayurvedic, substances
acupuncture

§ Whole Medical System

o It includes the following:

• Ayurveda
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Acupuncture and acupressure
• Unani
• Siddha
• Homeopathy
• Naturopathy

1. 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.
• 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). The earliest literature on Indian Medical Practice appeared
during the Vedic period in India. The Susruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita were
influential works on traditional medicine during this era.
• Ayurveda stresses the use of plant-based medicines and treatments. Hundreds of plant-
based medicines are employed, including cardamom and cinnamon.
• 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.

2. 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.
• Treatment dependent on the Temperament (Mizaj, hereditary effects, signs and
symptoms, external observation, examination of the pulse (Nubz), urine and stool.
• Dietotherapy (Ilaj-bil-Ghiza), Climatic therapy (Ilaj-bil-Hawa), Regimental therapy
(Ilaj-bit-Tadbir; includes diaphoresis, diuresis, massage, cauterization, emesis,
exercise).
• Pharmacotherapy (llaj-bid-Dawa): Local herbal drugs. Only minor surgery is in vogue in
this system.

3. TRADIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)

o It is one of the most comprehensive medical systems.

o Practitioners of TCM view human beings in terms of five dimensions. These
include;

• Qi [ energy resulting from interaction between Yin (cold, heavy, moist and
negative) and Yang (hot, dry, light and positive)]
• Jing (genetic material of physical body)
• Shen (spirit)
• Blood
• Yin Ye fluids (lubricates the organs)

o The body is considered to be a series of energetic pathways known as Meridian system.

Specific points along the pathways referred to as acupoints.

a) ACUPUNCTURE

• It is an alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of needles

in the body. Its proponents variously claim that it relieves pain, treats infertility, treats
disease, prevents disease, promotes general health, or can be used for therapeutic
purposes.

o There are numerous theories about how acupuncture works:

• It stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins.

• It influences the release of neurotransmitters.
• It influences the autonomic nervous system.
• It stimulates circulation.
• It influences the electrical currents of the body

• Conditions that are benefitted from Acupuncture:

• Neurologic disorders: Migraine headaches, peripheral neuropathy and trigeminal
neuralgia
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Colitis, constipation, gastritis, ulcers
• Respiratory conditions: Asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis
• Eye disorders: Myopia, conjunctivitis
• Musculoskeletal disorders: Tennis elbow, sciatic

b) ACUPRESSURE

o It is 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. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but
acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of
hands (and even feet).

4. HOMEOPATHY

• Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine in which practitioners treat patients using

highly diluted preparations that are believed to cause healthy people to exhibit
symptoms that are similar to those exhibited by the patient.

• The basic principle of homeopathy, known as the "law of similars", is "let like be cured
by like".
• Homeopathic remedies are prepared by serial dilution with shaking by forceful striking
on an elastic body, which homeopaths term succussion. Each dilution followed by
 succussion is assumed to increase the effectiveness. Homeopaths call this process
potentization.

• Dilution often continues until none of the original substances remains. Apart 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.

5. SIDDHA

• Siddha medicine is a form of medical treatment of diseases using substances of all

possible origins in a 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 include also mineral 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 case of 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.

6. NATUROPATHY

• Naturopathy is a system of man building in harmony with the constructive principles of

Nature on physical, mental, moral and spiritual planes of living.

• According to the the manifesto of British Naturopathic Association, "Naturopathy is a

system of treatment which recognises the existence of the vital curative force within
the body." It therefore, advocates aiding human system to remove the cause of disease,
i.e. toxins by expelling the unwanted and unused matters from human body for curing
diseases.

◦ MIND BODY INTERVENTIONS

• Mind-body medicine uses the power of thoughts and emotions to influence physical
health.
• As Hippocrates once wrote, "The natural healing force within each one of us is the
greatest force in getting well." This is mind- body medicine in a nutshell. Methods by
 which an independently or with assistance, consciously control some functions of the
sympathetic nervous system (e.g. heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure).

o Leading mind-body techniques are:

• Meditation
• Relaxation
• Biofeedback
• Imagery
• Hypnosis
• Aromatherapy
• Yoga

I. Meditation

o It often involves invoking or cultivating a feeling or internal state, such as compassion,

or attending to a specific focal point. Meditation is generally an internal, personal
practice and done without any external involvement, except perhaps prayer beads to
count prayers, though many practitioners of meditation may rely on external objects
such as candle flames as points on which to focus their attention as an aid to the process.
It is quieting of the mind by focusing attention on sound or image or own breathing.

o Health Benefits of Meditation Include:

◦ Decreased respiration
◦ Slowed heart rate
◦ Decreased blood pressure
◦ Improved mood
◦ " Heightened awareness
◦ Efficient and effective oxygen consumption
◦ Spiritual calm
◦ Stress relief
◦ Relaxation
◦ Reduced level of lactic acid
◦ Improved functioning of the immune system

II. 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 a therapeutic process incorporating the basic elements of meditation

Basic elements of relaxation technique are:

◦ A quiet environment
◦ A comfortable position
◦ Focused attention
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.

III. Imagery

-A technique of using the imagination to visualize a soothing, pleasant image. Benefits of this
technique include: decreased physical tension, decreased anxiety, and decreasing the adverse
effects of chemotherapy.

IV. 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.

•It measures physiological responses such as muscle tension, skin temperature, and heart rate
to improve health by using signals from client's own body. It is effective for a number of
conditions, including headaches, urinary incontinence, hypertension, chronic pain, etc.
Uses of biofeedback:
◦ A restorative method in rehabilitation settings for clients who have lost sensation and
function as a result of injury or illness
◦ To relieve tension headaches, migraines and backache
◦ To lower blood pressure.

V. 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.

Therapeutic hypnosis: It induces an altered state of consciousness or awareness resembling

sleep during which the person is more receptive to suggestion. Hypnosis also enhances client's
ability to form images (for guided imagery)

Uses of hypnosis:
◦ Pain management
◦ IBS
◦ Weight loss
◦ Soothing anxious surgical patients
⁃ Sports performance
⁃ Anaesthesia
⁃ Skin disease
- Habit control
- Quit smoking

VI. Yoga

- Sanskrit root "yuj" meaning "to control, to unite, joining, 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.

VII. Aromatherapy

Uses volatile plant materials (essential oils) and similar aromatic

compounds for the purpose of improving a person's mood, cognitive function or health
◦ Generic term; used by manufacturers 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

VIII. Biological based therapies

Most common among the biologically-based therapies are:

◦ Dietary supplements
◦ Foods
◦ Herbs
◦ Vitamins
◦ Natural substances

IX. 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
types which are as follows:
◦ Eliminative Diet: Liquids-Lemon, Citric juices, Tender coconut water, Vegetable soups,
Butter-milk, Wheat grass juices, etc.
◦ Soothing Diet: Fruits, Salads, Boiled/Steamed vegetables, Sprouts, Vegetable chutney,
etc.
◦ Constructive Diet: 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.

Ayurvedic Herbs
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 diseases and the treatment required.
Some common herbal remedies include the following:
◦ Garlic
◦ Peppermint
◦ 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. Consumption of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables
provides best supply.

Antioxidants and Free Radicals

◦ Antioxidants: Substances that prevent or inhibit oxidation, a chemical process whereby
a substance is joined to oxygen.
Free radicals: Antioxidants prevent tissue damage related to these, which are unstable
molecules that alter genetic codes and trigger the development of cancer growth.

MANIPULATIVE AND BODY-BASED METHODS

These methods use techniques of manipulating or moving various body parts to achieve
therapeutic outcomes.
It includes:
◦ Chiropractice
◦ Osteopathy
◦ Massage
◦ Tai chi

- Chiropractice: It emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of

the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. The main chiropractic treatment technique
involves manual therapy, including manipulation of soft tissues; treatment includes exercises
and health and lifestyle counselling. It is based on the principle that the brain sends vital energy
to every organ in the body via the nerves originating in the spinal column. The body is
rebalanced and realigned using "spinal adjustment" techniques.

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 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 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 patient, manipulate the patient's energy field.

Touch in Nursing Practice

"An integral part of assessment
◦ Promotes bonding
◦ An important means of communication
◦ Assists in soothing, calming, and comforting " Helps keep the client oriented
Reflexology
" Art and science of enervating over 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.

ENERGY THERAPIES These are alternative therapies that involve the use of purported
energy fields. There are two main types-
- Biofield therapy
- " Bioelectromagnetic therapy

OTHER IMPORTANT MODALITIES:

- Humor: It determines the client's perception of what is humorous. It can relieve anxiety,
improve respiratory function, promote relaxation, enhance immunological function, and
decrease pain by stimulating endorphin production.

-Pet therapy: It has many applications including overcoming physical limitations, improving
mood, lowering blood pressure, and improving socialization skills skills and self-esteem.

-Music therapy: Pleasurable sound and music can reduce stress, perception of pain, anxiety,
and feelings of isolation.

• Hydrotherapy: It involves the use of water for pain- relief and treating illness. It continues to
be widely. although shower-based used there burn treatment have been increasingly techniques
used in preference to full immersion methods, partly for the ease of cleaning the equipment
and reducing infections due to contamination.

ALTERNATIVE/COMPLEMENT ARY MODALITIES AND NURSING

• These modalities give nurses additional tools to meet client needs. For the theory of human
care, the very basis of nursing is interaction and connection between two human beings. The
modality of healing presence is a significant, important technique to provide trust, support and
to initiate the caring encounter necessary for nursing to take place.

REFERENCES:

www.slideshare.net

Navdeep Kaur Brar and HC Rawat Textbook of Advance Nursing practice Published by Jaypee
Brothers edition 1st