1. Analyze how western (allopathic) medicine could benefit from incorporating more eastern (holistic) medicine. Use at least three specific examples. (6 points) Allopathic medicine could benefit from many of the principles of holistic medicine. One of the eight basic principles of holistic health care is that health requires an integration of mind, body and spirit. This idea is present in meditation and research suggests that those who meditate are healthier, especially in regard to stress induced illnesses. Western medicine could also benefit from the idea that the individual must affirm personal responsibility for their own health.
Too often in our society people don’t want to change the habits that are making them unhealthy. Another principle that could provide benefit to western medicine is the idea that disease is a process and provides an opportunity for personal growth. Currently western medicine views disease as a negative and focuses on treating symptoms. 2. You are developing a cardiac rehab class for patients after they have heart surgery. You could use Respiratory One Method, Mindfulness Meditation, or Imagery. Explain which one you choose to use and why.
(4 points) Studies indicate that ROM is an effective treatment in cardiac disorders, reducing PVC’s and instances of SVT, however it does not specify post cardiac surgery results. On the other hand imagery has proved to be helpful pre and post surgery in recovery times. Imagery shows to benefit bloodflow, reduce inflammation, reduce anxiety, help with pain and even improve cancer patients outcomes. Based on it’s wide range of benefits, I would utilize Imagery. 3. You want to try an Eastern therapy (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, or Ayurvedic) for your asthma.
Choose one and describe your reasoning. (4 points) I would choose Acupuncture based on the research and experiments mentioned in the book. Several different studies by Berger and Fund indicate “ acupuncture superior to sham acupuncture for relieving acute symptoms of dyspnea. ” pg 330. In reading throughout the book, I was unable to find any evidence regarding the other treatment options in relation to asthma. Other tests conducted referenced on pages 335-337 indicate improvements in various symptoms regarding asthma. 4. You are experiencing chronic low back pain.
Explain which alternative health practitioner you will visit and detail the reasons why you choose him/her. (4 points) While never dealing with chronic pain myself, I would have thought that chiropractic treatment would have been the best treatment option. However, while researching this question I found that progressive relaxation has proven benefit as well as the ability to increase pain tolerance. Acupuncture seems to be the most effective treatment option as there are more studies that support its effectiveness. 5. You have an infection and decide to complement your prescription medicine with aromatherapy.
Describe which essential oil you choose, what method of application and why. (4 points) I would choose Lavender as a topical application to the infected site. “in 1910 Gattefosse burned himself badly in a laboratory experiment. ” He used Lavender as a rinse to treat the gangrene that developed at the burn site. This essential oil stopped the gasification of the tissue. 6. You are experiencing a stressful time in your life. Assess which complementary or alternative health therapies you will incorporate into your schedule to reduce your stress. Evaluate how they will benefit you. Choose at least three. (6 points)
Aromatherapy: “Certain essential oils such as lavender, rose, nreoli and petitgrain are well known” for the ability to potentially reduce stress. Essential oils have the potential to reduce stress, induce deep relaxation and promote better sleep. Music Therapy: Research indicates that music can affect mood states, decrease pain and increase cognitive function. Music selection must be appropriate to the desired effect. Exercise: Research concluded, “ High stress college students who participated in an exercise program reported greater decreases in depression than those who participated in a relaxation program or no treatment.
” Another study indicated a high intensity workout program significantly reduced psychologic tension. 7. You are choosing an herbal remedy to take for anxiety. Examine which herb you choose and why, including pharmacologic properties, action, side effects, and interactions. (4 points) I would choose Kava Kava as it is considered non-addictive anxiety reducing agent comparable to benzodiazepines. It has demonstrated effects as a sedative, analgesic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant. Kava seems to act on the limbic system, which helps regulate the emotional process in the brain.
Side effects include sleepiness and at high doses it can increase RBC, cause blood in the urine, decrease platelet count and cause shortness of breath. Research shows that using kava even after 3 months can result in liver failure and death. So great caution needs to be used in taking this herb. 8. Using at least three body systems that massage benefits, analyze how massage therapy could assist an athlete’s performance. Pick a sport and be specific. (4 points) Football players face incredible impact on joints, muscle tissues, tendons and ligaments.
It is common for them to receive professional massage to address these damaged and stressed areas. Benefits of massage would affect the circulatory and muscular systems by increasing circulation and enhancing venous return. Statistically significant results in reducing welling has been observed. Football players would also benefit from massage and its effects that it has on the skeletal system. It would increase joint mobility and flexibility. Massage would also greatly benefit the nervous system in reducing pain response and increasing relaxation. 9.
Analyze the legal and ethical issues of implementing Reiki energy therapy into the hospital setting. (4 points) The legal issues regarding implementing reiki therapy into hospitals are there are no recognized regulatory or governing board. So the training, education and protocols are inconsistent and hospitals cannot guarantee the quality of treatment or care offered by these professionals. Therefore they can’t ethically recommend these treatments without any standards of care. 10. Because of your family history, you are concerned about getting cancer.
Evaluate what steps you could change in your environment to decrease your health risk. Explain at least three. (4 points) There are many environmental factors that contribute to cancer. Many of these carcinogens can be found in or on our food. It is important to wash our fruits and veggies to minimize any pesticide ingestion. Avoiding food that is high in preservatives is also key. These are basically any boxed or packaged foods, read the label and minimize the health risks. Another step is having your water tested for arsenic, and if it is a risk purchase a powerful filtration system or buy water and store it in glass containers.
11. Explain at least three benefits of critical thinking. (6 points) There are many benefits to thinking critically. Some of those benefits include making impartial judgments, seeking reasons for supporting statements, and thinking rationally about a problem or issue. All these occur by facing a problem or issue with an open mind, and being willing to listen and learn about topics that may contradict your preconceived notions. Critical thinking also encourages people to look at all sides of an issue and evaluate it logically based on fact.