The nurse must be aware of therapies that clients sometimes use in place of conventional treatment.

Q: What is the importance of the nurse asking about the patients use of alternative therapies?

Its important for nurses to learn about alternative therapies because they offer patients new avenues that may improve their conditions and overall health,” says Linda Steele, PhD, MSN, BSN, APRN, ANP-BC, program director for Walden Universitys nurse practitioner programs.

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Related information
From other websites
Content disclaimer
Related information
From other websites
Content disclaimer
What therapies are used in place of conventional medicine?
What is the importance of the nurse asking about the patient's use of alternative therapies?
Why alternative or complementary therapy might be used in conjunction with conventional treatments?
Why should nurses be aware of CAM options?

Summary

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Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional medicines or treatments.
Alternative therapies are used instead of conventional medicines or treatments.
There is no scientific or medical evidence for some complementary therapies and many alternative therapies. They may be unsafe or cause harmful side effects.
Do not assume that complementary medicines are safe just because they come from a natural source.
Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about taking complementary medicine, to make sure it is safe for you.
Never stop taking prescribed medications, or change the dose, without first discussing with your doctor.
Tell your complementary practitioner about all medicines, treatments and remedies you use.

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Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and consists of inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin.
The Alexander technique stresses that movement should be economical and needs only the minimum amount of energy and effort.
The different smells and chemical constituents of aromatherapy oils can produce different emotional and physiological reactions.
Ayurveda is an ancient healing system from India that uses a range of techniques to treat illness and encourage wellbeing.
Bowen is a holistic remedial body technique that works on the soft connective tissue (fascia) of the body. Bowen therapy can be used to treat musculoskeletal or related neurological problems including acute sports injuries and chronic or organic conditions. It is gentle and relaxing and does not use forceful manipulation.

From other websites

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

Under Australian law, a complementary medicine is assessed for the safety and quality of its ingredients, but not always for how well it works.
Avoid the temptation to self-diagnose and self-medicate.
Always consult with your doctor before taking a complementary medicine or embarking on a complementary therapy.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

The Alexander technique stresses that movement should be economical and needs only the minimum amount of energy and effort.
The different smells and chemical constituents of aromatherapy oils can produce different emotional and physiological reactions.
Ayurveda is an ancient healing system from India that uses a range of techniques to treat illness and encourage wellbeing.
Bowen is a holistic remedial body technique that works on the soft connective tissue (fascia) of the body. Bowen therapy can be used to treat musculoskeletal or related neurological problems including acute sports injuries and chronic or organic conditions. It is gentle and relaxing and does not use forceful manipulation.
The principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine are very different from traditional Western notions about health, illness and the workings of the body.

From other websites

Content disclaimer

What therapies are used in place of conventional medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine includes practices such as massage, acupuncture, tai chi, and drinking green tea. Integrative medicine is an approach to medical care that combines conventional medicine with CAM practices that have shown through science to be safe and effective.

What is the importance of the nurse asking about the patient's use of alternative therapies?

“It's important for nurses to learn about alternative therapies because they offer patients new avenues that may improve their conditions and overall health,” says Linda Steele, PhD, MSN, BSN, APRN, ANP-BC, program director for Walden University's nurse practitioner programs.

Why alternative or complementary therapy might be used in conjunction with conventional treatments?

A complementary therapy means you can use it alongside your conventional medical treatment. It may help you to feel better and cope better with your cancer and treatment. An alternative therapy is generally used instead of medical treatment.

Why should nurses be aware of CAM options?

Nurses have a unique opportunity to provide services that facilitate wholeness. They need to understand all aspects of CAM, including costs, patient knowledge, and drug interactions, if they are to promote holistic strategies for patients seeking to achieve a higher quality of life.