Nontraditional Health Care Practices
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Grand Canyon University *
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324V | SPI
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Medicine
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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6
Uploaded by ProfessorMole3385
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Nontraditional Health Care Practices
Sarah K. Ruplinger
Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing, Grand Canyon University
HLT-324V-O500
Michelle Davis
October 15
tht
, 2023
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Nontraditional Health Care Practices
Nontraditional health care practices, also known as alternative or complementary medicine, have gained popularity in recent years. These practices encompass a wide range of therapies and treatments that are not typically associated with conventional Western medicine. Nontraditional health care practices vary across different cultures, each offering unique approaches to wellness and healing. This essay aims to provide an overview of nontraditional health care practices in various cultures and highlight their importance in providing holistic and quality health care.
Comparison of Nontraditional Health Care Practices in Different Cultures
One such practice is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, and tai chi (Hopp & Shurtleff, 2019). Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine
needles into specific points on the body to promote energy flow and restore balance. Herbal medicine utilizes natural substances derived from plants to treat various ailments. “
Chinese herbal products have been studied for many medical problems, including stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, and respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis and the common cold), and a national survey showed that about one in five Americans use them” (Hopp & Shurtleff, 2019). Tai chi is a form of gentle exercise that combines slow movements with deep breathing techniques to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Ayurveda is one such practice originating from India that focuses on balancing mind, body, and spirit by utilizing herbs, dietary modifications, meditation, yoga, massage therapy, and cleansing procedures known as Panchakarma (Shi et al., 2021). “Panchakarma therapy is applied to various processes of body regeneration, purification, and life extension. Panchakarma consists of five karmas (actions), which are used to remove toxins from body tissues” (Shi et al., 2021)
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Ayurvedic principles emphasize individualized treatment plans based on one's unique constitution or dosha. It also provides personalized, holistic care, considering individual constitutions. Emphasizes prevention and harmony with nature.
The last culture to incorporates traditional Indigenous healing methods into their nontraditional health care practices. Reliance on medicinal plants and spiritual healing practices guided by shamans. Healing rituals involve connecting with nature and spirits. These methods connect with nature and using herbal remedies passed down through generations. Sweat lodges are used for purification ceremonies while smudging with sage or other sacred plants is believed to cleanse both physical spaces and individuals energetically (
Koithan & Farrell, 2010). This honors the interconnectedness of all life. Spiritual elements address emotional and mental well-
being alongside physical health.
Importance of Nontraditional Health Care Practices
Nontraditional health care practices play a crucial role in providing holistic and quality health care by addressing both physical symptoms and underlying imbalances within the body (Holland, 2018). These practices focus on promoting overall well-being rather than merely treating symptoms. By considering the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, nontraditional health care practices aim to restore balance and harmony within individuals. In addition, nontraditional health care practices often provide a more patient-centered approach compared to conventional medicine. Many individuals find comfort in the personalized attention and individualized treatment plans offered by alternative practitioners. These practices also tend to prioritize preventive measures and lifestyle modifications rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical interventions (Holland, 2018).
Nontraditional Health Care Options in Your Area
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In our local area, various nontraditional health care options are available for those seeking alternative therapies. In my area we have Holistic Works, Tenold Chiropractic Health and Rehab clinic, Healing Choices Oasis, Evolving Wellness and many more. Chiropractic care is one such option that focuses on the relationship between the spine and overall health. Chiropractors use manual manipulation techniques to align the spine properly, promoting optimal
nervous system function. Another popular nontraditional health care option is naturopathy. Naturopathic doctors utilize natural remedies such as herbs, supplements, nutrition counseling, acupuncture, and homeopathy to address health concerns. They emphasize the body's inherent ability to heal itself when provided with appropriate support (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, n.d.). Naturopathic doctors focus on “removing obstacles to health, stimulate the self-healing mechanisms, strengthen weakened systems, and use natural substances to restore and regenerate” the body (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, n.d.). Reasons for the Rising Popularity
There are several reasons for the rising popularity of nontraditional health care options. First and foremost is a growing dissatisfaction with conventional medical approaches that often focus on symptom management rather than addressing underlying causes. Many individuals seek
alternatives that offer a more comprehensive approach focused on prevention and wellness promotion. Additionally, increased access to information through technology has allowed people to explore different treatment modalities beyond traditional Western medicine. People are now more aware of diverse cultural practices from around the world due to globalization and increased multiculturalism within society. Furthermore, there has been an increasing recognition among healthcare professionals about complementary therapies' potential benefits when integrated into mainstream healthcare systems. Research studies have shown promising results in
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areas such as pain management, mental well-being, stress reduction, and improved quality of life.
Conclusion
Nontraditional health care practices have gained importance across cultures due to their holistic approach and patient-centered care. They offer unique therapies and treatments that complement conventional medicine, providing individuals with a range of options to enhance their health and well-being. The rising popularity of nontraditional health care practices reflects a
growing interest in alternative approaches to healthcare that prioritize prevention, personalized treatment plans, and overall wellness. As the field continues to evolve, it is essential for healthcare professionals to embrace these practices and explore ways to integrate them into mainstream healthcare systems for the benefit of all individuals seeking comprehensive and quality care.
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References
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. (n.d.). What is a naturopathic doctor? https://naturopathic.org/page/WhatisaNaturopathicDoctor
Holland, T. (2018). What is Holistic Health Care, anyway? https://www.dignityhealth.org/articles/what-is-holistic-health-care-anyway
Hopp, C., & Shurtleff, D. (2019, April). Traditional chinese medicine: What you need to know
. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-chinese-medicine-what-you-need-to-know
Koithan, M., & Farrell, C. (2010). Indigenous Native American Healing Traditions.
The journal for nurse practitioners : JNP
,
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(6), 477–478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2010.03.016
Shi, Y., Zhang, C., & Li, X. (2021). Traditional Medicine in India. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences
, 8
. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2020.06.007
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