The document provides information on a seminar about alternative modalities of care and complementary medicine. It defines key terms, discusses various alternative medical systems including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, homeopathy and naturopathy. It also covers mind-body interventions like meditation, relaxation, guided imagery and hypnotherapy. The document categorizes alternative therapies and provides examples of their clinical applications and benefits.

1. SEMINAR ON
ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE
ALTERNATIVE MODALITIES OF CARE
ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF HEALTH AND
COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
PRESENTED BY
Albeenasiril.M
M.Sc [N] I st year
student
College of nursing
MMC,Chennai-03

2. INTRODUCTION :
A variety of terms have been used to describe
health – related approaches that are
considered outside the mainstream of the
dominant system of health care . Currently,
the most frequently used term to refer to such
modalities and practices is complementary
and alternative therapies.

3. TERMINOLOGIES:
1. HOLISM :
It refers to the whole of the sick person
including his mind, body and the way of his
living meaning that all these to be considered
while treating the sick person and not just
the symptoms of the disease.
2. HUMANISM :
A system of thought that considers the
solving of human problems with the help of
religious beliefs.

4. 3. BALANCE :
A situation in which all the things exists in
equal, correct or good amount.
4. ENERGY :
The ability to put effort and enthusiasm into
an acitivity, work, etc.
5. HEALING :
The process of returning to normal function
after a period of disease or injury.

5. DEFINITIONS :
Alternative/Complimentary modalities have
been defined as treatment techniques where
goals are to evoke healing, taking into account
the body-mind-spirit connection of every
individual.
- Dossey (1995)
“Alternative Medicine” means practices and
healing techniques that are not generally
taught in medical schools, thus alternating
with prevailing view. The technique that
replaces the allopathic medical care.

6. “COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE” gained popularity in the
field conveying the idea that the modalities or
techniques could be used to complement and enhance
the biomedical treatments.
REASONS TO USE ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES:
 Poor prognosis
 Focus of care is comfort not cure
 Desire to be more active in one’s own health care
 Reduce side-effects of treatment
 Reduce side-effects of disease
 Desire to cover all the options

7. Cont…..
Suggestions be family, friends and society
Philosiphical or cultural orientation
Less expensive than conventional medicine
Easier access to health food stores than physician
Dissatisfaction with or loss of trust in
conventional medicine
Desire to treat the disease in a natural way
Decrease the feelings of hopelessness and
helpnessness
Improve the immune system
Improve the quality of life

8. CLASSIFIACTION OF ACT :
The National centre for complementary and
Alternative medicine ( NCCAM) classification,
1. WHOLE MEDICAL SYSTEM :
Homeopathic
Naturopathic traditional
Chinese and Ayurvedic treatments
Accupunture

9. 2. MIND-BODY INTERVENTIONS:
Meditation
Relaxation
Imagery
Biofeedback
Hypnosis
3. BIOLOGICALLY BASED THERAPIES :
Dietary supplements
Herbs foods
Vitamins
Natural substances

10. 4. MANIPULATIVE AND BODY-BASED
METHODS:
Chiropractice
Osteopathy
Massage
5. ENERGY THERAPIES :
Biofield therapy
Bio elctromagnetic therapy

11. WHOLE MEDICAL SYSTEM OR ALTERNATIVE
MEDICAL SYSTEM :
AYURVEDA:
Ayurveda is a system of healing based on
homeopathy and naturapthy, with an
extensive use of herbs.
Ayurveda means “DEVANAGARI” the “science of
life” . It is a traditional medicine of sub-
continent of India originated >5000yr ago.
AYUR (AYUS) = LIFE
VEDA = RELATED TO KNOWLEDGE

12. Cont…
Charaka samhita = Preventional and treatment of
disease.
Sushtruta samhita= Surgical procedures.
Both were the Ayurvedic practitioners during this
era.
AIMS :
To Remove the cause of disorders.
To prevent illness and harmonize body, mind and
consciousness.
Increasing Longevity and overall quality of life.

13. TREATMENT:
 Nutrition
 Herbal Remedies
 Aromatherapy
 Lifestyle recommendations
 Massage treatments
 Colour or Sound therapy
 Meditation
 Detoxification
 Yoga
 Rejuvenation therapies

14. EXAMPLES:
1. TERMINALIA ARJUNA is useful in all deviating
the pain of angina pectoris and in treating
heart failure and coronary artery disease,
hyper cholesterolemia.
2. BLACK PEPPER AND LONG PEPPER are
combined with ginger forming traditional
trikatu mixture. It helps to increase appetite,
promotes the scretion of digestive juices and
cures certain gastric disorders particularly
Achlorhyderia and Hypo Chlorhydria

15. SIDDHA:
AYURVEDA
SIDDHA UNANI

16. PALM LEAF MANUSCRIPT SAYS:
LORD SHIVA( Described Siddha Science)
PARVATHI ( Knowledge transfer)
MURUGAN
DISCIPLE SAGE AGASTYA
18 SIDDHARS( Spread Knowledge)
HUMAN BEINGS

17. SIDDHARS CONCEPT :
“A healthy soul can only be developed
through a healthy body”. So they developed
medicine to strenghthen the physical body
and thereby their souls.
Treatment classified into 3 categories :
DEVAMARUTHUVAM ( Divine method)
MANUDAMARUTHUVAM (Rational method)
ASURAMAUTHUVAM (Surgical method)

18. DEVAMARUTHUVAM (Divine method) :
Medicines like parpam, chendooram, guru
kuligai made of mercury, sulfur and
pashanams are used.
RATIONAL METHOD:
Medicines made of herbs like churanam,
kudineer, vadagamare used.
SURGICAL METHOD:
Incision,excision, heat application, blood
letting,leech application are used.

19. FURTHER CATEGORIZED AS :
Purgative Therapy
Emetic Therapy
Fasting Therapy
Steam Therapy
Oleation Therapy
Physical Therapy
Solar Therapy
Yoga Therapy

20. UNANI AND TIBBI :
Unani has found favour in Asia, especially in
India. In India, Unani practitioners can practice
as qualified doctors, as the Indian
Government approvers their practice . It is
very close to Ayurveda.
The presence of Elements ( fire, water, earth
and air) in the human body balances health.
They believe these elements are in different
fluids and their imbalance leads to illness.

21. Cont…..
The theory postulates the presence in the
human body of blood, phlegm, yellow bile and
black bile.
A predominance of blood gives a sanguine
temperament.
A predominance of phlegm makes one
phlegmatic yellow bile, bilious ( or choleric)
Black bile melancholic.

22. HOMEOPATHY :
Homeopathic remedies are typically derived
from plants, herbs,minerals or animal
products.
CLINICAL APPLICATION OF HOMEOPATHY:
Diarrhea
Migraines
Motion sickness
The flu

23. SIDE EFFECTS OF HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES:
Since they are so diluted, it don’t usually
cause adverse effects. In some cases, however,
patients may feel worse after first beginning
their homeopathic treatment.
LIMITATIONS OF HOMEOPATHY :
A surgical problem crossed its initial stages
might not respond to homeopathy.
Like threatening situations like heart attacks,
paralytics strokes, Diabetic comas, etc
It is relatively slow acting as compared to the
steroids.
The success rate is not 100%

24. NATUROPATHY:
It is a system of therapy based on
preventative care and on the use of heat,
water, light of whole patient and use of bodys
natural healing abilities.
The system searches for cause at many
levels and attempt to eliminate the
fundamental cause of illness, not simply to
remove symptoms.

25. CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF NATURAPTHY:
Weight loss
Fatigue
Menstuaral cycle disturbances(eg., cramping,
fluid retention, irregular cycles)
Stress and anxeity
Mild depression
Mood swings
Allergies
Artheritis

26. Cont……
Menopause related problems ( e.g – Hot
flushes, insomnia, mood changes)
Sleep problems
Poor immunity
Blood Sugar imbalances
Slow metabolism
General well-being
Pre-conception care & fertility

27. TYPES OF NATUROPATHY:
Rebalancing food
Essential oils, other bach flowers, herbs and plants
Relaxation techniques
Massage
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE:
It is one of the most comprehensive medical
systems. TCM view human beings in terms of 5
dimensions;
YIN-------- Energy resulting from interaction between
cold, heavy moist and negative

28. Cont….
YANG------- Hot, dry, light and positive
TREATMENT:
• Acupuncture
• Chinese herbal medicines
• Diet
• Physical therapy
• Exercise and meditation

29. ACUPUNCTUE:
Specific points of the body are stimulated
usually by inserting thin needles into the skin and
underlying tissues. Sometimes additional
stimulation is added by using a very low voltage
electric current by twisting the needle or by
warming needle.
BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE:
Neurological disorders: migrane headaches,
peripheral neuropathy,trigeminal neuralgia
Gastro Intestinal disorders: colitis, constipation,
gastritis, ulcers

30. Cont……
Respiratory disorders: Asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis
Eye disorders: Myopia, conjuctivitis
Musculoskeletal disorders: tennis elbow, sciatica
THEORIES HOW IT WORKS:
Release of pain relieving endorphins
Release of neurotransmitters
Influences autonomic nervous system
Stimulates circulation
Influences the electrical currents of the body

31. MIND-BODY INTERVENTION:
It helps to enhance the mind’s capacity to affect
bodiely function and symptoms
MEDITATION:
It gives physical relaxation, mental calmness,
favourable emotional status.
Benefits are decreased blood pressure, improved
functioning of immune system, reduced level of
lactic acid, efficent and effective oxygen
consumption, stress relief.

32. RELAXATION:
It is a 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.
Benefits are decrease muscle tension, lower the
blood pressure, slow heart rate

33. GUIDED IMAGERY:
A technique of using the imagination to visualize a
sooting, pleasant image.
Benefits are decreased physical tension, decreased
anxiety and decreasing the adverse effects of
chemotherapy.
HYPNOTHERAPY (Hypnosis):
People are guided into an advanced state of
relaxation and heightened attention.
It can be used to treat people with psychological
symptoms.

34. DEFINITION OF HYPNOSIS:
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.
USES:
• Soothing anxious surgicPain management
• Anaesthesia
• Habit control
• Quit smokingal patient

35. BIOFEED BACK:
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.
USES:
To lower blood pressure
To relieve tension headaches, migrains and
backache
Rehabilitation for who lost sensation and
functions due to injury or illness

36. BIOLOGICALLY BASED TREATMENTS:
DIET THERAPHY:
The food must be taken in natural form. Fresh
seasonal fruits, fresh green leafy vegetables and
sprouts.
Classified into 3 types :
ELIMINATE DIET:
LIQUIDS:
Lemon, Citric juices, Tender cocunut water,
vegetable soups, Butter-milk, Wheat grass
juices, etc.

37. SOOTHING DIET:
Fruits, Salads,Boiled/Steamed Vegetables,
Sprouts, Vegetables, Chutney, etc.
CONSTRUCTIVE DIET:
Wholesome flour, Unpolished rice, Little pulses,
Sprouts, Curd, etc.
NUTRITIONAL THERAPY:
“ Our food is our medicine and
Our Medicine is our food”
Nutritional therapy is a system of healing based
on the beliefs that food as nature intended,
provides the medicine we need to obtain and
maintain a state of health.

38. NUTRITIONAL THERAPY APPLIED FOR:
Chronic fatigue
Energy Loss
Insomnia and depression
Backache and Headache
Skin Complaints
Asthma
MANIPULATE AND BODY-BASED METHODS:
CHIROPRACTICE:
It is a form of therapeutic manipulation that
focuses on the relationship between the
spinal column and the nervous system.

39. TREATED FOR:
Low back pain
Headache
Nerve impingement syndromes
COMPLICATIONS:
Spinal manipulation
(eg)Low back pain
Damage to cervical nerves
Damage to arteries in the neck

40. OSTEOPATHY:
It is a complete, holistic approach to medicine
that incorporates a form of manipulation similar
to chiropractic alongside conventional medical
technique.
MASSAGE THERAPY:
It is a form of body work that is used to
improve function within the body.
The therapists uses their hands in a variety of
different techniques manipulating soft tissues to
promote relaxation and improved circulation

41. MASSAGE THERAPY APPLIED FOR :
Muscle soreness
Pain due to back injuries
Fibromyalgia
Relieve anxiety in cancer patients
Effective in treating low birth weigh infants
preventing injury to the mother’s genitals
during childbirth
Relieving chronic constipation
Controlling Asthma

42. ENERGY THERAPIES:
HAND MEDIATED BIO-FIELD THERAPIES:
Therapeutic Touch (TT) is mostly secular
variant of faith healing, started by Dolores
Krieger 1970.
The TT practioner moves his hands over the
patients body, specifically the affected area
without actually touching the patient. No
evidence of effectiveness has been found.

43. BIO-ELECTROMAGNETIC THERAPY:
Bio- electromagnetic therapy (BT) is the
application of electromagnetic fields to treat
and prevent disease and promote health and
longevity.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ELECTRO-MAGNETIC
THERAPY:
1. CELLULAR EFFECTS:
 Enrich the oxygen in the cell
 Improve the utilization of O2
 Increase the metabolism
 Enhance ATP production

44. 2. ORGAN AND SYSTEM :
Collagen production
Calcium deposit
Stimulation of hyaluanoic and synthesis
3. VASCULAR EFFECTS:
Vasodilatation
Improvement of O2 partial pressure
OTHER THERAPIES:
REFLEXOLOGY:
A varient of massage therapy relies on manual
pressure applied to specific areas of the foot.
Stimulation of these areas is believed to eliminate
the blockage of energy responsible for pain or
disease in the corresponding body parts.

45. CURANDERISMO:
It is a cultural healing tradition found in latin
America. It utilizes western biomedical belief,
treatment & practices.
AROMA THERAPY:
It based on the healing power of plant oils which
may be massaged into the skin, inhaled or used in
the bath.
Aromatherapy massage relieved tension and
improves circulation and reduce anxiety in short
term settings, highly significant effects in
reducing agitation and increasing social
ineraction in dementia patients.

46. SPIRITUAL THERAPY:
Spiritual therapy is a form of counseling that
attempts to treat a persons soul as well as
mind and body by accessing individual belief
systems and using that faith in a higher power
to explore areas of conflict in life.
MUSIC THERAPY:
Music therapy is a therpeutic approach that
uses the naturally mood-lifting properties of
music to help people to improve their mental
health and overall well-being.
It is used with individuals of all ages and
with a variety of conditions including

47. Psychiatric disorders, Medical problems,
Physical handicaps, sensory impairements,
developmental disablilities, substance abuse,
communication disorders, interpersonal
problems and aging.
It also supports to imprve learning, build
self esteem, reduce stress, support physical
exercise and facilitate a host of other health
related activities.

48. HUMOUR AND LAUGHTER:
Laughing is found to lower blood pressure, reduce
stress harmones, increase muscle flexion and raising
immune function.
Humour is a universal language. It’s a contagious
emotion and a natural diversion. It brings other people
in and breaks down barriers. Best of all it is free and
has no known side reactions.
PHOTO ENERGY THERAPY:
Photo energy therapy(PET devices emit near infrared
light. This helps in vasodilating the capillaries and
venuoles in the micro circulatory system.
Complications are poor micro-circulation which
leads to pain and numbness in the extremities.

49. DETOXIFICATION THERAPY :
Detoxification therapy involves the removal
of toxic substances.
TREATMENT:
Physical check-up(x-ray, urine & blood sample)
Colonic irrigation, fasting , special diets,
heperthermia, other hydrotherapy
treatments.
Natural Supplements- Intake of massive
quantities of Vit.C, Vit.A, Vit.B, Vit.E, minerals
also suggested.

50. BENEFITS :
Anti-Aging
Improve Balance ( Digestive, harmonal & Nervous
system).
Increased Energy
Boost Immunity
Prevent Chronic illness
Weigh loss
AVOID DETOXIFICATION THERAPY WHEN:
Weak or underweight, Elderly
Pregnant & Nursing mothers
Ulcers and diabetics
Ulcerative colitis
Liver or Renal problems

51. ANIMAL –ASSISTED THERAPY:
People who have pets benefits in various
ways. For example, the comfort of physical
contact with animals reducing loneliness and
increased opportunities for meeting others via
the pets. In caring for pets encourages
nuturance, responsiblitiy and adherence to a
daily schedule.
HORICULTURAL THERAPY:
It is the practice of horiculture as therapy
to improve human well-being.
According to “American Horicultural
therapy Association”

52. Cont……
It is defined as “ a process utilizing plants and
horicultural activites to improve social,
educational phsyical adjustment of persons,
psychological improving their body, mind and
spirit.
Therapists are mostly the rehabilation teams(
with doctors, psychiatrists, psycholigists,
occupational therapists and others ) who involve
the client in all pshases of garderning – from
propagation to selling products as a means of
bringing about improvement in their life.

53. CONCLUSION:
A lot of research is being done in this field
and new drugs for treating more illness are
being explore the side effects and the
resistance to allopathy, drug is becoming a
human concern, so people are turning to
alternative approaches so the prospects of
alternative approach in the future are bright.