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Introduction to
Complementary,
Alternative, and
Traditional Therapies
DEBRA KRAMLICH, RN, MSN, CCRN
The use of complementary, alternative, and traditional therapies is increasing in the United States, and patients
and their families are bringing these practices into the acute care setting. Acute and critical care nurses are in
a unique and trusted position to advocate for their patients and to promote safe incorporation of complementary, alternative, and traditional therapies into the plan of care. (Critical Care Nurse. 2014;34[6]:50-57)
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Table
Common examples, uses, and potential safety concerns of selected complementary, alternative, and traditional therapies
Uses
Black cohosh
Hormonal balance
Echinacea
Colds
Garlic
Infection, hypertension,
hyperlipidemias
Ginkgo biloba
Ginseng
Mood stabilization
Licorice
Ma huang (ephedra)
Examples
Therapy
Biologically based therapies
St Johns wort
Mind-body therapies
Valerian
Biofeedback
Considered safe
Hypnotherapy
Qigong/tai chi
Yoga
Alexander technique/Feldenkrais
method/Trager psychophysical
movement
Chiropractic medicine
Osteopathic manipulative
medicine
Rolfing/structural integration
Hands-on manipulation of
deep connective tissue
Syncope, numbness/tingling
after manipulation, cerebrovascular events, people may
stop taking prescribed
medications
Relatively safe but reports of
aggravation of underlying
conditions/symptoms
Should be avoided by those
with bleeding, connective
tissue, and bone disorders
Continued
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Table
Therapy
Energy therapies
Examples
Acupuncture, acupressure,
shiatsu
Magnet therapy
Reflexology
Hmong
Homeopathy
Naturopathy
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Continued
Uses
Stimulation of specific body
points by using small
needles or the fingers
Application or wearing of
magnets
Application of pressure to
specific points and areas on
the feet, hands, or ears
Various forms of gentle, nonmanipulative light touch or
slightly hands-off the body
Balancing cooking, timing,
and consumption foods, use
of herbal compounds,
behavioral routines
Use cupping (creating suction) and coining (rubbing
coin over skin)
Dilute substances tailored
for specific patient, regulated
by the Food and Drug
Administration
Combination of nutrition,
herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and
lifestyle adjustment
In addition to herbs and
acupuncture, use moxibustion (burning of mugwort)
No known contraindications
or safety issues
Contamination and toxic
effects associated with
some herbal compounds
Inflammation, bleeding
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