Holistic Health Care Research Paper

It could be considered that conventional medicine has indirectly contributed to the rise of complementary and alternative medicine. A broad definition of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country’s own tradition or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the dominant health-care system” (The World Health Organisation, n.d.). Expanding on this definition it is important to address the variable similarities of CAM modalities. CAM therapies across the various modalities have in common a shared, in varying degrees, holistic approach and subscribe to some form of vitality - a contrast from the science-based view point of conventional medicine prevalent in western society. In spite of CAM therapies empirical nature and efficacies, it is suggested that dissatisfaction of conventional medicine underpins the popularity it has garnered, thus, it will be examined further as to how and why. A further discussion will be made to related dangers of both alternative and science-based medicine; providing an opportunity to constructively educate the public on the differences between the two systems.

Holistic Medicine, commonly referred to as “Alternative Medicine”, is a vast and rapidly growing new scientific field. It is derived mainly from ancient, traditional methods of healing that have often been practiced in the East for centuries. These include a variety of techniques from herbal healing to acupuncture to homeopathy to energy channeling. Due to the large number of methods that are covered by the term, there are various definitions of Holistic Medicine. However, all literature seems to agree that Alternative Medicine, is exactly what the name suggests: an ‘alternative’ approach to healing and medicine. It is a more personal move toward health care, which attempts to connect the mind, body and spirit.

Healthcare is a collaborative approach and Holistic is becoming the new age medicine. Patients looking for home remedies to treat symptoms and diseases rather than go to a physician and get placed on life-long medication. Mind, body, and spirituality is my way of practice. I will pray for the veterans even without them knowing it.

Today we have alternative medicine which was developed thousands of years ago and have a long-standing historical value of effectiveness, advantages, and some drawbacks. Diagnosis was the first approach to any illness. Alternative medicine looks at the factors of equilibrium and the environment in which one lives and the disease is considered an imbalance between the two; cleansing the whole body than on a particular problem to get the balance back in sync. Very much the description of the Buddhist and the Greek cultures of medicine and healing the

Healthcare treatments are no longer being determined by set protocols for a particular diagnosis or disease process. Increasingly more common, individualized, patient-driven adaptations are being implemented to improve adherence and compliance with treatment. Society as a whole is changing. The influx of immigrants, cultural variations, and increased interest in “natural healing” therapies within the U.S., has fueled a growth in the use of natural and alternative medicine practices. Holistic healthcare lends a unique facet in making these adaptations to medical care conceivable. Through employing the unique relationship formed between nurses and patients collaboration in care, including the use of complementary and alternative medicine practices (CAM), can be easily managed (Barnes, Bloom, & Nahin, 2008). This alliance among nurses and patients in appraising all options, including CAM practices when appropriate, supports the patient’s right to be informed in regards to their care prior to consent.

The human-animal bond is a very powerful connection, built strongly on the practices of healing and understanding. The relation is mutually beneficial for both parties, stimulating better health in both the human and his or her animal companion. Animal-assisted therapy utilizes this unique connection to treat those suffering from a variety of illnesses, diseases, and disorders. More specifically, the use of therapy dogs is the most common form of animal-assisted therapy. Their services are vastly used all around the world and are quickly growing in popularity as one of the most practiced therapeutic methods to date. Although this therapeutic method is becoming so prominent, there are many still questioning whether animal-assisted therapy is

I am debating between two different research questions. The first one is, “Are there health benefits from owning a pet?” and the second one is “ How are pets being used for therapeutic needs and is this reliable?” I have always been interested in animals since I was a little girl. Besides my love for dance, my affinity for animals is just as great. My ultimate goal is to go to vet school, hopefully at The University of Florida, and then eventually own my own general practice clinic. My family has always had some sort of pet in the household as my brother and I were growing up. The pets include: a Bichon, German Shepard, and a Yorkshire Terrier. Throughout my years of having a pet it has become apparent to me that I am a much calmer and happier

When you own a pet, you commit to taking care of that pet just as you would take care of one of your children. This includes feeding them, bathing them, providing suitable housing and taking care of their medical problems.

The population is aging. The older population has grown discontented with traditional medicine methods and they look for alternative ways to treat their aches and pains. Holistic healing is a method that has gained tremendous acceptance across the country and the world. Holistic medicine is concerned about treating the entire person. Therefore, their methods might center on paying stronger attention to the body and mind connection. However, it is important to understand that Holistic Healing centers vary. Some of the centers might specialize in Chinese traditional medicine or another method.

More and more of us are opting for natural pet health care for our cats and dogs. Over 13 million Americans are choosing homeopathic and alternative pet care treatment. There have always been a number of natural care options that have proven to work for humans. One of these is acupuncture and this is a technique that is beneficial to animals too.

However while resulting to traditional medical practices, holistic nurses may also join complimentary and alternative medicine. These will consist of meditation, acupuncture, therapeutic massage and dietary recommendations. Holistic nurses also provides supplementation with natural herbs and medications where they don’t affect with the patient’s existing prescriptions

I do not think that holistic treatments should be used in vet clinics due to the fact that they have not undergone as vigorous testing and screening as the modern medicine treatments offered in clinics so they should not be offered at the same location. When a vet is deciding whether to offer holistic treatments they would have to consider the possible effectiveness of the treatment on the specific animal and the possible side effects that the animal may have because of the treatment. Another factor that might influence this decision is if the animal has ever had the same holistic treatment and how the animal reacted to the treatment, whether it was a good or bad reaction. If I were a vet I would offer holistic treatments but only in a clinic

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated (Gandhi).” Animals have become an important part of life for many people. In 2011, the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 56% of households owned pets (“Vital Statistics”). With the increasing numbers of pets, there comes a heightened need to make preventative veterinary medicine more affordable and its benefits more widely known. Many pet owners are not aware of many diseases or health risks that their animals face. Veterinarians are beginning to suggest preventative health care plans to clients to help ensure that their pet lives a high

The best way to ensure that your pet stays healthy is to maintain the proper care routine. This includes:

These therapies have proved to be of much benefit in supporting the normal healing course of the body. Even though there are many modern alternative remedies, with different beliefs, all of them operate under some common principles. One of these principles is that the body has the capacity to heal naturally and maintain stability (Paquette, 2000). The other one is that adverse health conditions can occur as a result of factors emanating from mind, emotions and the body. Alternative medicine, according to Goldberg, Trivieri and Anderson, (2002), focuses on determining the chief cause of a particular condition, and dealing with the whole person rather that concentrating on symptoms. If a person pays close attention to his/her health he/she can contribute to his/her wellbeing. Alternative medicine holds firmly to the principle that one treatment cannot be used for all people even though they may be suffering from the same condition. Each and every person as per alternative medicine has distinct bodily, mind and spiritual make up (Goldberg, Trivieri and Anderson, 2002).