The Benefits of Holistic Therapy for Psychological Disorders in Postpartum Mother: A Systematic Review

Physical and psychological changes during postpartum period can make postpartum mother vulnerable to psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze several holistic therapies that are beneficial for reducing psychological disorders during postpartum period. The inclusion criteria in this study were articles in english; samples in the form of postpartum mothers; and experimental research. There are 12 research articles that included in the analysis of this research, research articles on mindfulness (n = 4), massage (n = 4), and aromatherapy (n = 4). Holistic therapy can affect the regulation of the nervous system and reduce levels of cortisol hormone. Holistic therapies such as mindfulness, massage, and aromatherapy have been shown to be beneficial for reducing psychological disorders such as anxiety to depression in postpartum mothers which have an impact on increased relaxation and positive mood.

Interest and use of alternative/holistic therapies amongst cancer patients at a large urban safety-net hospital.

e18289 Background: Patient interest in alternative/holistic therapies during cancer treatment is common in oncology. Studies have shown that 1 in 3 cancer patients in Europe turn to alternative therapies in combination with conventional medicine. Observational studies have shown some benefit of herbal medications in treating chemotherapy-associated complications; however, there remains skepticism in clinical practice. This study was undertaken to evaluate the interest and use of alternative treatments amongst cancer patients at a large urban safety-net hospital. Methods: An anonymous optional survey was offered in a random fashion to malignant hematology/oncology patients at Cook County Hospital in downtown Chicago. Results: One hundred seventy patients completed the survey comprised of 51% men, 78% being over age 50, and 67% with a high school or higher level of education. Responses included 35% African Americans, 34% Hispanics, and 25% Caucasians. At the time of the survey 16% of patients were currently using alternative treatments, while another 12% were planning to. Eighty-seven percent stated that they believed alternative treatments were very/somewhat beneficial, 77% expressed being very/somewhat interested in their use, and 77% stated they were very/somewhat likely to use such treatments. The treatments of interest included herbal supplements/oils in 40%, meditation/prayer in 29%, and cleanses/diets in 26%. Media and internet were the primary sources of information for 41% patients, while 36% heard about these treatments from family/friends. Although 51% of patients described having some safety concerns of such therapies, 77% had not discussed with their doctor. Conclusions: Our data showed that 28% of patients were either already taking or planning to take alternative/holistic therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine for their cancer care. Data also shows that an even larger number of patients are interested in such options and perceive them to be beneficial; however, there is a general reluctance to discuss it with the treating physician. The use of complementary therapies needs to be more openly discussed in order to better guide patients and assure safety.[Table: see text]

Nursing Students’ Attitudes and Use of Holistic Therapies for Stress Relief

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore student nurses’ openness to using or recommending holistic therapies, the strategies they use to manage stress from school or work, and their perceptions of the impact of holistic therapies on personal health. Study Design: Qualitative component of a quasi-experimental, mixed-methods study. Methods: A convenience sample of undergraduate nursing students in a southeastern U.S. university completed baseline surveys, including demographics and three open-ended questions regarding attitudes toward holistic therapies and strategies used for stress management. Qualitative thematic analysis was undertaken to identify recurring themes in textual data. Findings: Students are open to using or recommending holistic therapies but identify lack of knowledge and lack of time as barriers to their practice. Among strategies used by student nurses to manage stress from school or work were physical activity, prayer and meditation, time management, distraction, socialization, artistic pursuits, animal interactions, and other activities. Themes describing holistic therapies’ impact on personal health were wholeness, self-empowerment, relaxation/restoration, and alternative/complement to traditional medicine. Conclusions: Findings indicate receptiveness by student nurses to the use of holistic therapies but point to the need for the inclusion of informational as well as experiential education on holistic therapies within nursing curricula.

ZASTOSOWANIE KONCEPCJI TENSEGRACJI STRUKTURALNEJ W MANIPULACJACH POWIĘZIOWYCH© WEDŁUG STECCO

Low therapeutic efficacy in a number of cases involving the musculoskeletal system may be caused by a wrong diagnosis, the misunderstanding of the essence of the problem, pathogen or improper treatment. Therapy may be applied to the wrong area (at the site of pain) or may cover an area that is too small. The paper presents the theory of structural tensegrity (along with the anatomical and physiological grounds), which is based on a number of modern holistic therapies. One such method is the method of fascial manipulation by Stecco, described in outline in this article. This article also describes the structure and functions of the fascia since understanding of this structure was the cause of the emergence of new concepts and therapies.