Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to C Stevensen.
Whilst a tiny snapshot, it is clear that lay interpretations of complementary medicine vary considerably. You may wish to try this exercise to explore peoples' perceptions of this form of medicine and we would welcome responses to these questions. When practising CM it is easy to assume others share our health care perceptions and this may not always be the case.
As this editorial comes in the first issue of the last year of a millennium, it may be the time to examine our position in a global context. Our efforts to include complementary therapies in nursing and midwifery in the more privileged and western world often seem to be a frustrating struggle, tolerated and involving a steep learning curve for all those involved. Fifteen years ago, I used to say that in 25 years time, there would be a merging and integration and fuller acceptance of orthodox and complementary medicine. I am optimistic that my current target of 10 years will still hold, as indeed we have seen this happen already in the areas of palliative care and some more acute conditions. We can, however, become quite despondent with the challenge that remains in front of us and wonder if it is worth our time and energy. It is for this reason that I would like to present a more global picture, to help us appreciate how relatively easy we have it in our organized health systems compared to other more disadvantaged countries in the world.
This paper offers a brief mind-body view of: What the whole person is The four aspects of life: physical, emotional, mental, subtle energy states. The concept that health and wellbeing is analogous to developing musical harmony between the four aspects. Each aspect can be imagined as a musical note. When in balance the harmony between the notes is clear. When out of balance the effect is discordant. Ways that personal performance may be enhanced by the integration of these four aspects including self help approaches, mindful bodywork and energetic medicines. 'When we are whole, we shall be healed...' (Caroline Stevensen).
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This article aims to develop the nurse's knowledge of the range of complementary therapies available and how they can benefit patients. It relates to UKCC Professional Development categories Care enhancement and Patient, family, client and colleague support.
Shiatsu is a deep and effective hands-on treatment for many conditions as well as being very relaxing and providing support for general health and well-being. Through the balancing of the body's energy, better physiological and psychological functioning can occur. Recommendations for diet and lifestyle based on traditional Chinese medicine theory can also be offered, according to individual need. The 3-year part-time training in shiatsu is demanding but enables the nurse using shiatsu to offer a particularly beneficial complementary therapy.
Common misunderstandings exist surrounding the use of complementary therapies for patients with cancer. These problems and misunderstandings may prevent some patients from receiving these potentially beneficial treatments which may enhance quality of life, offer symptomatic relief and self help. Many of these misunderstandings are based on heresay and lack of awareness concerning the role that these therapies may play in complementary cancer care. It is the aim of this article to help dispel these misunderstandings and to provide a greater degree of clarity in this area. In this way, patients may be able to receive the full benefit of a range of complementary therapies in cancer care.
The provision of complementary cancer care is a developing field. Recent surveys into the provision of complementary therapies have targeted not only the consumer but also the purchasers and providers of health care. There is interest amongst health authorities regarding the provision of complementary medicine as a cost effective intervention in the management of chronic conditions. There are a number of recent studies which aimed to address this issue. The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital NHS Trust (RLHH), offers homoeopathy and other complementary therapies to support people living with cancer. A Macmillan Nurse, specialising in Complementary Therapies, was appointed at the RLHH to further develop the program of complementary cancer care. A patient survey performed to assist the development of the program showed that people living with cancer most wanted psychological help from complementary therapies. Since the provision of designated programs of complementary cancer care, expansion in the range of therapies offered has taken place.
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage, working on the meridian system of the body; the energetic pathways along which the acupuncture points are placed. The theory for shiatsu is based in the system of traditional Chinese medicine, understood in China for over 2000 years. Shiatsu can be valuable for reintegrating the body, mind and spirit, helping with the general energy level of the body as well as specific symptoms. Its role in western palliative care is little studied to date. This paper explores the potential benefits of shiatsu in this setting and cites a case example where it has been beneficial. Feelings of deep relaxation, support and increased vitality are common following a shiatsu treatment. The method, strength and frequency of treatment can be varied to suit individual need. Shiatsu should be considered when thinking of complementary methods of support in palliative care.
The provision of complementary cancer care is a developing field. Recent surveys into the provision of complementary therapies have targeted not only the consumer but also the purchasers and providers of health care. There is interest amongst health authorities regarding the provision of complementary medicine as a cost effective intervention in the management of chronic conditions. There are a number of recent studies which aimed to address this issue. The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital NHS Trust (RLHH), offers homoeopathy and other complementary therapies to support people living with cancer. A Macmillan Nurse, specialising in Complementary Therapies, was appointed at the RLHH to further develop the programme of complementary cancer care. A patient survey performed to assist the development of the programme showed that people living with cancer most wanted psychological help from complementary therapies. Since the provision of designated programmes of complementary cancer care, expansion in the range of therapies offered has taken place.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
In this paper, non-pharmacological aspects of acute pain management were explored. Much of the research to date with regard to pain management, has been done, addressing the needs of chronic rather than acute pain. It is thought that misconceptions are still held by some health care professionals regarding the adequacy of pharmacology to deal totally with the problems of acute pain management, and it is of more importance to concentrate on issues associated with chronic pain. This is borne out by the relative attention paid to acute and chronic pain in the current body of research. Some aspects of non-pharmacological methods of pain management have been well researched over the last 20 to 30 years, whilst others are more recent innovations. Non-pharmacological aspects of acute pain management were examined under two headings: 1. Psychological approaches: including preoperative information giving, cognitive methods, relaxation training, distraction, guided imagery, humour, hypnosis, music and biofeedback. 2. Complementary therapies and other techniques: including both hands on and other physical therapies using equipment: massage, aromatherapy, reflex zone therapy, acupuncture, shiatsu, therapeutic touch and TENS. There is a sound body of knowledge to support the use of many of the established nonpharmacological methods in the management of acute pain. These include: appropriate preoperative information giving, preoperative relaxation, guided imagery and breathing training, cognitive reframing, distraction in both visual and auditory (music) forms, massage, acupuncture, TENS. Other methods which may be of assistance in acute pain management but are inconclusive in their effect from the current body of available research and may require further examination include: hypnosis, humour therapy, biofeedback techniques, aromatherapy, reflex zone therapy, shiatsu, Therapeutic Touch.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.