Complementary Therapies Study Guide Flashcards

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Complementary care

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Integrates conventional medicine with unconventional practices. It complements standard treatments and works alongside them.

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Alternative care

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Replaces conventional medicine with unconventional health practices. It is used in place of standard treatments rather than in addition to them.

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Integrative care

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A coordinated combination of conventional and unconventional approaches. It aims to bring the best of both worlds to support patient health.

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Canadian Holistic Nurses Association (CHNA)

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Established to foster holistic nursing as a specialty. It provides practice guidelines; regulation varies by province/territory.

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Natural Health Products (NHP)

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Regulated under Health Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. They occur naturally from plants, animals, microorganisms, or marine sources.

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Aloe

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Used as a laxative and for skin conditions. Also included in topical preparations for skin irritations.

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Echinacea

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Often used to treat upper respiratory tract illness and support immune function. Commonly used during colds.

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Garlic

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Used to lower high cholesterol and support cardiovascular health. May interact with anticoagulants and certain medications.

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Ginger

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Eases nausea and vomiting. Widely used for gastrointestinal discomfort and motion sickness.

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Gingko Biloba

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Used to treat dementia and some eye problems. May influence cognitive function and blood flow, with potential interactions.

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Ginseng

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Improves mental and physical performance. Often used as an adaptogen to support energy and stress response.

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St. John’s Wort

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Used to treat mild depression. Interactions with many medications are important to monitor.

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Kava

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Used to treat anxiety. Potential liver toxicity risk; use with caution especially with other depressants.

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Cannabis

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Contains cannabinoids that interact with brain and body receptors. Administered by inhalation, oral ingestion, sublingual, topical, and rectal.

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THC

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One of the primary cannabinoids in cannabis. Contributes to psychoactive effects and symptom modulation.

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CBD

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Another primary cannabinoid; non-psychoactive and used for symptom management with fewer intoxicating effects.

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Terpenes

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A class of compounds in cannabis that contribute to flavor, aroma, and possibly effect; work alongside cannabinoids to influence outcomes.

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Acupuncture

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Traditional Chinese Medicine intervention involving insertion of needles at specific points. Used to manage pain and other symptoms.

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Massage therapy

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Nursing PM care includes massage to promote relaxation and stimulate circulation. Be mindful of cultural beliefs and patient comfort.

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Therapeutic touch

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A hand-based energy therapy intended to detect and balance the human energy field. Used to promote relaxation and reduce pain and distress.