Complementary and alternative medicine interventions in critical incident stress management

¶ … Cave Paintings

Complementary and Alternative Medicine and CISM in Diverse Populations

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as often referred to as integrated medicine. This term refers to therapies used to enhance health that fall outside the realm of conventional or "western" medical therapies. Southern Medical therapies are often limited to pharmaceutical drugs, surgery, and other interventions that directly affect the body. CAM therapies can simply refer to culturally-based medical practices that are not part of mainstream medicine in the United States. Recently, the trend is toward using CAM therapies along with evidence-based Western medical practices. This research will explore CAM interventions for diverse populations within the scope of the CISM plan.

CAM Interventions for prevention of Stress and Resilience

One of the most widely accepted areas for the use of CAM interventions is in the area of stress reduction, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions that are common symptoms of critical incident stress.CAM interventions for the symptoms include yoga, Tai Chi, acupuncture, besides, chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, and diet-base therapies GoodTherapy.org, 2011). Integrated therapy is becoming more common in recent years. Mind-body therapies including biofeedback, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, meditation, and relaxation training are used to help regulate ones mood, make improvements to the level of physical energy, and to foster an overall sense of well being (GoodTherapy.org., 2011). These techniques can be presented as part of other more traditional forms of western therapy. The ability to integrate these new techniques into talk therapy is a key reason for using them to relieve the symptoms associated with critical incident stress management.

The use of folk remedies is particularly popular among Hispanic populations. The most popular remedies among this population are herbal remedies and supplements and massage therapy (Palinkas, & Kabongo, 2000). Hispanic populations are more likely to be exposed to these culturally-based folk remedies through their community. Due to strong cultural beliefs in the effectiveness of these remedies, members of this cultural population should have access to traditional approaches as part of the targeted CISM strategy for this population.

Asian populations are more likely to respond to traditional therapies such as yoga or Tai Chi to help manage symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. African-American populations are more likely to use vitamins or supplements to relieve their symptoms (Powell-Griner, McFran, & Nahin et al., 2002). Appropriate CAM interventions will be made available to these populations through the CISM plan. To kiss events may choose the traditional therapies offered as part of program, or they may opt for a strictly CAM intervention. They may also choose to combine Western and cam therapies. Cultural traditions play a key role in the success of CAM interventions for emotional issues. These methods will be part of the prevention and resilience phases of the CISM strategy.

CAM and Acute Stress

It is expected that CAM interventions will be most helpful for those that are on the experiencing mild stress. However, some CAM interventions may be helpful to relieve the symptoms of acute stress and populations. Acute stress can occur in any population and some populations. Responses to CAM therapy are closely tied to cultural traditions that are associated with it. Those who have a stronger believe in the ability of CAM therapy are more likely to respond to it than those that do not carry a strong belief in the method being used. Regardless of the therapy for the special population, communication between the therapist, group leaders and the patient play an essential role in the success of that therapy (Ahin, Ngo-Metzger, & Legedza et al., 2006).

Acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal remedies, massage therapy, homey alpaca, energy healing, and biofeedback or prove it approved affective and the relief of acute stress (Kutch, 2010). According this study, not only have these techniques if it proved effective in treating acute stress, they have also proven to be cost effective when compared to traditional therapies as well. Using any means possible that is effective in reducing acute stress will help to improve the long-term prognosis of the patient.

CAM and PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops as result of high daily stress and can have a significant negative impact on mental health. In studies with veterans, CAM interventions were found to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms (Money, 2010). According to this study, some of the most effective techniques for improvement, or the long-term reduction of PTSD symptoms are meditation, yoga, creative arts therapies, herbal supplements and acupuncture.

Treatment of PTSD is similar to that of acute stress. CAM techniques can help reduce the level of anxiety and its accompanying symptoms, regardless of whether it is PTSD or acute. CAM therapies are more effective on long-term stress than on rapid onset, short-term stressful conditions. CAM techniques are more effective on milder forms of stress, but in a reduction in the level of stress, regardless of the place in the CISM planned, CAM techniques will help to improve outcomes for patients. In a reduction in stress is helpful.

Program Funding and Rationale

Currently, a budget of $500.000 has been set aside for the provision of CAM therapies to those who wish to participate in them. Of this $500,000, $15,000 will be used to develop in print brochures and information to provide to those participating in the CISM program. The brochures and informational packets will inform them about the various types of interventions that are available through the program and on the effectiveness of the prevention of long-term stress related health conditions. It will also be informed helps take part in the programs, should they choose to do so.

There a vast number of CAM interventions available. A pre-approved, prescreened list of providers will be provided to the patients. In order to receive funds for treatment through the program, patients will have to choose from the priest been blessed a providers. The scope of treatments available on the list will be sufficient to make certain that the concerns of various ethnic groups are addressed. The balance of the funds for CAM services will be used to provide for the needs of the patients. This program will provide those who are in need of the services many alternatives to help prevent and resolve stress related issues as result of the critical incident.