Healing the heart: integrating complementary therapies and healing practices into the care of cardiovascular patients.
Complementary therapies and healing practices have been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and lifestyle patterns known to contribute to cardiovascular disease. Promising therapies include imagery and hypnosis, meditation, yoga, tai chi, prayer, music, exercise, diet, and use of dietary supplements. Many of these complementary approaches to healing have been within the domain of nursing for centuries and can readily be integrated into the care of patients with cardiovascular disease. While individual complimentary modalities hold considerable merit, it is critical that the philosophy underlying these therapies--caring, holism, and harmony--also be understood and honored.
Kreitzer
Mary Jo
MJ
Center for Spirituality and Healing, University of Minnesota, MMC 505, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Snyder
Mariah
M
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome