title: Spontaneous normal sinus rhythm conversion using integrative medicine in atrial fibrillation.
abstract: The relationship between acute life stress and the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been noted in the literature. However, the use of integrative medicine (IM) in restoring cardiac rhythm has not been adequately studied. This case report describes how an IM approach was used in a patient with atrial fibrillation and acute pain. Spontaneous cardioversion to normal sinus rhythm occurred during the IM session, in addition to marked decreases in self-reported pain, anxiety, and nausea at the conclusion of IM treatment. These results provide initial support that for some cases of AF, IM therapies can help to reduce costs via avoidance of additional hospitalization, electrocardioversion, and general anesthesia.
authors.affiliation: Wendy S. Farrar, MSW, NCTMB, is an integrative health practitioner at Penny George Institute for Health and Healing and Allina Health/Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Wendy S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Farrar
authors.forename: Amber L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Fyfe-Johnson
authors.forename: Courtney J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Baechler
authors.forename: Jeffery A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Dusek
keywords: India; Sinus rhythm; anxiety; aromatherapy; atrial fibrillation; cardiac; case reports; coronary heart disease; guided imagery; hypertension; massage; nausea; obesity; pain; stress