The Heart Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center is at
the forefront of incorporating integrative, or complementary,
therapies with the newest medical technology for cardiac
care. The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program uses holistic
therapies to promote a patient’s innate healing ability.
Holistic therapies are administered before and after cardiac
surgery to promote a positive state of mind that contributes
to health and well-being.
The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program is led by two Certified
Advanced Practice Holistic Nurses who are specially trained
to care for cardiac patients using complementary medicine
and therapies.
Their goal is to empower patients to heal themselves by treating
their integrated “whole” selves – mind,
body and spirit.
Sympathetic nervous system activity, the
so-called “flight or fight” reaction, is decreased.
That allows the calming effects of the parasympathetic
nervous system, which is responsible for the rest and repair
of the body, to take place.
The immune system is bolstered, as the
brain sends signals along nerves to enhance the body's defenses
and ability to combat infection.
The endocrine system, which governs hormones
that influence stress, pain and anxiety, starts releasing
endorphins, a body chemical that can improve moods and reduce
pain sensation.
Breathing Meditation is used to promote
healing and relaxation, enhance immunity and reduce vulnerability
to illness. Focusing on the breath can help clear the mind
of negative thoughts so patients can relax, live more fully
in the present and better cope with stress and anxiety.
Reiki is a hands-on therapy that supports
internal healing and promotes rest and relaxation. Translated
from Japanese, Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) means
universal life force. Reiki directs the flow of Reiki energy
to the patient and to the area where he/she needs it most.
Guided Imagery, which is used to help decrease
a patient's anxiety and stress by using the imagination to
promote physical changes that enhance the body's natural
healing abilities. It also is used to help replace negative,
self-defeating thoughts with positive, empowering ones, so
patients regain a sense of control over their lives.
Reflexology, which is based on the traditional
Eastern philosophy that qi (pronounced “chee”),
or life energy, flows through the body along pathways called
meridians. But sometimes that energy becomes blocked. The
soles of the feet have reflexes, or pressure sensors, that
correspond to different parts of the body. Pressure is applied
to those reflex points to promote the flow of energy and
to stimulate the release of toxins.
Pet Therapy is a holistic treatment supported
by studies that show patients can benefit physically by being
with animals. Pet therapy can lower blood pressure and reduce
stress for cardiac patients. Several pet therapy dogs visit
patients at their bedside on a regular basis.
Scientific evidence is mounting that complementary medicine,
also known as alternative medicine, is effective. Random
clinical trials have documented improved health outcomes
when complementary medicine therapies are integrated into
care.
There have been similar findings regarding the effectiveness
of holistic medicine on cardiovascular care and cardiac surgery.
Based on more than 200 studies, improved outcomes resulted
when stress management and psychosocial interventions are included
in treatment. Many studies have demonstrated that patients
who use meditation and relaxation techniques see significant
decline in blood pressure. Cardiac surgery patients can also
reduce their pain through psychological support, affirmations,
and stress-reduction training. In addition, many heart surgery
patients have shorter hospital stays than those who only receive
traditional medical care.
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