Question

Hello, I would like to know about special consideration that take into account the patients specific culture. Know about different cultural styles of communication. What are alternative health practices, hebal and alternative medications. I am preparing for Hesi final test tomorrow. I am reviewing intercultural communication. Thank you.

Answer 1

Ans.

Defined as the degree to which cultural awareness plays a role interactions with a particular cultural group. Learn more in: Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism: A Latin American Case.

In essence, it is nursing that seeks to provide care that acknowledges and is congruent with a patient's culture, values, beliefs and practices – the crux of which is good communication between the healthcare professional, the patient and their family.

Nursing consideration and implications are generally summed up as being what a nurse needs to know and do in a particular situation

Cultural Considerations for Health Professionals

• Language barriers.
• Unfamiliarity with the concept of palliative care/hospice settings.
• Distrust of health care services/clinicians.
• Personal experiences/past trauma.
• Religious differences.
• Belief in alternative medicines.
• Fear of the unknown.

Cultural style of communication -

The effect of these changes is reflected in the communication behavior of people. Past experiences, perception, and cultural background greatly affect the way people talk and behave. Culture plays an important role in shaping the style of communication. Generally, people react to how we speak rather than what we say.

Cultural styles refer to distinctive characteristics in artworks throughout a particular society or culture. Some main elements of cultural styles are recurring motifs, created in the same way by many artists. Cultural styles are formed over hundreds or even thousands of years and help define cultural identity.

Alternative medical systems are entire systems of health theory and practice (including traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, naturopathy, and homeopathy) that developed separately from conventional medicine.

Traditional alternative medicine may include:

Acupuncture.

Ayurveda.

Homeopathy.

Naturopathy.

Chinese or Oriental medicine.

Most Popular Alternative Healing Therapies-

Acupuncture – One of the better known alternative healing therapies is acupuncture. The healing technique has its origin in ancient China and has been practiced for thousands of years. Acupuncture practioners believe that diseases and ailments are caused due to imbalances of universal energies. In our body there are invisible paths through which the energies Ying and Yang run. These two opposing forces are constantly merging, but can also become unbalanced. The energy network of the body has specific acupuncture points that are linked with various organs or body functions. In acupuncture needles are inserted into the subcutaneous connective tissue at these very specific points which in turn helps balance, slow down or stimulate certain energies and thus provide healing.

Acupressure – Acupressure just like acupuncture works on the principal of various specific points being energy centers of the human body. Stimulation of these points helps correct imbalances in the flow of life energy and thus provides healing. In acupressure correct amount of pressure is applied at these vital points in the human body using hands, elbows or specific devices to release blockages and provide healing.

Ayurveda – Ayurveda is an ancient healing practice that originated in India. The word Ayurveda is made from two words Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge. Ayurveda is a natural healing technique that establishes balanced in the body by bringing balance in the three fundamental life forces in our bodies known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurveda teaches living in harmony with nature and using the human body self healing powers. Other than herbal remedies Ayurveda also uses techniques such as meditation, breathing and Yoga.

Aromatherapy – Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that uses aroma of essential oils to improve health, vitality and emotional well-being. Although aromatherapy has mention in both ancient Indian and Chinese healing techniques but the discovery of modern day aromatherapy is attributed to French pharmacist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. In aromatherapy essential oils can be used as ointments, infusions or lotions externally. They can also be used internally; wherein they can be mixed with food and consumed.

Reiki – Reiki is a energy healing process which originated in Tibet and Japan. The word Reiki means Universal Life Energy. Reiki was rediscovered in Japan in the nineteenth century by Dr. Mikao Usui from Kyoto, Japan who named it Rei-Ki. Reiki is very simple; it works by the imposition of hands on different parts of the body, energy centers, thus giving vital energy to all organs. During Reiki sessions the practitioner does not use his own energy but serves as a channel and directs the universal energy towards the receiver by using his hands. Reiki provides healing by bringing harmony and physical, emotional, mental and spiritual balance in the body.

Homeopathy – Homeopathy originated in Germany in the 18th century. It is one of the more popular and accepted types of alternative medicine. Homeopathy is based on the philosophy that both the cure and the ailment come from the same situation. The substance, which causes a disease in high doses, gives a medicinal effect when used in very low doses. Thus similar symptoms to that of the ailment are created to cure the ailment. Homeopathy also uses herbs and natural medicines.

Naturopathy – Naturopathy as the name suggest is an alternate healing therapy in which only natural methods are used to assists the human body’s self healing ability. Healing therapies such as herbalism, color therapy, ozone therapy, reflexology, massage therapy and others may be classified under naturopathy.