ALTERNATIVE &

COMPLEMENTARY
THERAPIES IN PREGNANCY

A.PUSHPALATHA
MSc (N) 1ST YEAR
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
VIJAY MARIE COLLEGE OF NURSING
 INTRODUCTION

1. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) includes

various healing process and therapies that originate from
around that are not based on conventional western
medicines, these therapies are called alternative medicines
when they are used with conventional medicine.
 DEFINITIONS


Alternative medicine :Health as a balanced body systems physical,
emotional and spiritual environment involving the whole patient approach
to holistic.

Complementary medicine: complementary and alternative medicine is a
group of diverse medical and health care system practices and products
that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine.
There are various modalities which can be used as alternative or complimentary therapy in pregnancy they areas follows:

 Acupuncture  Herbal medication

 Acupressure  Nutrition and exercise
 Massage therapy  Chiro practice
 Aroma therapy
 Osteopathy
 Homeopathy
 Craniosacral therapy
 Yoga
 Brief overview of selected therapies
Tradition Chinese medicine.
o Originated in china 4000 years ago.
o It is the harmony and balance of qi ( pronounced chee) in the body.
o Qi is defined as the essence and the basis of all life , or the vital
energy
o It warms the body , keeps the mind active, creates breath , expels
the baby , and gives us each distance personality.
o The general category of qi can be broken in to Yin and Yang which
represents the dualistic poles of nature.
 ACUPRESSURE:
 Energy travels on defined pathways throughout the body , called
meridians, and on each meridian, series of points corresponds to
body function and various organs.

 Practitioners of TCM belive that by massaging or compressing a

given point, the body energy to that corresponding organ or
system can be restored or changed.
 Continued…….
 Energy travels on defined pathways throughout the body , called meridians,
and on each meridian, series of points corresponds to body function and
various organs.
Practitioners of TCM believe that by massaging or compressing a given point, the
body energy to that corresponding organ or system can be restored or changed.
.
The depth of the puncture varies depending on the location and treatment
effect desired.
Once placed the needles are retains for a varied length of time, most commonly
between 15 and 45 minutes.
Acupressure might increase blood flow to the uterus , influence hormonal
responses and stimulate uterine contractions.
 HOMEOPATHY
 Homeopathy is asystem of healing founded by Samuel Hahnemann,
a german physician in the late 1700”s
 Homeopathic practitioners believe that each client is unique
individual , and care is directed to create and prescribe a remedy
specific to that person.
 Although many standards remedies exist practitioners often blend
individual remedies based on the clients specific needs.
 AROMA THERAPY
 Essential oils from the base of aroma therapy and influence
the mind, body, and spirit.
Click icon to add picture
 These olis are the concentrated extracts of plants and their
roots , stem, flowers, and fruits.

 Essential oils are concentrated and must be diluted by

mixing up with carrier oils before application.

 Only a few pure essential oils like lavender and tea tree can
be applied directly to the skin.
 Continued…..
 It is described as the therapeutic application of essential
oils through the skin using the mediums of lotions, creams,
or the methods of inhalation or massage.

 As the oils are absorbed in the body there are

pharmacologic, physiologic and psychological reactions

 continued…….

 The word hypnosis originates from the Greek :hypnos” which

means sleep , hypnosis is not sleep but a state of alternative
and focused concentration in which the patient can be
relatively un aware , not yet not completely blind to their
surroundings.

 It is a form of deep relaxation with an alert mind producing

alpha waves.

 In this state critical faculties are suspended and the

subconscious mind can be more easily accessed.
 YOGA THERAPY

Yoga provides structural exercise that can increase strength,

flexibility and endurance, improved mental attitude , increased

self esteem , better sleep, healthier eating habits and better
communication pathways between body mind and spirit.

 Yoga should be started before conception or at the beginning of

the pregnancy to strengthen the body in preparation for
increased weight of the baby in third trimester.

 Yoga can promote good posture, which can help prevent sciatic
nerve discomfort as well as back pain.
 CHIRO PRACTIC

 The science of chiro practice focuses on the

relationship of the nervous system to the
mechanical frame work of body.

 Chiropractors generally manipulate only the

protruding parts of the spinal vertebrate , but
the focus is on attaining a holistic balance of
the body.
 The following are the aims of the chiropractic treatment during pregnancy
 Improve spinal alignment and stability of the pelvis.
 Minimize Musculo skeletal and related discomforts.
 Optimize neurological function.
 Improve posture.
 Provide better space and environment for the baby.
 Reduce stress.
 Enhance self image and feelings of wellbeing.
 Enable the body to work at its optimum during and after
labor.
Accelerate postpartum recovery
 MASSAGE THERAPY:

 The benefits of therapeutic massage are vast and include

physical, emotional, and mental effects.

 Physical, emotional and mental effects gentle massage

can be especially beneficial for women with a high risk
pregnancy , complicated by multiple gestations , preterm
labor, or both.
Physically massage can reduce cortisol levels and blood
pressure, increase the flow of lymph through the body and
increase immunity
 continued…….

 It can also stretch and loosens the muscle, improve blood flow , facilitate muscle.

 It improves blood flow.

 It helps in removal of metabolic waste, and increase the flow of oxygen and reduces
anxiety.

 Most important , massage stimulates the release of endorphins and decreases pain.

 On a mental level it increases relaxation , reduces mental stress and enhances clarity
and clear thinking .

 Emotionally massage satisfies the need for human touch and caring , which increases
sense wellbeing and reduces anxiety level.
   
OSTEOPATHY:

 Osteopathy focuses on restoring and maintaining Click icon to add picture

balance in the neuro musculoskeletal systems of the
body.

 Osteopaths use arms and legs as fulcrums to bend and

twist the body : this is called long lever manipulation.
The osteopath aims preserve the balance between joints,
muscle , ligamentous structures and nerves, which allows
the body to function at its most optimal capability
 CRANIO SACRAL THERAPY:

It is a gentle hands on method of evaluating

and enhancing the functioning end enhancing
the system of a physiologic body system called
the cranio sacral system which is comprised of
the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that
surround and protect the brain and spinal
cord.
 NUTRITION AND EXERCISE :
 Adequate nutrition benefits the human system on all levels.

 These include but are not limited to normal organ

development and functioning, appropriate metabolism,
immune system response, optimal energy , reproductive
function, functional repair of injury or tissue damage ,
appropriate emotional responses, and behaviour.

 Women seem especially sensitive to the lack of micro

nutrients and macronutrients in their diets, and deficiencies
can manifest as hormonal changes or irregular menstrual
periods, as well as affecting other endocrine functions.
 HERBAL MEDICINE:
 Herbs are medicine , they can have side
effects and contraindications. Clients
should be asked about their use of herbs in
conjuction with standard pharmaceuticals.

 Herbs can counteract or intensive

pharmaceutical effects and they can be
dangerous if taken in higher than
recommended doses.
 REFLEXOLOGY:
 This therapy is related to acupuncture and
involves massaging various areas of the feet
in order to stimulate channels of energy
which connect with other parts of the body.

 AIM:

 The body has its own powerful healing

response.
 Reflexology aims to stimulate this into normal
functioning to maintain homeostasis other
parts of the body
 MUSIC THERAPY:
Physical effect of music:

 Louder and faster noises tend to raise both heart rate and
blood pressure.

 Slower soften and more regular tones produce the opposite

result.

 It also relives muscle tension and improves motor skills.

 Levels of endorphins are increased while listening to music

and levels of stress hormones are decreased.

 It is used to create feelings of calmness, excitement , or

romance.
 MANAGEMENT OF ALTERNATIVE AND
COMPLIMENTARY THERAPIES IN PREGNANCY:

HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM.

 ACUPUNCTURE:

 Stimulation of the acupuncture point p6(neiguan) has been shown in multiple

trails to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting.

 The effects of the acupuncture calms the digestive system , decreases fatigue,
expel phlegm and decreased nausea and vomiting.
 Continued…
HOMEOPATHY:

 Sepia

 Pulsatilla

 Homeopathic ipecac.
HYPNOTHERAPY:

 Guiding the mother imagining herself eating enjoying and retaining familiar

foods in a relaxed environment where she feels safe and secure.


 Continued…..

HERBAL THERAPY:

 Cutaneous application of wild tam cream

 Dandelion root tea.
 Ginner, rose berry , fennel lemon balm infusions can be helpful.
NUTRITION THERAPY:

 Protein rich diet .

 Avoiding greasy and fatty foods.
Carbonates and noncarbonated drinks squeezed with lemon , grape and
oranges juices may be helpful
 BREECH PRESENTATION:
ACUPUNCTURE:

 Stimulation of acupuncture point UB 67, located on the lateral edge of the

small toe, with laser, acupuncture , electro acupuncture or moxibustion
involves gently heating UB67 for 15 minutes once a day for 10 days total.
HOMEOPATHY:

 The homeopathic remedy pulsatilla may potentially be successful in

encouraging babies to turn.
HYPNO THERAPY:

 Hypnosis has been used to facilitate both spontaneous and external

version.
  
 CONSTIPATION
AROMATHERAPY:

 Citrus oils, including mandarin orange and grape fruit , used in conjunction
with the massage technique can relive constipation.
YOGA:

 Life style changes such as adding a brisk walk each morning can be great
boost to the digestion as well as promoting regular bowel movements.
HERBAL THERAPY:

 Herbs such as dandelion root, yellow dock , flax or psyllium seeds , and
catnip can be use full.
Continued….
NUTRITION:

 Eating an abundance of fresh vegetables and two pieces of fresh fruit a

day can add bulk in the stool.
 Water is also very important : a half to a whole gallon consumed daily.
 

MASSAGE THERAPY:

Gentle abdominal massage following the root of the large intestine

in a clock wise direction, can help stimulate peristaltic movement.
  
 LOW BACK PAIN

YOGA THERAPY:
 Yoga should be started before conception or at the beginning of the pregnancy to
strengthen the body in preparation for increased weight of the baby in third
trimester.
 Yoga can promote good posture, which can help prevent sciatic nerve discomfort as
well as back pain.

HOMEOPATHY

 Topically, arnica can be used to relive low back pain.

 A warm bath with Epsom salt and aromatherapy oils such as lavender, rosemary,
chamomile can be used
 Continued…..
NUTRITION:

 Food sources of calcium include milk, hard cheese yogurt, leafy green
vegetables, almonds, sea vegetables, and salmon and black strap
molasses , it is best to avoid cocoa and red meats.
OSTEOPATHY:

 It is excellent at correcting sacro iliac problems and sciatica .

 Manipulations are used based on an accurate diagnosis and mostly
involve long leverage therapies.
  
 CONCULSION:
 Alternative and complimentary therapies are the

special treatment modalities which can be used

along with conventional therapies it helps the
mother in reducing pain in labor, reducing the back
pain in pregnancy, it also helps the mother relaxed
and reducing her anxiety or psychological affects .
 BIBLIOGRAPHY:
 Books:
1. ,Kamini Rao “TEXTBOOK OF MIDWIFERY& OBSTETRICS FOR NURSES”: 1st edition ,2011, Elsevier publication, New Delhi page 171-172.

2. Myles ,”T EXTBOOK FOR MIDWIVES”, 15 th edition :2009, Elsevier publication, china Page no 477 to 478.

  

 Web references:

1. https://birthbliss, wordpress .com/2011/05/03yoga.

2. www.boldsky.com>pregnancy

3. www, slideshare, net/,,,/alternative – and – complimentary therapies .

  

 Journals:

 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25118632

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov>NCBI>literarure>pubmedcentral