Western Medicine* – System in which medical doctors and other healthcare professional (nurses, pharmacists, therapist) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation or surgery. (*also referred to as allopathic, conventional, and mainstream)

The U.S. National Centers for Integrative Health Care (NCCIH) generally uses the term “complementary health approaches” when discussing practices and products of non-mainstream origin, and “integrative health” when talking about incorporating complementary approaches into mainstream health care.

Understanding Integrative Healthcare is vital for health practitioners in knowing more about what patients are seeking regarding their healthcare, self-care, and in knowing the evidence on safety and efficacy as the basis for guiding patients. This is the essence of the integrative healthcare practice and research model.

Natural Does Not Mean Safe. Talk to Your Physician. Patients are encouraged to report use of natural products and complementary therapies to their physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure safe, effective, collaborative care.

10 Most Common Complementary Health Approaches According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) –

Finding a CAM provider:

Sources and More Information:

Feel free to contact me with questions regarding integrative healthcare and how to find a provider.

~ Wishing you the best in health, Karen

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, CCRN Alumnus. Registered Nurse working in Integrative Healthcare as a Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment and Reiki Specialist since 1999. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.

October 17, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Reiki for Seniors at the Rose Baker Senior Center, October 21

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Reiki for Seniors at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Sept. 16th and every ‘3rd Friday’ of the month. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm. 15 minute chair reiki sessions for a nominal donation. Sign up in advance by calling – Rose Baker Senior Center Ph: ( 978) 281-9765.

Rose Baker Senior Center – 6 Manuel F. Lewis Street Gloucester, MA

Note: For people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Dementia, family health agents may sign a simple consent form for their loved ones to receive Reiki. This Reiki Program for Seniors is coordinated by a registered nurse and Reiki will be offered by experienced, advanced Reiki Providers that are licensed or certified, and insured. Attention is paid to safety, hygiene and confidentiality. People receiving Reiki may feel free to stop a session at any time. Most people report feeling “very relaxed,” “calm” and “peaceful.” According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Reiki is considered generally safe and has the potential benefits of relief of stress and anxiety, improved comfort and increased calm.

Reiki (ray-kee) – A Japanese Healing Method/Art offered through gentle touch or non-touch, creates a quick relaxing and calming effect.

Introduction to Reiki – Last year’s ‘Introduction to Reiki’ Talk at Central Grammar Senior Housing in Gloucester MA was well received and featured in the Gloucester Daily Times. Residents of Central Grammar participated in a ‘needs assessment.’ With a 30% return rate, 62% of the residents indicated that they would like a Reiki program. Seventeen residents attended our ‘Intro to Reiki Talk’ and 16 out of 17 (94%) indicated they would like a Reiki Program.

Gloucester Seniors – stop by the Rose Baker Senior Center for a brief session of Reiki with me and Advanced (3rd Degree/Okuden) Reiki Practitioner Suzanne Sweeney. Enjoy the peace, comfort and calm Reiki has to offer.

Testimonial After a Reiki Session With a Patient with Alzheimer’s – “This conversation is beautiful. I think I love you.” (From a gentleman with Alzheimer’s who initially was sitting alone, disengaged then, after a brief Reiki Session he began to speak. The nursing director of the facility said “I have been here 2 years and never heard him speak before.”)

It was if a ‘window had opened,’ enough for him to relate some of his life story. This experience was one of many that makes my works so JOYful. ~ Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Reiki Teacher

Things to Consider When Seeking Complementary and Integrative Therapies – Continue reading →

September 15, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Reiki for Seniors at the Rose Baker Senior Center, 3rd Fridays

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

NEW – Reiki for Seniors at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Sept. 16th and every ‘3rd Friday’ of the month. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm. 15 minute chair reiki sessions for a nominal donation. Sign up in advance by calling – Rose Baker Senior Center 6 Manuel F. Lewis Street Gloucester, MA 01930. Ph: ( 978) 281-9765. Hours Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:00 pm.

Note: For those people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Dementia, family health agents may sign a simple consent form for their loved ones to receive Reiki. This Reiki Program for Seniors is coordinated by a registered nurse and Reiki will be offered by experienced, advanced Reiki Providers that are licensed or certified, and insured. Attention is paid to safety, hygiene and confidentiality. People receiving Reiki may feel free to stop a session at any time. Most people report feeling “very relaxed,” “calm” and “peaceful.” According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Reiki is considered generally safe and has the potential benefits of relief of stress and anxiety, improved comfort and increased calm.

Reiki (ray-kee) – A Japanese Healing Method/Art offered through gentle touch or non-touch, creates a quick relaxing and calming effect.

Testimonial After a Reiki Session With a Patient with Alzheimer’s – “This conversation is beautiful. I think I love you.” (From a gentleman with Alzheimer’s who initially was sitting alone and disengaged then, after a brief Reiki Session he began to speak. The nursing director of the facility said “I have been here 2 years and never heard him speak before.”) It was if a ‘window had opened,’ enough for him to relate some of his life story.

Things to Consider When Seeking Complementary and Integrative Therapies – Continue reading →

April 16, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Evidence-based practice looking to collaborate on a research project

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

I have an opportunity for an ‘evidence-based’ research grant. I am looking for a Cape Ann healthcare facility or school to collaborate with on a pilot study. Please contact me if you have an interest in research.

What exactly does ‘evidence-based’ mean?

According to the American Holistic Nurses Association, “evidence based practice (EBP) is the conscientious use of the best available evidence combine with the clinician’s expertise and judgment and the patient’s preferences and values to arrive at the best decision that leads to high-quality outcomes.” (Dossey, B.; Keegan, L. (2013.) Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice. 6th Edition. Burlington MA: Jones and Barrett Learning.)

Once known as the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM,) there has been a name change to reflect the current trend in healthcare to use a more ‘integrative’ approach to healthcare.

Established 16 years ago by the National Institutes of Health, the center funds research projects that provide important and even vital information on the safety and effectiveness of conventional, complementary, and alternative therapies, herbal (botanical) and supplement products that are widely used and readily available. (http://www.nccih.nih.gov.)

Integrative Healthcare – defined as a comprehensive and often interdisciplinary approach to treatment, prevention and health promotion. The use of an integrative approach to health and wellness has grown within care settings across the United States, including hospitals, hospices, and military health facilities.

The goal of an integrative approach in health care is to enhance overall health status, prevent disease, and relieve symptoms such as anxiety, pain, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.

“The mission of the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is to define, through rigorous scientific investigation, the usefulness and safety of complementary and alternative medicine interventions and their roles in improving health and health care.”

The Strategic Plan of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Healthcare is encouraging:

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Partnerships

Expert practitioners in CAM disciplines and interventions

Biomedical and behavioral research scientists

Sources – https://nccih.nih.gov/sites/nccam.nih.gov/files/objective1.pdf and https://nccih.nih.gov/news/press/12172014

Feel free to contact me with questions. Comments are welcomed. Let me know if you have specific healthcare interests you would like to see addressed. Wishing you a healthy and happy weekend. ~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N.

Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. info@dreamtimewellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199