Complementary and Alternative Health Practices in the Rehabilitation Nursing.

This article discusses the connection between the Theory of Integral Nursing and the use of complementary and alternative medicine to rehabilitation nursing. Complementary and alternative health practices refers to methods, practices, and modalities that are outside of the realm of biomedicine. Some of the types of treatments and practices that are considered to be alternative include folk medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, faith healing, massage, energy healing, acupuncture and acupressure, supplements, aromatherapy, and music therapy. The Theory of Integral Nursing is explained in some detail. Components of self-care, nursing-based complementary and alternative medicine practices, and supplement alternatives for pain and antidepressant medications used in the rehabilitation setting are also reviewed.