Learning Objective #1: Provide non-pharmacological interventions by utilizing alternative and complementary therapies based on a balance of body, mind and spirit

Learning Objective #2: Identify strategies which could be utilized to alleviate suffering and promote well-being by utilizing Kolcaba's theory of holistic comfort as framework

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Holistic care is an approach, which recognizes the wholeness of person. Nurses should have knowledge of human being as “WHOLE” individual that is understanding of physical body and functioning of mind. Therefore, holistic nursing care includes the mind, body, spirit, and the environment. During child birth women goes through the pain and discomfort, goal of nursing care should be to promote comfort and maintain the well-being of clients. Nurses could use non-pharmacological interventions by utilizing alternative and complementary therapies which are based on a balance of body, mind and spirit

Alternative and complementary modalities provided nurses with a mean to treat the body through massage, therapeutic touch, hydrotherapy, and deep breathing exercises; relieve the mind through humor, imagery, hypnotherapy and music; comfort the soul through prayers; and support significant interpersonal interaction through healing processes.

The focus of presentation will highlight the needs of holistic nursing care and integration of complementary and alternative therapies by utilizing Kolcaba's theory of holistic comfort as a framework.

References: Cumbie, S. A. (2001). The Integration of mind-Body-Soul and Practice of humanistic nursing. : Holistic Nurse Practice. 15(3): pp.56-62. Aspen Publishers, Inc. Flagstaff, AZ. (1992). Description of Holistic Nursing. AHNA. Frisch, N., Dossey, B., Guzzetta, C., & Quinn, J. (2000). AHNA Standards of Holistic Nursing Practice: Guidelines for caring and healing. AHNA. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers. Koehn, M. L. (2000). Alternative and Complementary therapies for Labor and Birth: an application of kolcaba's Theory of Holistic Comfort.: Holistic Nursing Practice. 15(1): pp. 66-77. Aspen Publishers. Inc. Newshan, G., and Civitella, D. (2003). Large clinical study shows value of therapeutic touch program. Holistic Nursing Practice. July/August, pp. 189 – 192. Aspen Publishers. Inc. Popoola, M.M. (2003). Complementary therapy in chronic wound management: A holistic caring case study and Praxis Model. :Holistic Nursing Practice. May/June 2003.