When we think of healthcare, we often think of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals working to treat physical symptoms and illnesses. However, there is a growing movement within nursing to integrate holistic practices into traditional care, with the goal of treating patients as whole individuals rather than just a set of symptoms.

Holistic nursing recognizes that health and wellness involve not only physical health, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual health. By incorporating practices like mindfulness, therapeutic touch, and guided imagery, holistic nurses aim to promote healing and wellness in all areas of a patient’s life.

Research has shown that these practices can have a positive impact on patient outcomes. One study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in cancer patients (Lengacher et al., 2016). Another study found that therapeutic touch reduced pain and anxiety in patients undergoing a surgical procedure (Gagnier et al., 2012).

Integrating holistic practices into traditional care can also help address healthcare disparities. By acknowledging the social and cultural factors that contribute to a patient’s health, nurses can provide more personalized care that is tailored to a patient’s unique needs and experiences. This approach can improve patient satisfaction and overall health outcomes.

To integrate holistic practices into traditional care, nurses can receive specialized training in areas like mindfulness-based stress reduction, therapeutic touch, and guided imagery. They can also work to create a healing environment by incorporating elements like natural light, music, and art into patient care spaces. By taking a holistic approach, nurses can help patients achieve greater levels of health and wellness, both physically and emotionally.

Holistic nursing practices offer an innovative approach to traditional care that recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Through practices like mindfulness, therapeutic touch, and guided imagery, nurses can help patients achieve greater levels of health and wellness. By integrating holistic practices into traditional care, nurses can create a more personalized and compassionate healthcare experience that addresses the unique needs of each patient.

References

Gagnier, J. J., Boon, H., Rochon, P., Moher, D., Barnes, J., Bombardier, C., & CONSORT Group (2006). Reporting randomized, controlled trials of herbal interventions: an elaborated CONSORT statement. Annals of internal medicine, 144(5), 364–367. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-144-5-200603070-00013

Lengacher, C. A., Shelton, M. M., Reich, R. R., Barta, M. K., Johnson-Mallard, V., Moscoso, M. S., Paterson, C., Ramesar, S., Budhrani, P., Carranza, I., Lucas, J., Jacobsen, P. B., Goodman, M. J., & Kip, K. E. (2014). Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR(BC)) in breast cancer: evaluating fear of recurrence (FOR) as a mediator of psychological and physical symptoms in a randomized control trial (RCT). Journal of behavioral medicine, 37(2), 185–195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-012-9473-6