Using Holistic Therapies as a complement to traditional care for the seriously ill
In providing care for those entering the end of life portion of their journey, it is important to focus our efforts less on curing and
more on healing.
The belief at Insights is that end of life does not mean end of treatment, in fact it may be one of the most critical times to provide healing. It is a time to focus on the emotion, spiritual and physical well being.
It is understood that those who are facing the end of their lives often experience overwhelming feelings of loss of control, loss of independence, and a multitude of other feelings that need to be addressed. It is not uncommon for rapid changes to happen both physically and emotionally, leaving caregivers at a loss for how to help.
Help can be provided to all involved in this journey by providing quality holistic therapies that address many needs of the mind, body, and spirit in a nurturing and professional manner.
The goal of Transitions is to provide for a quality of life, maximizing independence and comfort while allowing and promoting the natural grieving and emotional process - no matter the stage of the journey.
Letting Go is not Giving Up
I understand that this is a difficult time for both the client and their families. Decisions must be made that are very difficult and at
times very guilt provoking.
I am dedicated to helping this transition to be as comfortable and peaceful as possible for both the family and the client.
It is important to keep in mind that letting go is not the same as giving up.
Therapies that may help:
Massage
During critical times we often forget the importance of human touch. In an effort to provide the maximum care and comfort, it is easy to forget the basics of just holding a hand. Touch is how we have always comforted each other, touch is vital for reassurance.
Massage for the seriously ill is designed primarily to soothe and console rather than to fix or change. The focus is not toward a specific outcome but rather adapted to meet the changing needs of the moment. Sessions are generally short in length and use light pressure or broad movements.
Most importantly, massage is unconditionally nurturing, regardless of how one looks or feels.
Music Therapy
As the focus of clients shifts from physical recovery to healing, it is important to address quality of life issues. The ability to
interact with another, communicate feelings, maximize some level of control over their own environment, personal growth, and a multitude of other issues
come into focus.
Music Therapy is the controlled use of music to help address these issues. It is so diverse in nature and so accepting by individuals, it can be a vital medium to help meet these defined concerns. Through specifically designed activities, music can help one express feelings towards a loved one, as well as help to express any long held guilt over past experiences. The structured use of music can also bring about a sense of peace and serenity for both the client and their loved ones during the final moments.
Healing Touch / Reiki
Both Healing Touch and Reiki are considered to be energy based healing modalities. In treatment of the transitional client, these
therapies are designed to ease the disease condition and help the client to come into balance energetically so that they are better able to accept and
make a smooth transition.
The process and procedures of these treatments are very similar and based on an eclectic blend of energy based hand mediated techniques. The practitioner's hands are tools, but they are not necessarily touching the body. These modalities can bring about a strong sense of relaxation and peace as their energies become more balanced.
More importantly, this is a technique and therapy that the family can and should participate in, providing for a sense of helping their loved ones through the transition.
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