Premium Essay

What Role Can Alternative Healing Process Play in Mental Health.

In:

Submitted By missbridge
Words 712
Pages 3
INTRODUCTION: Since time in memorial it’s been a part of the Ghanaian culture to seek spiritual help for problems pertaining to health be it mental or physical. This can be attributed to the strong belief and reverence we have for deities and the Supreme Being. Before Colonization we had our own belief systems and methods and modes of worship. These for one reason or the other seemed to work; and from my observation I could say this could be based on psychological adaptations. There are different religions; Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, traditional and the like. These two religions also have their strict spiritual principles and modes and methods with Odusifuo, Prophets and the likes which also subjectively speaking seem to work and as such have been accepted by different people from different backgrounds in the country. More often than not, though, reliance on these unorthodox methods, all of the above mentioned causes problems and only escalates the problems the clients or patient or in this case victim faces. TIME FACTOR: It is quit mind boggling to see the shock some victims go through and the extent to which they are marred and yet still people patronize these services from the known fetish priests and so on as mentioned above. But upon some survey it will be noticed that these administers of unorthodox methods for instance have more time for their patients or clients. Due to the fact that their reputation stands the risk of being lost as they may be known to the locals far and near and also for the fact that their customers want value for their money as they are charged, they go through excruciatingly long hours with their patients in order to ensure they are healed. PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT: Also another point to be noted is the psychological impact had on the patients. The whole scenario of attention and “weird” methods along with

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Holistic Health

...intellectual abililty, a desire, a mood and the part of an individual that feels, perceives thinks and reasons. The mind is the mental quality of a person.” The mind is responsible for our thoughts and helping us process of thinking. Our minds help us reflect and provide a mental picture of our thoughts and help understanding. Our body is the physical of what our mind demonstrates our masks. Honoring our body with exercise, nutritious foods, and adequate rest builds a foundation of self care. Through self care we strengthen our beliefs, our uniqueness, and our spiritual connection. The spirit is the soul. “The soul is the moral and emotional nature of a human being, a strong positive feeling, a spiritual or moral force (Webster’s Dictionary, 1999).” Spirituality gives us a common language that allows us to connect with each other. In believing that we are an individual piece of a divine design we are motivated to seek our destiny. Spirituality is the place from where we all come from, the place we are, and the place we all will go. In taking on this real meaning of spirituality one can embrace oneself and others fully. “Many people believe, however, that spiritual feelings and experiences- those that are not necessarily achieved by the application of logic and critical thought but that are more intuitive and subjective-cannot affect a person’s health.” (Edlin, G.; Golanty, E.; Brown, K.1997) 2. Imagine that you have been diagnosed with a stress-related, chronic or terminal...

Words: 2720 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Evidence Based Research Paper

...Effects of Healing Touch on Patient’s Health Tiffany Y. Gerard California State University, San Marcos Abstract This paper explores the findings from four peer reviewed articles about the effects of Healing Touch (HT)/Therapeutic Touch(TT) has on patients. The studies represented in the articles vary in their study designs; however they all aim to ask the same two questions. 1) Does Therapeutic touch play a role in the healing process and health outcomes in selected patients; and 2) Secondly, Is there a need for TT to be utilized in further treatment modalities? This paper examines two different oncology patient studies, one osteoarthritis pain study and one study focusing on patients who are being treated in a psychiatric facility.  The Effects of Healing Touch on Patient’s Health “Healing Touch (HT) is a complimentary non invasive biofield therapy, which has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain, distress and fatigue. HT purportedly supports the body’s natural healing process and enhances the function of the immune system (Wong, Ghiasuddin, Kimata, Patelesio, & Siu, 2012, pg.1).” The goal of Therapeutic/Healing Touch is to restore harmony and balance to individuals energy systems, which provides the opportunity to self-heal (Wong et al., 2012, pg.27).This paper explores research conducted on the effects of Healing Touch on patients with cancer, pain as and well as other effects on their mental health...

Words: 2064 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Functions and Characteristics of Native-American Shamans

...“trance”. Shamans only do this when required to perform certain tasks, such as seeing the future or seeing into illnesses. They are able to enter and leave the state of ecstasy at will (Journal of Analytical Psychology). There are a few ways in which shamans enter a state of ecstasy: • Fasting • Drumming • Dancing • Using psychedelic drugs (ancient-wisdom.com) 2.) Shamans are masters of spirits. When they enter an alternative state of mind, shamans can communicate with spirits. The purpose is to control the spirits and to make them perform a specific task for the shaman. Examples of such tasks are healing an individual, or making enemies ill (Journal of Analytical Psychology). Each shaman has their own spirit helpers which they can control (The Sacred, 100). 3.) Shamans are able to go on “shamanic journeys” when they are in a state of trance. The purpose of the journeys is to obtain information about the world. Usually, shamans are believed to take trips to the middle, upper and lower worlds (Journal of Analytical Psychology). These mental journeys allow shamans to obtain different perspectives of the world and to learn about the nature of things. Examples are seeing over large geographical areas, or...

Words: 1403 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Professional Presence

...Professional Presence Introduction Professional presence can be described as an inter-prejudiced encounter between a medical practitioner and a patient whereby the medic treats his/her patient as a unique human being involved with an unusual circumstance. Presence describes how an individual interacts with the people around him/her, and in a medical environment, the process is quite encouraged (Adams & Andrew, 2012, p4). Two models of Health and Healing Throughout medical history, medics have periodically reviewed the techniques that they apply when administering medication. With the breakthroughs achieved with modern technology, doctors have changed how they treat their patients. As a result, medical experts have attained enhanced understanding throughout medical history on the values of human being, and this particular scenario has in return changed the medical profession and caregiving practices accordingly. The first model applied in a medical setup is the physical body model of health. At a certain point in history, health and illnesses were considered to be medical conditions that came as a result of a physical fault within the human body system. If an individual got sick, the underlying situation was always attributed to having come from a physical cause, whether physical modality of treatment, surgery or medications. In the past, medical experts concentrated in treating visible wounds through objective assessment of patients. A...

Words: 2472 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Professional Pressence

...and Influence Lisa Carson Western Governors University Professional Presence 2. Healing and health services are defined and acted upon in many different ways in the world today. Although in the United States we predominately focus on biomedicine or conventional health care practice, it is only one of many different types of healing. Thru time we have progressed between several different eras of healing. The first era being in the 1860’s which predominately looked at biomedicine type therapy. The second era taking shape in the 1950’s and concentrating on the mind and body. The last of third era to evolve in current times is that of body, mind and spiritual healing. Because of these “era’s” of healing, medicine and healthcare take on new energy and become more geared towards the patient and therefore allow the patient to play a more active role in their life long plan. The new widespread use of these different healing models has allowed healthcare professionals to increase their awareness and appreciation of different modalities of healthcare and healing. (Dicarlo, 1996) One of the new types of modalities that have developed because of Era II is integrative medicine and patient centered care. It focuses not only on treating the disease process but treating the person, where the goal is to treat the mind, body, and spirit all at the same time. A classic model of the Integrative Medicine combines...

Words: 3174 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

The U.S. Health Care System

...HSA500 Health Services Organization Instructor: Denise Pica-Branco December 15, 2014 The U.S. Healthcare System Health care system is failing due to the lifestyle in which people live, how people are treated and how people treat others. Emmett Miller, a physician, psychotherapist, teach, musician, a highly respected innovator and clinician, is often acknowledged as a father of Mind/body Medicine. Miller believes that if health issues are approached from a more efficient or complete perspective, some of the underlying health issues that people have may not exist or continue. He also believes that emotional, mental, spiritual, behavioral, and social factors play a pertinent role in one’s health as well as in diseases. If these types of issues are addresses accordingly within the health care system, it would allow faster and/or complete healing while a larger portion of illnesses would be prevented as a whole. Some people’s perspective on health has been changed by Dr. Miller’s views as they have transitioned to the use of self-healing tools that he has developed. More and more people are beginning to realize that most illness and dysfunctions are not primarily caused by the external factors in which we believe, but are caused by our attitude, reactions, and emotions, as well as by out stresses and expectations. He believes that our health care system will continue to be in trouble if people fail to realize that patient participation is a crucial part of the healing process and...

Words: 1694 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Multiple Illness Research Paper

...multiple illnesses can be fatal. Before the age of antibiotics the common cold could have killed a whole group of people maybe even a small tribe or town, for example the pilgrims came over with all their diseases that native americans didn't even know existed until they were exposed and contracted the disease and slowly died along with their people. Medicine is more than just Penicillin and Advil. These remedies can help with life threatening diseases in addition to pre/post-surgical procedures. It supports the building of immunity when it's weak, furthermore; it may counteract a chemical imbalances that may cause you to act differently than you used to. The use of medication has proven to positively affect people...

Words: 1199 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Advanced Information Management

...Presence and Influence Darcea Gonzalez Western Governor’s University Professional Presence and Influence Write introductory paragraph. Summarize paper/main points. Professional Presence Models of Health and Healing Era I, known as the “Mechanical Model” or “Physical body,” was established in the 1860’s following the integration of science and medicine. Medical practices were based directly on the physical aspects of the body and treatments were rendered accordingly. Modalities of treatment in this era were based upon the part of the body that was not functioning properly and cured by medication or surgery (Koerner, 2011). For example, everyday people are newly diagnosed with hypertension. According to the Era 1 phase, the physician would simply give the patient a medication that would bring down the blood pressure without paying any attention to the patient’s thoughts and feelings about their illness and the different factors, internal or external, that may be influencing the body’s reaction to this particular disease. In today’s society, healing is provided based on the wholeness of a human being. Era III of Larry Dossey’s approach to medicine characterizes a new era of healing that focuses on a person’s mind, body, and spirit and their influential guidance of healing within ourselves and others. This era is known as the “nonlocal mind.” This modern developmental milestone in healthcare further encompasses the power of the conscious mind as a whole and it’s transcending...

Words: 3916 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

I Can't Stand the Pain

...As an Athletic Trainer ethics play a major role. In many cases I evaluate many of the injuries sustained by my student-athletes offering varied suggestions on how we should move forward with either a Doctor Visit or in house rehabilitation. With this responsibility comes opposition from both parents and coaches as they insist I clear an athlete for play or don’t deliver the whole truth to the parents and or coach. Although not as controversial as assisted suicide it poses significant risks and eyebrow raises in the sports world. Doctors, nurses, and various medical personal have a harder role. They wager people’s lives and future and decide in some countries whether or not to permit such an act. In this essay we will explore the facts on Euthanasia: Assisted Suicide, my view, the world view and its progress. Before I begin, however, let me note what I will not try to do. I will not try to show you that Physician Assisted Suicide is a fully justifiable course of action what I will do is give you facts and statistics of this rapidly growing controversial issue.. What I will show you is the compatibility to the commitment to good end-of-life care. One of the most important public policy debates today surrounds the issues of euthanasia and assisted suicide. The outcome of that debate to whether or not it should be made available will profoundly affect family relationships, interaction between doctors and patients, and concepts of basic ethical behavior. Although not accepted widespread...

Words: 1907 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Emotional Intelligence

...the role of the nurse in the care of the patient, the essential competency skills to develop an emotional intelligent nurse will be analyzed including intellectual skills, self-awareness, therapeutic and teaching skills, listening, and, probing skills (Xavier & Pereira, 2012). The process of these developments will be evaluated to assess for any improvement needed to achieve the desired emotional intellect outcome. Emotional Skills of the Nurse Competency in Nursing is a necessary element when caring for patients. The nurse demonstrates confidence in his or her knowledge and ability while acting with genuine empathy for the community served. She or he has studied medicine for years before beginning his or her career in nursing and has mastered the medical skills necessary to become successful. Nurses serve a diverse community with individuals of different languages, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation. The nurse can resolve conflicts and recognize the views and values of others while not judgmental of the differences of those he or she disagrees with. The nurse understands the importance of emotional intelligence because before one can understand others he or she must first understand oneself (Goleman, 1995). The nurse administers medication meticulously and with care. The medical professional requires the competencies of emotional intelligence because emotional state plays an important part in illness and disease. Stress and negative emotions can fade...

Words: 1764 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Ethical Issues In Mental Health

...Mental illness as a disease only came about towards the end of the 18th century and the term psychiatry was coined. (Potgieter, D. et al 1970). Psychology was first established as a formal academic discipline in South Africa (SA) during the 1920’s. (Burke, A. 2014) The concept of mental illness in SA raises many broad questions and debate. Mental health and illness has always been the poor cousin in the domain of medicine and particularly in SA. Although extensive research has been done, funding from government is inadequate for achieving a holistic understanding of mental health and policies to be implemented (Burke, A. 2014) in order to bridge the divide and integrate modern treatments with an historical ethnic practice. Mental illness...

Words: 2479 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Ethic in Counseling

...Abstract It is the purpose of this paper to address the topic of ethics in group counseling. This author will define what group ethics is according to the psychological organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the Association of Specialist in Group Work (ASGW). This author will also address what the American Association of Christian Counselor (AACC) has to say about the ethical standards for Christian Counseling. To effectively practice ethically group therapy a counselor needs to internalize the morals, values, and behavioral makeup of each individual within the group. This paper will also look at the comparison between group and individual psychotherapy and why a counselor will choose between the two. The group processes in both individual and group psychotherapy are a positive catalyst for personal growth within the individual psyche. Whereas group therapy tends to address interactional and interpersonal, individual therapy usually looks at the intra-psychic. Group therapy has been proven to have effective treatment benefits in the treatment with various psychological and personal problems. The final section will address the ethical challenges this author may face and her biblical perspective in counseling, her personal leadership qualities and her personal approach to group counseling. Counseling in our society has gone through multiple changes in the recent years. More individuals are looking into receiving support and guidance in...

Words: 4546 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

Notes

...* Terminology Unit 1 * Mental Health- A state of well-being in which each individual is able to recognize his or her own potential, cope with normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and make a contribution to the community. * Mental Illness- maladaptive responses to stressors from the internal or external environment, evidenced by thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are incongruent with the local and cultural norms, and interfere with the individuals social, occupational and or physical functioning. * Anticipatory grief-when a loss is anticipated, individuals often begin the work of grieving before the actual loss occurs. * Bereavement overload- this is particularly true for elderly individuals who may be experiencing numerous losses- such as spouse, friends, other relatives, independent functioning, home, personal possessions, and pets in a relatively short time as grief accumulates a type of bereavement overload occurs which for some individuals presents an impossible task of grief work. * Ego defense mechanisms-defense mechanisms employed by the ego in the face of threat to biological or psychological integrity identified by Anna Freud 1953. Some of these are more adaptive than others, but all are used either consciously or unconsciously as protective devices for the ego in an effort to relieve mild to moderate anxiety. * Projection: Attributing feelings or impulses unacceptable to one’s self to another person. * Undoing:...

Words: 11566 - Pages: 47

Premium Essay

Heritage

...Heritage Assessment Paper Trista M. Pattison Grand Canyon University: Family Centered Health Promotion May 19, 2013 Heritage is defined as something acquired from the past or given to someone as a result of their birth (Merriam-Webster,2013). Heritage can vary for everyone not just because of our genetics, but also due to how one chooses to continue with aspects of that heritage for the next generations to remember. Heritage also plays a major role in how people may see the medical field and illnesses. There are multiple ways to assess a person’s heritage to make sure that patient is being cared for in a way they see fit. The Heritage Assessment Tool is one way to evaluate the needs of patients. This tool helps the health care team understand what that patient finds to be an important part of them, to make sure they are being cared for as a whole person. The assessment tool helps the health care team know what cultural background the patient has and what parts of that culture or cultures they choose to apply to their life. It also assesses the religious aspect of the patient to make sure the staff knows those variables, as the patient may have special religious needs to be covered while being cared for. The Heritage Assessment Tool assesses if the patient has a lot of family involvement, which lets the staff know they have family support for when they get discharged and that the family should be involved in the discharge discussions. These things...

Words: 1345 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Professional Presence and Influence

...acceptable management personality/style in today’s society as there was in the not so distant past. As recent as the early nineteenth century and through-out distant history the boss was the boss and what he said was how things were done…good or bad. Employees had no say in day to day operations nor were their opinions and ideas valued; rather they were admonished and possibly even receive harsh punishment or criticism for expressing ideas or concern. As time and people have evolved a multitude of management styles have surfaced and come to the forefront of the administrative world. There are many differing factors that affect the style the manager chooses to model his/her self after. These factors include but are not limited to work environment, type of project needing to be completed, and expectations of the administrating body. There are still management styles that employee opinions are not welcomed or needed but there are many more effective styles that welcome and require input from all that would be affected by the changes being made. In today’s work force all types of management and employee are accepted from introvert to team leaders and followers to trail blazers all styles are needed to accomplish any task that is set before a group of co-workers. Models of Health and Healing Whether you are a team...

Words: 3708 - Pages: 15