The following is a model proposal for Holy Yoga Therapist to implement an Intergrated Adjunct Wellness Program for Medical and Mental Health Hospitals and Facilities. It is my heart's desire that we take Holy Yoga, not only into the Churches and Yoga Studios, but be led by the prompting of the Holy Spirit into areas few dare to thread.
Philippians 4: 13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Objective:
To work collaboratively with Hospital medical and occupational staff by providing Holistic and Yoga Therapy to the in-patients and out-patients in the areas of adaptive therapeutic intervention for Cognitive Behavioral Mental Health Program and End of Life Programs.
Discussion:
The quality of life is not by the value of measurement of time; it is an honoring of the acceptance of where a person is in Body, Mind and Spirit during their own unique journey set before them. I have had the opportunity to work directly with mentally ill outpatients at the Bayview Cognitive Behavioral Center by providing holistic and yoga therapy as part of their programming. Through this experience I have witness the transition from fear and apprehensive dissolve as they came simply as they could manage and micro-move into a pose/meditation of tranquility and peace. The outcome of yoga therapy provided an opportunity for them to develop positive choices through yoga/meditation, which then fostered healing and self –management of their lifestyles.
Likewise, when providing one-on-one adaptive yoga therapy and visual imagery to a terminal ill 36 year old women who went blind as the cancer progress throughout her systems and in her brain, she found the integrity to cherish each breath of life as she prepared herself to surrender to the things that no longer served a purpose and be in acceptance to embrace her spiritual path of life. She passed on with peace and a confidence that her children and husband would be taken care of through a Greater Source of strength.
It is through these rewarding experiences I have been passionately developing programs and seeking to bring holistic and yoga therapy as a complimentary and innovative aspect of the health and wellness programs to hospitals, rehabilitations centers and community based organizations.
I am aware of the US NEWS AND REPORT, as well as FORTUNE MAGAZINES, honoring Scripps Mercy Hospital with the recognition, the BEST HOSPITAL RANKINGS AND BEST COMPAINES to be employed, which indicates the high quality of service provided and the recognition of excellence that has been established.
It is my hope and desire that Hospitals will take a pro-active step to enhance their already recognized status of Excellency and contract my service as a holistic and yoga therapist to serve the needs of patients so that their own level of success physically, mentally and spiritually is unique, individual and appropriate.
The following information is findings that will provide accurate references to establish the need to implement an adaptive programming.
Findings: Addressing End-Of-Life Holistic Therapy
The following research is cited from the work of Dr. Sala Horowitz, Ph. D. Alternative and Complementary Therapies for End of Life Care, October 2009, Published in Volume:15 Issue 5. October 23, 2009 15(5):226-230
The holistic emphasis of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) on body, mind and spirit balance is most evident and widely applied in end-of-life care for patients. This information examines the CAM modalities used for such care, the ensuing benefits and challenges, and research supporting such applications.
Palliative and Hospice Care
Palliative care and complementary therapies were developed on parallel tracks as adjuncts to conventional medicine. Patient-centered palliative care focuses on relieving suffering and achieving the best possible quality of life for patients with life threatening illness and for their family caregivers. Hospice care affirmed these goals of palliative care, using an interdisciplinary approach while recognizing and supporting the potential for growth in the final phase of life.
A recent survey of the use of the CAM therapies used in hospice care in the state of Washington found that 86% of the state’s hospices offered CAM services to their patients. In order of frequency, these included:
• Massage (87%)
• Music therapy (74%)
• Energy healing (65%)
• Guided imagery (45%)
• Aromatherapy (45%)
• Compassionate touch (42%)
• Acupuncture (32%)
• Pet therapy (32%)
• Meditation (29%)
• Art therapy (22%)
• Reflexology (19%)
• Hypnotherapy (16%).
In designing clinical trials of CAM therapies in palliative-care settings the Palliative Care CAM Task Group identified outcome measures in:
- symptom control
- hope, spirituality, dignity (spirituality is a major dimension of palliative care)
- therapeutic consultations
Spiritual Component of therapy
Attention to spiritual or religious needs was identified as a requisite to achieving “a good death,” in focus groups comprised of patients, families, and professional caregivers. Because observers often do not give appropriate weight to patients’ spiritual and emotional development during the dying process, patients who view their current experience as part of a broader life trajectory (path) frequently rate their quality of life higher than observers do.
Interviews with health care workers chosen as spiritual caregivers by patients and their families elicited the themes of being present (which involves physical presence and intentionality beyond medical treatment) and co-creating (a mutual and fluid interpersonal process among all of the people involved when a patient is dying). Co-creating, which starts with an affirmation of the patient’s life experience, leads to a holistic care plan focused on maintaining the patient’s humanity and dignity.
As a certified Holy Yoga Therapist I can attest to end-of-life patients state of well being as they become fully present in their spiritual connection to a Divine Love in there journey towards a new life; one of wholeness, integrity and holy bliss.
Clinical and Research Considerations
Although the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) does not have a specific agenda for end-of-life care, many of the studies the NCCAM has
sponsored are relevant to aging. For example, the NCCAM has funded research on the effects of:
- Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) on older adults at risk for dementia
- acupuncture for chronic pain,
- Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) for depression
- Hatha Yoga for cognitive and behavioral changes associated with aging and neurological disorders.
The NCCAM takes the following positions:
• Auricular acupuncture, Therapeutic Touch, and hypnosis are useful in cancer-symptom management and palliative care.
• Transcendental Meditation (TM), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), music therapy, massage, and hypnosis have a role in reducing anxiety and/or depression.
• Acupuncture and massage play therapeutic roles in addressing cancer-related fatigue.
• Acupuncture and certain botanicals can reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and emesis.
• Guided imagery and hypnosis can help avert anticipatory nausea and vomiting in certain situations.
Dr. Sala Horowitz study concluded CAM therapeutic and complimentary methods can reduce pain, anxiety, and other symptoms, and enhance remaining quality of life, not just for a dying patient, but also for the family and caregivers. The increasing use of CAM modalities in general and in end-of-life care warrants further research on how they
can improve care and quality of life at this final life stage. Evidence-based data may well increase CAM integration into regular care staffing and coverage by health insurers for the rapidly growing numbers of aging and terminally ill people.
Findings: Addressing Mental Health Holistic Therapy
The article, Yoga for Mental Health and Mental Illness ; Nov. 13, 2009, indicated that yoga is beneficial for mental health. Studies conducted suggested that the breath work (pranayama) and poses (asana) increases the flow of blood to the brain, improving mental activity, awareness, focus and relieves both stress and anxiety. Regular practice of yoga poses treats specific mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety related disorder. Yoga therapy is considered one of the best complimentary mental illness interventions
Meditative techniques of yoga help trigger brain chemicals like the gamma amino butyric acid. Many of these chemicals are beneficial for the body and allow expulsion of stressful thoughts. These chemicals naturally treat depression.
Benefits of Yoga Therapy are:
· increasing in the secretion of endorphins, the body naturally feels more energetic
· mental acuity is improved, increasing concentration and improving focus
· relief of stress and improves the quality of sleep
· anxiety levels and depression are reduced or eliminated
· regular practice of yoga improves self esteem and self worth.
· yoga also helps improve physical health, which is associated with improved mental health.
I am proposing the implementation of adaptive holistic and yoga therapy classes for inpatients and outpatients that are receiving care for the various dynamics of end of life status or mental health diagnosis that requires intervention.. It is my hope and desire to be a vital part of a collaborative and complementary enhancement service.
May we all join together as part of a positive step towards the global and local changes that impact all of our lifestyles as we enter 2010 with an excellent Plan of Action for health and wellness.
I welcome your response and with gratitude look forward to discussing our project further.
With Positive Regards,
Gina Tricamo, R.Y. T.. M-H.Y.T.