3 Options for Healing: Evidence-Informed Exploration of Specific Modalities

Healing is embracing what is most feared;
healing is opening what has been closed,
softening what has hardened into obstruction;
healing is learning to trust life.

-Jeanne Achterberg, Holistic Health Care Scholar and Author

Wide-spread global migration in recent decades has, of course, spread knowledge of traditional healing systems, or elements thereof, throughout the world (Lichenstein et al., 2017).  As a result, there are endless options for health care consumers to consider, particularly in multi-cultural countries like Canada.  Sorting through these options can be very confusing and potentially overwhelming for healthcare professionals and consumers alike. Wide ranges in terminology, classification, and availability of relevant evidence-informed resources reflect the dynamic process currently underway in relation to the safe integration of whole healing systems or specific modalities from within them (NCCIHa, n.d.; WHO, 2013; 2019).

This chapter invites evidence-informed exploration of specific healing modalities rooted in a variety of traditional/whole healing systems other than biomedicine. As such, some could be identified as ‘complementary’ modalities, based on WHO’s definition in Chapter 2. However, this chapter uses the umbrella term ‘healing modalities’ in support of an integrative approach across healing systems and in recognition that many HCPs are, indeed, beginning to integrate these modalities into their professional practice (e.g. physicians integrating acupuncture; nurses integrating therapeutic touch; physiotherapists integrating yoga). Included in the chapter are resources and considerations to support safe, effective integration of specific healing modalities into holistic health care if they are desired and appropriate.

Specific Healing Modalities

Given the countless options available, these two quick-reference references will again support our exploration:

• National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Healthcare. (n.d.a). Health Information (NCCIH). https://nccih.nih.gov/   (Open access)

• Therapeutic Research Center (n.d.). Natural medicines comprehensive database:

http://naturaldatabaseconsumer.therapeuticresearch.com/home.aspx?s=NDC&cs  

(Consumers; open access)

NatMed Pro (therapeuticresearch.com) Note Patient Handouts 

(Professionals; by individual or institutional subscription) 

Both the NCCIH and Therapeutic Research Centre data bases allow users to search specific healing modalities.  Following are some commonly used modalities in Canada that may be helpful to begin with:

Acupuncture

Aromatherapy

Chiropractic

Guided Imagery

Meditation

Therapeutic Massage

Reiki

Reflexology

Therapeutic Touch

Yoga

Relevant Natural Health Products (NHPs)  See also: Licensed Natural Health Products Database (LNHPD) – Canada.ca  

NOTE: Both the NCCIH & Therapeutic Research Centre databases also readily support searches of a given healthcare condition which will identify specific healing modalities and NHPs that may be relevant, also identifying their effectiveness and safety considerations.

Additional Resources and Considerations

Of course, consumers and caregivers will likely wish to seek out more in-depth information and resources about specific modalities relevant to the health condition(s) at hand.

The below NCCIH resource offers excellent guidance to health care consumers around finding credible, accurate information on specific healing modalities and practitioners.

Are You Considering a Complementary Health Approach? | NCCIH (nih.gov)

Know the Science | NCCIH (nih.gov)

Tips on Complementary Health Practices | NCCIH (nih.gov) (Select relevant links within)

(Some general resources alluded to on the above pages are U.S.-based.)

See APPENDIX C: Regulations and Standards in Canada for pertinent information about foods, supplements,  NHPs and T & CM Practitioners.

And, finally, here’s an excellent example of an online consumer-oriented resource that is highly credible. Note how its writers transparently share their evidence-based approach to preparing and sharing accurate health  information:

Our editorial process (medicalnewstoday.com)

A careful read through the above resources/their relevant links is highly recommended for both consumers and care providers, keeping in mind that some information may be overwhelming or unsuitable for some consumers and may need adaptation by HCPs for related health education, as per individual consumers’ level of health literacy). Both caregivers and consumers may find these resources (or parts thereof) helpful to inform and support collaborative conversations about specific modalities that may or may not be suitable and/or desired within a given consumer’s IHC. They may also offer some leads to additional evidence-informed resources or literature searches needed.  Remember: Consumers can request HCPs and/or public librarians to conduct such searches. Similarly, HCPs can request assistance from their institution’s librarians; they are highly effective at finding quality health information in a timely manner.

Perhaps the most important advantage of such collaborative information-sharing is its promotion of transparent communication about the options being considered by the individual receiving care. Such openness not only leaves them less vulnerable to unscrupulous or unqualified practitioners of a complementary modality that is unsafe, ineffective, and/or costly; it also fosters their ability to access any safe, appropriate modalities that could be pivotal in optimizing their healing and/or easing their suffering (Jonas, 2018; NCCIH n.d. b, c, & d).

Collaborative conversations, where relevant and possible, need to include all members of the interprofessional health care team serving a given client, including qualified practitioners of the healing modalities being considered. (See Chapter 4 and Appendix C for further information that can assist in identifying the latter.) A duly qualified, relevant practitioner will have access to many more evidence-informed resources about a given modality that can inform decision-making, planning and implementation of care.  They will also be able to draw upon their practice experiences, whether in relation to offering a specific modality or NHP and/or in finding safe, effective ways to integrate it into an individual’s overall IHC (NCCIH b, n.d.).

As such, it is vital for caregivers and/or consumers to consult with any relevant, credible practitioner who may be able to offer guidance.  For example, a Naturopathic practitioner may have much knowledge about NHPs with a good track record for addressing a given health condition, while a pharmacist may have more expertise in identifying potential herb/drug interactions involved, should a consumer also be using pharmaceuticals. Mutually respectful, transparent consultation can help consumers and caregivers learn much from the most qualified practitioner about a specific aspect of care, while offering mutual support in navigating the challenges associated with safely drawing upon the best of available options.

The below example is shared to help readers envision the kind of additional practitioners and resources you may wish to seek out in relation to any given healing modality.

Integrating Specific Healing Modalities into Care

Happily, there are more evidence-based resources and healing practitioners available than ever before (aside from the obvious, alarming shortages of many biomedical professionals, particularly for communities who have been marginalized). Whatever our circumstances, engaging in teamwork and mutual support greatly increases the likelihood of developing a person-centered IHC plan that is safe, evidence-based and relevant to each individual and their circumstances.  Exploration of the ‘O’ questions in WHOLE Care can actively support thorough exploration and evidence-informed decision-making about the options that best promote health and healing within current circumstances.

Chapter 4 will focus on navigating the complex logistics often associated with the circumstances that surround us.