Healing Environments: Integrative Medicine and Palliative Care in Acute Care Settings

Abstract

Conventional medicine is excellent at saving lives; however, it has little to offer to address the physical, mental, and emotional distress associated with life-threatening or life-limiting disease. An integrative approach to palliative care in acute care settings can meet this need by creating healing environments that support patients, families, and health care professionals. Mindful use of language enhances the innate healing response, improves communication, and invites patients and families to participate in their care. Staff should be offered access to skills training to cultivate compassion and mindful practice to enhance both patient and self-care.

Keywords: Biofield therapies; Essential oil therapy; Homeopathy; Integrative medicine; Massage; Mind body medicine; Palliative care; Spirituality.