Page 97 - Cultural Competence in Health Education

client may visualize his / her body as healthy, strong, and free of the specifi c problem or
condition. Sessions, conducted in groups or one-on-one, are typically 20–30 minutes and may
be practiced several times a week. Guided imagery has been advocated for a number of
chronic conditions, including headaches, stress, high blood pressure, and anxiety.
Healing circles—These spiritual gatherings usually occur in informal settings, may
involve invocations (calling upon a higher power or authority), and may use other healing
approaches such as prayer, energy healing therapy/Reiki, and natural herbs.

High dose or megavitamin therapy—This therapy refers to the use of vitamins in
excess of the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) established by the National Acad-
emy of Sciences, Food and Nutrition Board. Although these therapies have been used for
the prevention and treatment of diseases and illnesses such as cancer, heart disease,
schizophrenia, and the common cold, some high dose or megavitamin regimens can pro-
duce adverse or toxic effects.
Laying on of hands—This religious ceremony involves the placement of hands, by one or
more persons (lay or clergy), on the body of the recipient. Usually including prayer, the cere-
mony may occur in a church or less formal setting and may be used for minor as well as more
serious ailments and illnesses.

Macrobiotic diet—This low fat diet emphasizes whole grains and vegetables and restricts
the intake of fluids. Consumption of fresh, unprocessed foods is especially important.

Daily intakes break out as follows: 50–60% whole grains; 25–30% fresh vegetables;
5–10% beans, soy-based products, and sea vegetables; and 5–10% soups. Meat, poultry,
dairy products, eggs, alcohol, coffee, caffeinated tea, sweets and sugar, and strong spices
are to be avoided.
Meditation—Mental calmness and physical relaxation is achieved by suspending the
stream of thoughts that normally occupy the mind. Generally performed once or twice a
day for approximately 20 minutes at a time, meditation is used to reduce stress, alter hor-
mone levels, and elevate one’s mood. In addition, a person experienced in meditation can
achieve a reduction in blood pressure, adrenaline levels, heart rate, and skin temperature.

Tai chi—This Chinese self-defense discipline and low-intensity, low-impact exercise regi-
men is used for health, relaxation, and self-exploration. Usually performed daily, tai chi
exercises include a set of forms, with each form comprising a series of body positions con-
nected into one continuous movement. A single form may include up to one hundred
positions and may take as long as 20 minutes to complete. Some of the proposed benefi ts
of tai chi include improved concentration, circulation, and posture, reduction of stress, and
prevention of osteoporosis.
Source: Barnes et al., 2004.

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