The relationship between health promotion and complementary therapies

Area of Science:

• Holistic Health
• Nursing Practice
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Health promotion and complementary therapies possess related underlying philosophies.
• The similarities between these disciplines are seldom acknowledged or explored.
• Complementary therapies inherently integrate health promotion elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the nature of the relationship between health promotion and complementary therapies.
• To highlight common advantages and dilemmas in recognizing this relationship.
• To explore the validity of closer collaboration between these disciplines.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the philosophies underpinning health promotion and complementary therapies.
• Exploration of existing practices and their inherent links to health promotion.
• Literature review to identify commonalities, advantages, and challenges.

Main Results:

• Significant philosophical and practical overlap exists between health promotion and complementary therapies.
• Practitioners often unknowingly incorporate health promotion principles within complementary therapies.
• Recognition of the relationship presents both opportunities and challenges.

Conclusions:

• Closer collaboration between health promotion and complementary therapies is advocated.
• Establishing stronger ties can lead to a more holistic and empowering nursing paradigm.
• Further development of a collective consensus is needed to advance shared aims.