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Spontaneous normal sinus rhythm conversion using integrative medicine in atrial fibrillation
Wendy S Farrar1, Amber L Fyfe-Johnson, Courtney J Baechler
1Wendy S. Farrar, MSW, NCTMB, is an integrative health practitioner at Penny George Institute for Health and Healing and Allina Health/Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Global Advances in Health and Medicine
|November 27, 2013
Summary
Integrative medicine (IM) may help restore normal heart rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This case study shows IM reduced pain, anxiety, and nausea, potentially avoiding costly medical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Integrative Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Acute life stress is linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) development.
- The role of integrative medicine (IM) in managing AF and restoring cardiac rhythm requires further investigation.
- Existing treatments for AF can be invasive and costly.
Observation:
- A case report details the use of an IM approach in a patient experiencing atrial fibrillation and acute pain.
- The patient underwent an IM session involving various therapeutic modalities.
- Simultaneously, the patient reported significant reductions in pain, anxiety, and nausea.
Findings:
- Spontaneous cardioversion to normal sinus rhythm was observed during the IM session.
- The patient's self-reported pain, anxiety, and nausea decreased markedly post-treatment.
- These outcomes suggest a potential benefit of IM in managing AF symptoms.
Implications:
- Integrative medicine therapies may offer a non-invasive option for managing atrial fibrillation.
- Successful IM treatment could potentially reduce healthcare costs by avoiding hospitalization and procedures like electrocardioversion.
- This case provides preliminary evidence supporting the exploration of IM for AF patients experiencing acute stress and pain.
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