Holistic nurses in my home town :)

Lancaster, PA was a great place to grow up. The county has a blend of urban and rural life and is famous for it’s high population of the Amish community.  In an article by Robin Farmer, she highlights something else that is happening in Lancaster: a new organization of nurses that are promoting holistic health practices through education and networking.

“The Lancaster chapter of the American Holistic Nurses Association has created a buzz for its diverse appeal, strong attendance and varied presentations on monthly topics such as acupuncture, Chinese medicine, clinical aromatherapy and naturopathy. The chapter, which started last October, not only provides educational opportunities that allow practitioners of alternative and complementary health practices to learn from each other, but also offers a venue for the community to better understand what holistic nurses do.”

“We’re nurses and all kinds of people with real credible training and accreditations, and we have an interesting and different and complementary approach to regular medical treatment,” Ann Reid, MA, RN said. “We do it because we are passionate about [holistic medicine]because it helps tremendously.” Some of the alternative practices they work with include various types of massage and Reike (Japanese form of energy healing).

As chapter leader, she said one of her top goals is “to initiate the conversation between all of the different holistic people in this area.” Chapter activities include offering a series of workshops, book discussions and community health outreach activities.

“One of the wonderful things about the AHNA is it’s inclusiveness,” Reid said. “Anyone interested in a body, mind and spirit approach to health and wellness can join. You don’t have to be a nurse or even a licensed healthcare provider. Anyone who shares the vision and interests of the AHNA is encouraged to join.”

Nurses make up half of the attendees at the Lancaster chapter meetings. Others attending include chiropractors, acupuncturists, energy healers, licensed nutritionists, herbalists, naturopaths, social workers and psychotherapists and interested citizens, Reid said.

For Deb Gallagher, RN, whose goal is to become certified as a holistic nurse, joining the chapter allows her to learn from other practitioners, discover more resources and educate the community.

“I met some fabulous people doing wonderful things. It’s exciting,” said Gallagher, an RN at LGH and an Eden Energy Medicine Certified Practitioner. Gallagher became interested in holistic nursing after acupuncture “changed her life” while dealing with depression.

Group leaders said the chapter dispels misconceptions about holistic health practices, which include questions about their effectiveness. At the chapter’s second meeting, Gallagher was delighted when a prominent doctor advised her patients to see some holistic practitioners. “This woman is high in the medical world,” she said. “I was so happy to hear her recommend practitioners that can help.”

Since holistic healing is my passion and mission in life, I am so proud of these ladies from my home town for bring this into fruition. It’s groups like this that continues to move our health care institution towards a more integrative system.

Trisha Schmalhofer LMT and CranioSacral Therapist

(excerpts of article by Robin Farmer taken from www.nurse.com)