Nursing

Asian Americans All Persons 1. Malignant neoplasms Diseases of heart 2. Diseases of heart Malignant neoplasms 3. Cerebrovascular diseases Cerebrovascular diseases 4. Unintentional injuries Chronic lower respiratory diseases 5. Diabetes mellitus Unintentional injuries 6. Influenza and pneumonia Alzheimer’s disease 7. Chronic lower respiratory diseases Diabetes mellitus 8. Suicide Influenza and pneumonia 9. Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, […]

HEALTH and ILLNESS in the Asian Populations ■ 259 Chinese people may not understand why the often frequent taking of blood samples, considered routine in Western medicine, is necessary. Blood is seen as the source of life for the entire body, and it is believed that blood is not regenerated. The Asian reluctance to have

Comparison of Selected Health Status Indicators, All Races and Asian/Pacific Islander: 2007 Health Indicator All Races Asian/Pacific Islander1 Crude birth rate per 1,000 population by race of mother, 2007 14.3 17.2 Percentage of live births of women receiving prenatal care first trimester, 2007 67.5 69.8 Percentage of live births of women receiving  third trimester or

HEALTH and ILLNESS in the Asian Populations ■ 257 • An extract from the resin of a tropical shrub (Commiphora mukul, or gug- gul) has been used for a variety of illnesses. In recent years, there has been research interest in its possible use to lower cholesterol. Traditional HEALERS One example of a traditional Indian

Help eliminate both physical and psychological problems. Vital points therapy and/or massage may be used to reduce pain, lessen fatigue, or improve cir- culation. Ayurveda proposes that there are 107 “vital points” in the body where life energy is stored, and these points may be massaged to improve health. Other types of Ayurvedic massage use

Reduce symptoms. The practitioner may suggest various options, including yoga exercises, stretching, breathing exercises, meditation, and exposure to the sun. The patient may take herbs (usually several), often with honey, with the intent to improve digestion, reduce fever, and treat diarrhea. Sometimes, foods such as lentil beans or special diets are also prescribed. Very small

Traditional Methods of HEALTH Restoration In diagnosing a patient, the practitioner will • Ask about diet, behavior, lifestyle practices, and the reasons for the most recent illness and symptoms the patient had • Carefully observe such physical characteristics as teeth, skin, eyes, and weight • Take a person’s pulse, because each dosha is thought to

HEALTH and ILLNESS in the Asian Populations ■ 255 Three qualities, called doshas, form important characteristics of the constitution and control the activities of the body. Practitioners of Ayurveda call the doshas by their original Sanskrit names: vata, pitta, and kapha. It is also believed that 1. Each dosha is made up of 1 or

  The following is a summary of major beliefs in Ayurveda that pertain to HEALTH and disease. • All things in the universe (both living and nonliving) are joined together. • Every human being contains elements that can be found in the universe. • All people are born in a state of balance within themselves

Ayurveda is the science of life. —Deepak Chopra, M.D. Deepak Chopra introduced Ayurvedic medicine to the United States in 1984. He has emerged as one of the world’s leading proponents of the innovative combination of Eastern and Western healing. (continued) 254 ■ Chapter 10 Ayurvedic medicine (also called Ayurveda) is one of the world’s oldest,