Alternative medicine and wound healing.

Alternative and complementary medicine includes a vast array of both modalities for which the client is a passive recipient ant and self-care techniques. As a result of individuals taking more charge of their health as well as becoming disenchanted with the costs and outcomes of allopathic care, interest in this area is rapidly growing. Some alternative and complementary may offer benefits for patients with wounds and wound pain. These therapies include acupuncture, energy healing, guided imagery, hypnosis, prayer, and relaxation techniques. For each therapy identified here, a brief description as well as a summary of research in general and for wounds in particular is provided. In addition, the author's experience with implementing these therapies to complement state-of-the-art wound care practices in an outpatient wound clinic is discussed.