UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Mathieson, Sally Kathryn
Dept./Program:
Nursing
Year:
2009
Degree:
MS
Abstract:
Issues of treating mentally ill patients in the Western world, such as side effects of medications, exorbitant cost, worsening severity of disease episodes, and the chronic nature of illnesses such as schizophrenia call out for solutions. Improving Western psychiatric modalities can start by analyzing healing options used by other cultures, in this case, through the lens of Tibetan Buddhist psychiatry. Once viewed as "idolatrous savagery" by Westerners, Tibetan psychiatric medicine is actually a Buddhist-based model that offers a unique approach to righting mental imbalances. In this model, psychological and spiritual paradigms are inseparable; spiritual practices are the path to mental balance. For this reason, it is important to explore and analyze spiritual underpinnings of Tibetan Buddhism, in order to better understand this model that has been passed down directly from one healer to another, in an unbroken lineage, for approximately 1,600 years.
Healing potential embedded within the ancient practice of Buddhism holds great promise for expanding the parameters of practice currently utilized by APPRNs within Western healthcare. Along the spectrum of mental illness (and health) exist many opportunities to practice the techniques outlined in this article. The flexibility and multifaceted role of the APPRN lends itself to the adaptation of a cross-cultural model that has at its heart the promotion of cognitive balance and the cessation of suffering. Yet assessment measures for Buddhist interventions must be honed in order to better assess validity. The fact that there is little qualitative and quantitative nursing research with regard to Buddhist interventions is a calling to APPRNs to fill the void with proof that Buddhist techniques such as meditation, visualization, and compassion do positively impact psychiatric symptomology. This in turn will allow the model of Tibetan psychiatry to be further integrated into Western clinical practice with the APPRN taking a lead role in the blending of the disciplines.
Healing potential embedded within the ancient practice of Buddhism holds great promise for expanding the parameters of practice currently utilized by APPRNs within Western healthcare. Along the spectrum of mental illness (and health) exist many opportunities to practice the techniques outlined in this article. The flexibility and multifaceted role of the APPRN lends itself to the adaptation of a cross-cultural model that has at its heart the promotion of cognitive balance and the cessation of suffering. Yet assessment measures for Buddhist interventions must be honed in order to better assess validity. The fact that there is little qualitative and quantitative nursing research with regard to Buddhist interventions is a calling to APPRNs to fill the void with proof that Buddhist techniques such as meditation, visualization, and compassion do positively impact psychiatric symptomology. This in turn will allow the model of Tibetan psychiatry to be further integrated into Western clinical practice with the APPRN taking a lead role in the blending of the disciplines.