Inquire About Patient Use of Mind-Body Practices
It is a good strategy to always ask patients whether they use any self-care or relaxation techniques routinely for their health. Asking patients about their experiences with mind-body practices and ways that they think it has or has not been useful to them provides you with information about your patient’s values, belief system, lifestyle and resourcefulness. If patients have not been exposed to mind-body practices, this question provides you with a teaching moment about its potential value.
Regular practice of mind-body interventions may alter the amount and, in some cases, need for prescribed medication. Some patients may want to try mind-body practices before agreeing to a pharmaceutical intervention. It is important to monitor patient's response to a mind-body practices in order to help you decide whether to reduce or add medication, or adjust dosage levels.