Movement, touch, imagination and progressive muscle relaxation in palliative care

Abstract

The issue of achieving dignity, satisfaction, social contact pleasure, affection, goodness and beauty is an integral part of human existence, which is considered inthe philosophical, religious and social context, but also at the level of personal experience. In this way, aspiration towards achieving a satisfactory quality of life that is present in most individuals regardless of age and gender or physical and psychosocial status is addressed. In line with this, understanding that the issue of quality of life is also unavoidable in people with incurable diseases has prompted numerous studies on appropriate interdisciplinary approaches to alleviate pain and improve the psycho-physical and social status of the patients. In this regard, it is considered that the model of palliative care should consolidate standard medical approaches and various supportive-complementary methods that can influence the improvement of the overall psychophysical and spiritual status of the person. In this way, consideration should be given tothe application of movement, touch, imagination and progressive muscle relaxation in the system of palliative care.Theseare holistic methods that empower physiological/physical, cognitive, emotional and interpersonal aspects of personality in order to enhance coping mechanisms and adaptive potential of persons. These methods can also be combined with conventional approaches and other complementary or arts-therapy techniques because the principle of synergy can stimulate their more positive effect. That kind of approach could be a further contribution in the process of the realization of professional, ethical and aesthetical standards in quality of life support in palliative care patients.