ALTERNATIVE HEALTH PRACTICES IN ETHNICALLY DIVERSE RURAL-AREAS - A COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH-PROJECT

Many alternative health practices are gaining popularity in traditiona l medical centers throughout the country. However, social workers and allied health professionals are rarely educated in these practices. Th e collaborative pilot research project discussed in this article invol ved community health providers and a state university department of so cial work. The project conducted in rural health clinics, introduced a n approach to skillful, safe, and appropriate use of touch synthesized with an awareness of the breath for giver and receiver to a group of Mexican Americans diagnosed with diabetes and their families. This alt ernative health practice holds promise for reducing stress, promoting health and well-being, and building relationships and warrants further study.