Research on Complementary Medical Approaches
Statement of Intent:  We are seeking to collaborate with individuals who desire to work on research projects that incorporate Complementary techniques and products. 
by Karen Kowal, RN, LMT, NCTMB

To date, the following topics or patient uses have been explored, working in tandem with Mother Earth Pillows®.  As we firmly believe that the most credible research is conducted in an objective, impartial manner to achieve the most measured results, we will assist anyone wishing to pursue research in anyway we can with supportive information, product information disclosure, assisting in establishing standards, staff teaching, patient teaching protocol, etc. 

• Medical Heart for Open-Heart Procedures...  since 2000, Gunderson Lutheran in LaCrosse, WI, has used the Medical Heart with each Cardiac patient as a tool to increase post-op and rehabilitation comfort and healing after surgery.  The primary features of the Medical Heart are to meet the need for chest-wall support for coughing, deep breathing and chest support immediately after surgery.  The shape and conformity offer continuing gentle compression when allowed to rest over incision area.  After the patient returns home, the symptoms of continued pain, sleep problems, and generalized aching (in shoulders, neck, back) can be simply addressed by HEATING this pillow in the microwave for rapid relief.  This will help decrease the pharmaceutical interventions required.  HealthEast Hospital in St Paul, MN has joined in selecting our Medical Heart above all other products, for their Cardiac Patients.
• Fibromyalgia Pain...  several shapes of Mother Earth products have become a vital part of Patient Self-Care techniques for individuals with Fibromyalgia.  Using heat, counter-pressure, movement and specific stretching regimes,  ROM and mobility is increased and pain is decreased.  The Fibromyalgia Center (Paragon Clinic) in Chicago, IL has used this approach for several years as developed with the assistance of an OT and Myotherapist.  Each patient has a Mother Earth Pillow® and very specific Self-Care therapy to use between clinic visits in a daily regime.
  
• Halo-Traction Post-Op...  Shriners Hospital, St Louis, MO has used the Small Triggerpoint Pillows™  to relieve shoulder and neck pain of their young patients for several years.  This approach improves pain management and the patients prefer over only using medication.
• Menstrual Pain... staff at Shriners used a survey to indicate successful response when used to relieve menstrual cramping with a positive outcome.
  
• Sickle-Cell Pain in 3-7 year olds...  Parents are being taught how to incorporate massage with the warmth of the pillows... using the pillows as a tool to reduce pain as an option for non-pharmacological pain management techniques for parents to use during Sickle Cell Pain cycles.  This is on-going research in PA by grant supported research.
  
• Hospice comfort... pain management, comfort, sleep disturbances, touch-hunger, non-pharmaceutical approaches for patient care, have been used in numerous Hospice across the US.
• Dementia, Alzheimer's...  no firm research, but numerous testimonials have been offered unsolicited about the positive patient approach of offering Warmed Mother Earth Pillows® for comfort, sleep, agitation, slapping, etc.  We offer non-restraint, but gentle comfort restraining options.
• Autism...Judevine Center for Autism in St Louis, MO is using several Mother Earth Pillows® as behavioral interventions for slapping, outbursts, staying on task, reducing agitation and anxiety. 
• Eldercare.... in many Assisted Living locations, the protocol has been embraced that prior to administering PRN medicine for agitation, sleep or pain, an Complementary approach (warm pillow, massage, Essential Oil therapy, music), is used as a solution or as part of the patient approach.
• End-Of-Life Care...  improving quality of life at end of life is a goal of many... using comfort products such as Mother Earth Pillows have helped many... used in Hospice, Nursing Homes, Home Care
  
  
• Please contact us if you are interested in pursuing these or other research projects. 
  

We can provide products, information or suggestions to ascertain and objectively evaluate the CAM use of Mother Earth Pillows® for a wide range of diagnosis or conditions (please turn page). Mother Earth Pillows® can be easily incorporated in your research project and measured for;

	Effectiveness
	Cost Comparisons
	Compliance Level
	Efficacy
	and Safety Factors (decreased side effects)

If you are involved in CAM Research, Evaluating Treatment Modalities or make decisions about using Complementary Natural Solutions, we would appreciate your help. We believe that a natural caring approach with the touch of holistic compassion and humanistic solutions benefit many and are often overlooked in today's ‘silver bullet’ no-touch remedies. With additional research, products like these may be considered as first-line options or adjunct therapy approaches and gain wider acceptance.

The psychological impact of providing effective products that will allow the patient / client
to become part of their own pain management solution, is powerful and requires attention.

Please contact us if you are seeking Research Subjects in Complementary Alternative Medicine.

Mother Earth Pillows®
Mother Earth Designs, Inc.
2024 Key West Drive, Ste. E
Arnold, MO 63010
800-344-2072

www.MotherEarthPillows.com

Karen's Direct E-mail

Arthritis Pain
Asthma
Cancer pain
Cardiac Post-OP
CFS
Chronic Pain and CAM products
Comfort Products during Chemotherapy / Dialysis
Creating a Employee "Time-Out" space in the Workplace
Dental
End of Life Issues / Hospice Care
Ergonomics and posture, decreasing Repetitive Injuries
Fibromyalgia
Grief Counseling
Migraine Headaches
Non-invasive Pain management
Pain in the Workplace and Productivity
Palliative Care Issues
Parenting Dynamics Discipline Solution to Improve
Plastic Surgery
Post-OP
Post-Traumatic Stress
Pre-OP Care (Body Temperature Maintenance)
Prevention
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rotator Cuff Injury
RSS
Sleep Disorders
TMJ Pain
Triggerpoint Injections vs Triggerpoint Pillow™
Triggerpoint Pain
Workman’s Comp Injuries / Issues

Please contact us if there may be other Research Topics that may potentially include
Mother Earth Pillows®.