By Deborah Dittner
When you talk about integrative medicine, the provider is looking at, listening to and treating the whole person consisting of the body, mind and spirit.
Traditional Western medicine alone does not follow this practice and therefore you will need to search or be referred to a healthcare provider who will incorporate complementary therapies within a conventional practice.
Integrative medicine providers practice the prevention of disease, looking and delving into the root causes of any illness and develops a relationship between patient and provider that is like no other you may be used to. You are actually partners in your healthcare.
Integrative medicine incorporates alternative therapies that are evidence-based and proven to be safe and effective.
You are in equal partnership in your healthcare with your healthcare provider as both of you will work on and develop your individualized care plan. Looking at the root-cause of your symptoms is a key factor in the treatment management meaning that the plan of action will incorporate you, the whole person and not just a symptom here and there. All aspects of you will be understood including your emotions, physical aspects, mental aspects, social awareness and your spiritual well-being.
Integrative medicine “integrates” mainstream medicine (also known as Western medicine or conventional medicine) with therapies that complement this process in order to achieve maximum health and wellness. You are a real, whole person and not just a symptom, illness or disease.
Depending on where you live may determine your finding an integrative practitioner.
The types of healthcare providers that practice integrative medicine are physicians, nurse practitioners, yoga therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners, massage therapists, nutritionists, tai chi practitioners, reiki practitioners and holistic psychotherapists. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a practitioner.
Do your research, read reviews and have an actual conversation with your possible new practitioner. Many providers now offer telemedicine making the interview process more accessible.
Alternative therapies may be used in your individualized healthcare plan. These therapies may consist of:
• Mind-body medicine such as yoga, yoga therapy, mindfulness and meditation. You may be referred to using an app on your phone to assist with meditation and mindfulness as daily practice is beneficial.
• Somatic therapy connects the mind and body consisting of breathwork, movement and body awareness and is helpful in dealing with stress, emotional issues, anxiety, grief and trauma including PTSD.
• Lifestyle and nutrition, I believe, is an important factor no matter what you may be dealing with. Nutritional education with an integrative health coach will benefit everyone. An herbalist can focus on the specific issue and recommend appropriate herbs for the symptoms.
Integrative medicine is beneficial for everyone from those with complicated conditions, chronic diseases and healthy people wanting to maintain health and wellness as they age. Conditions to be treated include breathing disorders, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disease, digestive disorders, infertility, chronic and acute pain, high blood pressure, obesity and sleep disturbances to name a few.
Integrative medicine includes a variety of practices
• Reiki is a subtle form of energy therapy balancing emotions, increasing vitality and relieving symptoms of stress, chronic pain, digestive disorders and Parkinson’s disease.
• Acupuncture helps to balance the body’s energy (Qi) and activate your natural healing process associated with joint pain, fatigue, migraines, anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia.
• Chiropractic adjustments on soft tissue and the manipulation of joints and spine may ease musculoskeletal issues of the back and neck, knee, hip and ankle and shoulder, elbow and wrist.
• Traditional Chinese medicine consists of thousands of herbs, minerals and extracts formulated to aid in digestive disorders, fatigue, pain, menopausal concerns and cold and flu symptoms.
• Massage therapists manipulate soft tissue through body movement to aid in respiratory conditions (sinus and chest congestion), muscular pain, digestive concerns and lymphedema.
• Yoga and tai chi put the body through different postures and movements with breathing to aid in stress and pain, lower blood pressure, increase your immune response and improve muscle strength.
• Nutrition (holistic nutritionist, integrative health and wellness coach) is a lifeline. As Hippocrates said: “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.” In other words, your health and wellness can improve immensely with the proper nutrients and can even reverse chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
• Holistic psychotherapy aids in PTSD, anxiety, stress and mood disorders with the use of cognitive behavior techniques, guided imagery and traditional talk therapy.
Most importantly, integrative medicine uses a combination of traditional therapies and lifestyle medicine caring for the mind, body and spirit. It is in this partnership of communication, you and your healthcare provider, where the healing process is most successful. Your health and well-being are of primary concern. So take an active role with your provider to achieve optimal health.
Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. www.debdittner.com