Medicine is rapidly evolving. While Western medicine has made incredible advances in lifesaving procedures and symptom treatment, many believe it falls short when it comes to disease prevention and holistic care.
There is a growing movement towards integrating more traditional and alternative approaches to promote long-lasting wellness rather than just short-term fixes.
The Flaws of Conventional Medicine
The conventional medical system is excellent at handling medical emergencies and treating acute symptoms. Procedures like surgery and medications can be lifesaving when used appropriately.
However, this crisis-oriented approach fails to address the root causes of illness. Doctors are trained to view the body in isolation rather than as an interconnected system. Appointments are short, with little time to develop rapport or delve into lifestyle factors. The focus is on prescribing medications to suppress symptoms rather than empowering patients to improve their health.
This approach may provide temporary relief but often causes side effects and fails to address the underlying imbalance. People end up on endless medication cocktails, treating new symptoms as they appear without getting to the root of the problem.
The Benefits of Integrative Medicine
Integrative medicine combines conventional medical treatments with complementary approaches like nutrition, mind-body therapies, herbal supplements, acupuncture, and stress management techniques.
The goal is to treat the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. Practitioners develop personalized wellness plans to address physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
This holistic approach empowers patients to take an active role in their health through positive lifestyle changes. It also utilizes natural therapies to support the body’s innate healing abilities without harsh side effects.
Studies show integrative care increases patient satisfaction, reduces pain, anxiety, and fatigue, and improves quality of life, especially for those with chronic conditions. It can also decrease the need for prescription medications.
Practical Ways to Incorporate Integrative Techniques
Diet and Nutrition
Diet is the foundation of health. Conventional doctors may run lab tests but rarely help patients optimize their diet. However, many chronic diseases can be reversed through dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Eliminating inflammatory foods, emphasizing whole foods, and ensuring adequate nutrients can profoundly impact wellbeing. Work with a nutritionist or functional medicine practitioner to develop a personalized nutrition plan.
Stress Management
Chronic stress negatively impacts every bodily system, from the gut to the brain. Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and spending time in nature activate the relaxation response, bringing balance to the nervous system.
Even 10-15 minutes per day can impart dramatic benefits. Apps like Calm, Headspace, and Insight Timer make it easy to start a meditation practice.
Quality Sleep
Poor sleep is linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, dementia and premature aging. Prioritize good sleep hygiene by keeping a consistent bedtime, limiting blue light exposure at night, and creating an optimal sleep environment. Target 7-9 hours per night.
Movement and Exercise
Regular movement is vital for energy, immunity, mood, and longevity. Find activities you enjoy and aim for 30-60 minutes daily. Walking, yoga, swimming, cycling, dance classes, gardening – anything that gets you moving counts!
Herbal Supplements
Herbal medicines have been used for centuries worldwide. Many herbs like turmeric, ginger, and chamomile have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Work with a knowledgeable practitioner to use herbs and supplements safely.
Mind-Body Therapies
Techniques like biofeedback, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tap into the mind-body connection to reduce stress, pain, and emotional imbalances that manifest as physical ailments. Acupuncture also balances energy flow throughout the body.
Detoxification
Environmental toxins, medications, stress, and poor diet burden the body’s natural detoxification systems. Periodic cleansing programs support the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, and lymphatic system to clear accumulated wastes and revive energy levels.
Nature Exposure
Spending time outdoors has well-documented benefits for both physical and mental health. Make it a priority to spend time in natural environments as often as possible. Forest bathing, walking in the woods, gardening, hiking, and outdoor yoga are great options.
Integrative Medicine Providers
If you’re interested in exploring integrative medicine and complementary therapies, look for providers with the following credentials:
- Medical doctors (MD) board certified in Integrative Medicine
- Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Naturopathic doctors (ND)
- Functional medicine practitioners (IFMCP)
- Chiropractors (DC)
- Acupuncturists (LAc)
- Certified nutritionists (MS, RDN)
Search directories through academic medical centers and professional associations to find reputable practitioners in your area. Integrative care is also offered at many leading cancer treatment centers.
Some conventional medical doctors are open-minded about integrative techniques, especially for patients struggling with complex chronic illness. Don’t be afraid to have an open conversation and request referrals to additional providers.
Ways to Optimize Your Conventional Medical Care
Even if you primarily see conventional doctors, there are many things you can do to make your current medical care more holistic:
Advocate for yourself
Don’t settle for being rushed through appointments. Politely request longer visit times when needed to address all of your concerns. Share that you want to focus on optimizing wellness versus just treating isolated symptoms.
Come prepared
Bring a list of priority topics and questions so you don’t forget key points. Share relevant lifestyle and dietary details to provide important context beyond just symptoms. Track your health data between visits.
Request preventative testing
In addition to standard tests, ask about biomarker assessments related to nutritional status, inflammation, and organ function. For example, tests like hsCRP, HbA1c, vitamin D, and thyroid panels provide a broader picture of health status.
Seek referrals
Ask for referrals to registered dietitians, mental health therapists, sleep specialists, and other practitioners who can support your treatment plan. Seek second opinions when needed.
Report side effects
Have an open dialogue about any difficulties tolerating medications. Discuss alternative options, lower doses, or modified treatment approaches. Document how drugs impact your quality of life.
Share supplemental therapies
Disclose any herbs, supplements, alternative treatments, and lifestyle changes you are utilizing. Transparency allows doctors to provide appropriate guidance regarding safety and drug interactions.
Send records
When seeing multiple practitioners, send visit summaries between providers to facilitate collaboration and coordinated care. Share test results, medication lists, treatment notes, and contact info.
The Future of Medicine
While integrative medicine currently represents a small subset of overall medical care, the tides are shifting as the shortcomings of conventional treatments become more evident amidst skyrocketing chronic illness rates.
The American College of Physicians now recommends non-pharmacologic approaches like yoga, acupuncture, tai chi, mindfulness and dietary therapies as first line treatments for chronic low back pain, a condition affecting millions. Prominent medical schools have established departments of integrative medicine, signaling growing acceptance.
As more patients demand holistic solutions, hospitals are beginning to offer services like nutritional counselling, stress management classes, holistic pain clinics, and even on-site farmers markets. Many insurers now provide coverage for acupuncture, chiropractic and naturopathic services.
Ultimately, the best approach is an intelligent blend of both conventional medicine and evidence-based integrative therapies tailored to each person’s unique needs. This unified model empowers patients and practitioners to collaboratively explore all avenues to foster healing on all levels.
The future of medicine lies in re-connecting with the holistic roots of healing while also embracing new knowledge. With more integrative solutions at our fingertips, people have an unprecedented opportunity to take charge of their wellbeing and work towards genuine, lasting wellness.
