5 Reasons Why Integrative Medicine Works
by Vanita Dahia
You’re tired, stressed, and feeling down. You are juggling all the duty balls in the air whilst suffering from insomnia, indigestion and hot flushes.
You get to your doctor for a five minute consultation who readily hands you a script for a symptom, or perhaps increases the dose as you may be responding to the original complaint, or prescribes another drug to counter the side effects of the drugs you’re on, and so it goes on!
You are time poor, tired and need a quick fix! The “fix” does not work! Are we masking the healing process?
Having worked in the allopathic medical arena and now in the naturopathic and integrative medicine arena, I believe that the most profound way to heal the sick is “go back to basics”, treat the patient, not the disease – and here’s why:
Integrative Medicine is all about you
We examine your entire plethora of symptoms, you past history your family history and your current medications, your allergies and your genetics regime. In simple terms, we dig in deep to assess and examine the underlying causes of your health concerns.
We are health-focused and patient-centric, we personalise your treatment naturally for you.
Integrative Medicine is the way medicine should be
With Integrative Medicine, the patient’s experience is anything but conventional. We balance body chemistries. We identify the metabolic blocks through functional pathology and correct the chemistry predominantly with nutritional medicine.
For example, did you know that an activated amino acid N-acetyl-Cysteine has been shown in published studies to effectively manage alcohol addictions? It is also a well-known fact that depletion in dopamine correlates closely with addictions.
- Whole-Person Focus
Unlike traditional medicine, which often concentrates on specific symptoms or diseases, integrative medicine takes a holistic view. It considers the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected, addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just managing symptoms. This comprehensive approach can be more effective for complex health problems.
Integrative Medicine is targeted and personalised for you.
We design unique, personalized healing plans that Conventional Medicine literally doesn’t have the tools, training, or the time for. The conventional treatment approaches are effective for acute conditions like an antibiotic for a bacterial infection. A quick fix or band aid approach does not necessarily address chronic conditions.
For example, chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex multifactorial condition impacting the body as a whole. We examine the underlying causes be it infectious, adrenal or genetic and assist you to normalise your health. Integrative medicine approach is defective in treating chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, functional disorders, musculoskeletal problems and stress related disorders.
2. Personalized Treatment Plans
Integrative medicine emphasizes tailoring treatment plans to the individual’s unique needs and preferences. This might involve combining conventional medicine with complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, or meditation. By catering to individual needs, integrative medicine can enhance treatment effectiveness and patient satisfaction.
Integrative Medicine uses a science based functional pathology assessment tool
We look for the cause of imbalance of your body chemistries. Functional pathology tests are used to investigate functional, biochemical, nutritional, metabolic and hormonal status which may be causing your illness.
The results provide essential information to assist the practitioner in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients seeking a holistic approach to health
Most tests are designed so patients can collect specimens in the privacy of their own homes
Functional Pathology testing provides a tool for early intervention, management and monitoring of ongoing treatment efficacy, especially when presenting with chronic unresolved symptoms and/or conditions.
For example, we identify brain chemicals through a simple urine test. Mood imbalances is not about supplementation with an antidepressant. All our neurotransmitters work synergistically with each other like a symphony. Adding one antidepressant affects other neurotransmitters and its nutrient levels. This is why antidepressants are effective in 22% of all depressed patients.
We look for the cause of imbalance of your body chemistries. Functional pathology tests are used to investigate functional, biochemical, nutritional, metabolic and hormonal status which may be causing your illness.
The results provide essential information to assist the practitioner in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients seeking a holistic approach to health
Most tests are designed so patients can collect specimens in the privacy of their own homes
Functional Pathology testing provides a tool for early intervention, management and monitoring of ongoing treatment efficacy, especially when presenting with chronic unresolved symptoms and/or conditions.
For example, we identify brain chemicals through a simple urine test. Mood imbalances is not about supplementation with an antidepressant. All our neurotransmitters work synergistically with each other like a symphony. Adding one antidepressant affects other neurotransmitters and its nutrient levels. This is why antidepressants are effective in 22% of all depressed patients.
3. Emphasis on Prevention and Harnessing the Body’s Natural Healing Power
Integrative medicine goes beyond treating existing conditions; it prioritizes preventive care. This includes promoting healthy lifestyle habits such as proper diet, exercise, and stress management. By focusing on prevention, integrative medicine can help individuals avoid future health problems and improve overall well-being.
Many integrative therapies aim to support the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. This might involve using techniques like nutritional counseling or mindfulness practices that strengthen the body’s resilience and promote natural healing processes.
Integrative Medicine should embrace all facets of medicine from conventional or allopathic to naturopathic. We cannot ignore the importance of mind-body medicine.
We need to move away from crisis care model and incorporate lifestyle medicine, nutrition, supplements, stress reduction and exercise to improve the functioning of organs as a means of preventing disease and creating vibrant, sustainable health.
A naturopath will be equally guilty as an allopathic doctor of a band aid approach if herbs are given to alleviate a symptom much like a drug is given by a doctor.
An integrative medicine practitioner will incorporate the complete package bringing in the value of drugs, nutrients, herbs together with the medicinal effect of food, lifestyle, mind management and exercise into the treatment protocol.
4. Reduced Side Effects
Some complementary therapies used in integrative medicine often have fewer side effects compared to conventional medications. This can be beneficial for individuals who are sensitive to medications or are looking for a more natural approach to managing their health.
5. Improved Patient Empowerment
Integrative medicine encourages patients to take an active role in their health journey. This might involve learning about their condition, participating in treatment decisions, and making lifestyle changes. By empowering patients, integrative medicine can enhance treatment outcomes and promote long-term well-being.
Now have the knowledge to go beyond the current crisis care model and offer patients a much better approach to their health. We can incorporate we can address the healthcare needs of the 21st century….Let’s do it!!
