Western medicine is great for life-or-death conditions. It has given us heart transplants, joint replacements and chemotherapy. When it comes to functional disorders, like chronic pain, maternal and child health and maintaining fitness and productivity, it often falls short. This is partly because resources are finite, partly because doctors from different specialties rare, if ever, speak to each other, and partly because of the snob factor when it comes to alternative treatments. Integrative medicine NYC, also called integrated medicine or integrative health, combines evidence-based medicine with alternative therapies.
A blend of what we fondly call alternative therapy and evidence-based care is emerging. This aims to treat the whole individual, not just the part that hurts. This is partly down to the fact that treatments like chiropractic and acupuncture have been clinically trialled and are gaining validity in the medical establishment.
The integrated, holistic approach to health and wellness treats the whole person, not just a specific organ or organ system. Therapists often maintain an open line of conversation while they are treating their patients. This is so that they can learn more about the patient's lifestyle and personality. In this way, they can tailor their treatment plan to suit the needs of their patient and have a better chance of securing compliance.
Much of conventional medicine is devoted to managing crises, while the integrated approach is tuned to maintaining good health. An orthopedic surgeon treating a patient with knee pain might elect to "wait" until the pain and dysfunction warrant a joint replacement. An integrated health care professional might offer advice on diet and exercise. A chiropractor or osteopath can apply a hands-on approach to successfully reduce pain and restore function and range of motion.
An integrated health practitioner might ask probing questions about dry eyes and constant thirst or perform a simple five-minute test and diagnose Sicca Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the secretory glands in addition to manifesting itself in overwhelming fatigue along with joint and muscle pain. Here, the doctor might prescribe a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) such as hydroxychloroquine. While antidepressants may still be indicated for symptom control, it is important to treat the underlying disease.
Integrated health care has been riding a wave of popularity since the 1990s, backed by such big names as Andrew Weil, Deepak Chopra and Charles Windsor, Prince of Wales. By the end of the 20th century, the a consortium for integrative medicine among academic health centers had been established, soon growing to a membership of 57 within just over a decade. Among its members is the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Medical School.
Integrative approaches to health care are less invasive than conventional medicine and, in many cases, less costly. Rather than surgical or medical modes of treatment, holistic practitioners are more likely to rely on tai chi, meditation, nutrition, and yoga. Biofeedback and stress reduction are also well-used tools in the holistic practitioner's repertoire.
Both doctors and patients are viewing integrated health with more enthusiasm than ever. For it to work, both patient and healer must be committed to working as a partnership. The aim is to reduce stress and reduce stress-related illness. In New York City, one of the most stressful places on the planet, this can only be a good thing.
A blend of what we fondly call alternative therapy and evidence-based care is emerging. This aims to treat the whole individual, not just the part that hurts. This is partly down to the fact that treatments like chiropractic and acupuncture have been clinically trialled and are gaining validity in the medical establishment.
The integrated, holistic approach to health and wellness treats the whole person, not just a specific organ or organ system. Therapists often maintain an open line of conversation while they are treating their patients. This is so that they can learn more about the patient's lifestyle and personality. In this way, they can tailor their treatment plan to suit the needs of their patient and have a better chance of securing compliance.
Much of conventional medicine is devoted to managing crises, while the integrated approach is tuned to maintaining good health. An orthopedic surgeon treating a patient with knee pain might elect to "wait" until the pain and dysfunction warrant a joint replacement. An integrated health care professional might offer advice on diet and exercise. A chiropractor or osteopath can apply a hands-on approach to successfully reduce pain and restore function and range of motion.
An integrated health practitioner might ask probing questions about dry eyes and constant thirst or perform a simple five-minute test and diagnose Sicca Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the secretory glands in addition to manifesting itself in overwhelming fatigue along with joint and muscle pain. Here, the doctor might prescribe a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) such as hydroxychloroquine. While antidepressants may still be indicated for symptom control, it is important to treat the underlying disease.
Integrated health care has been riding a wave of popularity since the 1990s, backed by such big names as Andrew Weil, Deepak Chopra and Charles Windsor, Prince of Wales. By the end of the 20th century, the a consortium for integrative medicine among academic health centers had been established, soon growing to a membership of 57 within just over a decade. Among its members is the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Medical School.
Integrative approaches to health care are less invasive than conventional medicine and, in many cases, less costly. Rather than surgical or medical modes of treatment, holistic practitioners are more likely to rely on tai chi, meditation, nutrition, and yoga. Biofeedback and stress reduction are also well-used tools in the holistic practitioner's repertoire.
Both doctors and patients are viewing integrated health with more enthusiasm than ever. For it to work, both patient and healer must be committed to working as a partnership. The aim is to reduce stress and reduce stress-related illness. In New York City, one of the most stressful places on the planet, this can only be a good thing.
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