You have many options for treatment when you are feeling sick or have chronic health conditions. Conventional medicine doctors don't often spend enough time with their patients to understand their health issues and prescribe medication that doesn't get to the root of the problem. Doctors who practice integrative medicine empower patients with the knowledge they need for optimal wellness.
What Is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine is a form of medical therapy that combines practices and treatments from alternative medicine with conventional medicine. It focuses on the whole individual and uses all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing. Integrative medicine practitioners provide patient-centered care and evaluate mind, body, spirit, and community to determine the best treatments.
What Are Examples of Integrative Medicine?
There are several different types of doctors who share a healthcare philosophy that acknowledges the role diet, lifestyle, emotions, and the environment have on an individual's health. They focus on promoting good health, disease prevention, and the natural and integrative treatment of illnesses. They employ multiple means of wellness and healing such as:
Acupuncture
This is a form of traditional Chinese medicine in which tiny needles are inserted into various body parts. The needles are said to rebalance the flow of energy and which helps to decrease chronic pain.
Animal-assisted therapy
When humans interact with pets, it decreases stress and boosts endorphins. This type of therapy improves mood and can help people better cope with cancer, heart disease, and mental health disorders.
Aromatherapy
This holistic form of healing uses natural plant extracts known as essential oils to promote health and well-being. Aromatherapy treats physical and mental conditions, including burns, infections, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy is effective in treating a range of symptoms related to a variety of physical and mental health conditions, including:
- chronic lower back pain
- anxiety
- stress
- soft tissue injuries
- high blood pressure
- insomnia
Meditation
Meditation is a complementary mind-body medicine that promotes a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. It can help treat the symptoms of depression and anxiety and help lower blood pressure.
What are the Principles of Integrative Medicine?
There are five main principles of integrative medicine that include:
- The patient and doctor are equal partners in the healing process
- Natural and less invasive interventions are preferred
- All factors that affect one's health are considered, including mind, body, spirit, and environment
- Create treatment plans tailored to the patient's individual and unique needs, conditions, and circumstances
- All healing sciences are used to encourage the body's natural, innate healing responses
Who Can Benefit From Functional Medicine?
Whether you have a chronic illness or are passionate about your overall health and longevity, a functional medicine doctor can help. You can also benefit from working with a functional medicine doctor if you suffer from mental illness. No matter your ailment or lifestyle, functional medicine can help you achieve optimal health. They will take the time to hear your concerns and develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Add comment
Comments