When it comes to emergencies like strokes, heart attacks and automobile accidents, we are all grateful for high-tech, high-powered conventional medicine. When afflicted with less life-threatening but nonetheless debilitating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia or ADHD, western medicine often falls short. Maybe it's lack of resources, maybe its lack of interest or maybe just snobbery. A new approach is emerging that combines what are sometimes called alternative treatment approaches with evidence-based medicine. In particular integrative medicine nyc is gaining momentum.
Integrated health offers patients a wealth of options that were not available ten years ago. Treatments that were once considered fringe therapies, such as chiropractic and acupuncture, are steadily developing an evidence base that gives them the credibility they once lacked.
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.
Doctors and patients alike are warming up to the practice of integrated health. To be successful, it requires a partnership between patient and healer. The goal is to treat the body, mind, and spirit at the same time. As one of the most stressful cities on the planet, there is a strong argument for incorporating a more holistic, balanced approach to the maintenance of health and wellness in New York City.
Integrated health offers patients a wealth of options that were not available ten years ago. Treatments that were once considered fringe therapies, such as chiropractic and acupuncture, are steadily developing an evidence base that gives them the credibility they once lacked.
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.
Doctors and patients alike are warming up to the practice of integrated health. To be successful, it requires a partnership between patient and healer. The goal is to treat the body, mind, and spirit at the same time. As one of the most stressful cities on the planet, there is a strong argument for incorporating a more holistic, balanced approach to the maintenance of health and wellness in New York City.
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