Integrative Medicine is medicine that represents a whole person view of health and wellbeing.
It is a combination of the best proven therapies to modify the disease processes and to relieve pain, anxiety and disability and improve wellbeing. It is informed by evidence.
The Integrative Wheel on the left represents just one of many different ideas of what constitutes Integrative Medicine. By combining some or all of these therapies it is possible that better outcomes can be achieved.
There are a myriad of potential treatment options for any condition. Some are sensible, some are foolish and some are dangerous.
It is a challenge for each of us to sort this out in order to find the best and safest treatment options.
Here are some guiding principles to consider:
Be guided by health professionals who are aware of the evidence for and against particular types of therapy.
Ask about unwanted side effects.
Become informed by accessing a variety of different educational materials from credible sources.
Be aware of ” Dr Google” as an authoritative source. The internet is not always your friend. The wrong information and a lack of understanding of the true risks and benefits of any approach can create anxiety and cause the unwanted and unexpected disease of VOMIT ( Victim of medical information and technologies).
Take your time to evaluate your choices.
Develop an open mind that balances curiosity with some scientism.
Remember the Internet is a tool for marketing! If it sounds too good to be true it might be marketing hype without substance.
Keep good records of all your treatments and the outcomes.
Take those records and your notes to every consultation. Consider recording your consultations but seek permission first.
Having comprehensive knowledge is a powerful tool for healing.