Don't Compromise On Integrative Medicine NYC

By Olivia Cross


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.

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.

Chiropractors and osteopaths have been using a whole-body approach for years. As they pummel our joints and muscles back into place, they maintain a dialogue with us not just to take our minds off of what they are doing, but also to gain a total picture of our livestyles, personalities and individual health care needs. In this way, they can zero in on the types of advice and treatments they should be dishing out.

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 osteopath or a chiropractor might take a more exhaustive medical history and conduct a more thorough examination before beginning to treat a patient. An untreated musculoskeletal problem can eventually lead to depression, anxiety or even agoraphobia. By realigning the patient's skeletal system, these problems can be rectified before they get out of hand, and corrected without the need of harmful pharmaceutical approaches.

The integrated health movement began in the mid 1990s. By the end of the decade, a consortium of health centers was founded to promote the research and practice of integrated medicine in academia. By 2014, its membership had swelled to 57 members, including the prestigious medical school at Johns Hopkins University. Leading proponents of the paradigm include Deepak Chopra, Andrew Weil and the Prince of Wales, Charles Windsor.

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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