What is Integrative Medicine and how is it different from traditional
medical care.
Integrative medicine is a healing oriented approach which emphasizes
the role of the physician-patient relationship. It focuses on less invasive, less
toxic and less costly methods to facilitate health by integrating both allopathic
/traditional/ and complementary therapies. Recommendations are given by a physician
and choices are made by the patient based on understanding of the physical, emotional,
psychological and spiritual aspects of the individual.
Integrative medicine is committed to scientific method and evidence
based practice. It is focused to explore and facilitate the body’s natural potential
for healing. Integrative Medicine is not synonymous with complementary and
alternative medicine (CAM). CAM are modalities of treatments that are not
part of conventional treatment protocols. Integrative Medicine incorporates
the best CAM practices into comprehensive treatment plans.
In summary, the following attributes of the Integrative Medicine
are distinguishing it from conventional medical practice:
-
relationship centered care
-
integration of conventional and complementary methods of treatment and prevention
-
activation of the body’s healing potential
-
less invasive interventions are used if possible
-
acknowledges body, mind and spirit are interrelated and inseparable entities
Ageless Life Solutions as an Integrative Medicine practice.
In my practice I blend the conventional medical training with
complementary medicine options with conscious effort to respect the interplay of
mind, body and spirit, where the focus is on delivering integrative care that is
responsive to your current needs and expectations.
Some of the therapies are out of the spectrum of the conventional medical
practice, although they are being gradually accepted and adopted into the mainstream.
You are informed if there is scientific evidence that suggests effectiveness and
safety of recommended therapies. You may find that a number of traditional
practices, and miscellaneous organizations might be opposed and critical of those
complementary medicine modalities.
I try to select for my therapeutic repertoire choices that are
most beneficial, safe and cost effective for you, however there is no guarantee
that they will work in every case.
My practice is focused on integrative medicine consulting and while
offering complementary options I do not assume a position of the “primary care physician”.
At the current time I do not provide care in the hospital settings.
My role involves communicating with your primary doctor, if applicable and facilitating an
exchange of information that helps to coordinate care, enhances the therapy options,
improves the quality of medical care and the outcomes. In order to assure
the optimal care and safety I ask for patient permission to exchange medical record
with other physicians and health care providers involved in the care.