By Stephen Donnelly, DO
Before defining Integrative Medicine, an overview of the
current health care system is in order. Over the last half century, we have
seen dramatic changes in the delivery of health care. The coming decades
promise even greater changes. Science and technology shed insight into our
understanding of disease and provide specialized treatments. Technological
breakthroughs, such as the development of immunizations and the discovery of
antibiotics, pasteurization, sterilization, and antiseptic techniques represent
just a few examples. Over the course of the 20th century, these amazing
advances contributed to a gain in life expectancy of over 30 years. With this
increased longevity however, came a major shift in the causes of death, from
infectious (TB, pneumonia, influenza, cholera, etc), to the likes of cancer,
heart disease, and stroke. Medical research has shifted focus toward more
chronic conditions. The focus of clinical practice has followed suit, leading
to our current disease-oriented model of healthcare. In such a model, the
meaning of "health" can be obscured.
What exactly is health? In 1948, the World Health
Organization (WHO) offered the following definition:
"...a state of complete physical, social, and mental
well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
This definition implies that health is multidimensional and
impacted by many factors such as spiritual beliefs and practices, social
relationships, peace, justice, the economy, income, the environment, policies,
etc. Health is evolving and dynamic, changing with the varying circumstances of
one's life. It is also subjective. Each person's experience of health can
differ widely, even when all factors appear similar.
The disease-oriented concept of health drives our current
medical system. Medical advances
have certainly saved and improved the lives of millions, but much of medicine
has primarily focused on addressing the acute events of disease and injury.
High-tech diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and surgery have minimized the
importance of prevention. The disease-driven approach has also led to a
fragmented, highly specialized system. There are cardiologists for your heart,
neurologists for your brain, nephrologists for your kidneys, and the list goes
on. In the U.S. this has been further exacerbated by the economic structure of
our health care system. Pharmaceutical companies thrive in the disease-oriented
model. For-profit health insurance companies often dictate medical practice,
taking it out of the hands of the trained medical professionals.
|
|
Care is often
reactive and impersonal. This has led to a great dissatisfaction with much of
our medical system. It is within this framework that Integrative Medicine has
come into existence.
Integrative Medicine is a healing oriented medicine that
reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient.
This approach focuses on the whole person, recognizing that subtle interactions
of mind, body, spirit, and community have a direct impact on vitality and
well-being. It is evidence based and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic
approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines (both conventional and
alternative), to achieve optimal health and healing. Integrative Medicine is
NOT "alternative" medicine. This implies "in place of"
conventional medicine. It is NOT "complimentary" medicine, which
implies "along side" conventional medicine. By weaving the best of
these modalities with the best of conventional medicine, an Integrative
Medicine practitioner creates a unique partnership between the patient, family,
and primary & specialty care providers, to achieve optimal heath and
healing. Care plans often include recommendations and guidance in the following
areas:
- Conventional
Medicine
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Botanical
Medicine
- Vitamins/Supplements
- Manual
Medicine (Osteopathy, Massage, PT, Chiropractic, Reflexology)
- Whole
Body Systems (Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM/Acupuncture, Ayurveda,
Naturopathy, Homeopathy)
- Energy
Medicine (Reiki, Healing Touch, Qi Gong, etc)
- Spirituality
- Mind-Body
Medicine (Hypnosis, Biofeedback, Guided Imagery)
Integrative Medicine is a grass roots movement rising to
answer the call to improve our healthcare system and wellbeing of our
population. Andrew Weil, MD, arguably the most respected proponent of this
movement, established a training program through the University of Arizona in
2000. The program has achieved international recognition as the leading
integrative medical education program in the world. The fellowship has
graduated over 500 IM practitioners with several practicing right here in
Maine. Integrative Medicine is healthcare of the future, happening right now.
|
Dr. Donnelly practices integrative medicine in Portland.
Information about his practice is available at www.theMCIM.com.
|
|
