Perhaps you’ve heard of “integrative medicine” or “alternative medicine”, but what about “holistic medicine” and “functional medicine”? Today’s Sterling Health Show welcomed Dr. Henri Roca, of Greenwich Hospital’s Center for Integrative Medicine, who talked about what these terms mean. In essence, integrative medicine means that you’re treating the mind, body and spirit all together; alternative medicine is somewhat of a misnomer as the treatments are combined together, not in opposition to each other; holistic medicine, like the integrative medicine approach, emphasizes all aspects of an individual’s health as well as one’s approach to health, and includes addressing the mind, body, psyche, social, economical and cultural factors that can effect someone’s overall health. Functional medicine, the newest term, is another integrative medicine alternative that focuses on primary prevention and on improving physiological function as being at the crux of improving the health of people with chronic diseases. All focus on such techniques imaging, stress relief, massage, touch therapy, Reiki and yoga, micronutrients, naturopathy, chiropractic care, the use of herbs and traditional Chinese medicine, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, acupuncture and a variety of other less well known, yet highly effective, interventions.
Dr. Roca discussed the wide range of therapeutic options that can be weaved seamlessly into customized care approaches that address not just symptoms but the underlying causes of people’s health problems. Blending these treatment approaches translates into outstanding medical care by drawing on techniques from “old world medicine” and medical approaches from our modern era.
Did you know that modern medicine is actually only about a century old? Thinking of it in this way you can begin to visualize the concept of integrative medicine because it joins together care approaches from many diverse philosophies and cultures and from across the ages.
An integrative, holistic medicine approach benefits people across the age span, from infants to seniors, and addresses many different types of stressors, disabilities and illnesses. This treatment approach transitions smoothly from hospital-based care to home care and to everything in between. Imagine having a person in your home when you are ill or recuperating, providing you with the wonderful techniques shown above. Care based on a holistic and integrative medicine approach provides possibly one of the most comprehensive medical and functional evaluations you’ll ever have, regardless of your care setting. If you want more information on this subject you can find them on our the website for the Sterling Health Show at www.sterlingcare.com where you can listen to our interview with Dr. Henri Roca of February 3, 2010 and link to additional resources on this subject.
For more useful health care information and tips listen to the Sterling Health Show with Steve Katz and Stephanie Paulmeno each Wednesday at 4PM on 1490AM WGCH.
Wishing you days of Sterling Health
Steve Katz and Stephanie Paulmeno
