Integrated Health

Todays crisis in healthcare and in particularly affordability and sustainability is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Why is it that in a developed country such as the USA have such a disparity between those who have and those who have not? Clearly over the last 20 years medical premiums have been rising. What has also been increasing is the size of the medical industry. New technologies and research have exploded. In the midst of this reality and in the midst of the necessity to care for every citizen the medical industry is turning its attention to integrative health. What is integrative health and medicine? Integrative health and medicine focuses on the whole person, is evidence based, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and professions to achieve optimal health and healing.

New research has uncovered how food can heal the body by cutting out fats, sugars and salts and by eating whole foods. Massage therapy is currently being used to offset the symptoms caused by radiation and chemotherapy. Daily exercise helps everything and specifically strengthens bones through muscle movement. How do we as healthcare practitioners during these times of so much uncertainty and fear move forward? As we move forward we are obligated to focus on the patient and client by increasing education and taking the time to partner with other disciplines and caregivers. Networking with the medical profession is extremely rewarding. My partnership with a local hospital were we provide art therapy, chair massage and family support and this is the future of healthcare. As a massage therapist I am bound by the same, “hippocratic oath”, which also includes, to do no harm and to stay within my scope of practice. Only by connecting with other professionals does integrative medicine work.

Next time you see your doctor ask about integrative medicine and therapies that could improve your overall health and wellbeing. There is no doubt that the better we feel the more we feel better.