Psychiatry is the medical specialty that studies, diagnoses, treats, and prevents mental disorders. Traditional treatments typically include medication that changes brain functioning and psychotherapy sessions that increase well-being. However, some people find that pills don’t work for them, have side effects, or just don’t want to take them. That’s where integrative psychiatry comes in.
Taking a holistic approach to treatment, integrative psychiatry looks at all areas of a patient’s health. It incorporates complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques that are backed by research into an individual’s wellness plan. This may include yoga, meditation, herbal supplements, and diet changes, all of which are believed to strengthen the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Exploring the Benefits of Integrative Psychiatry: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
One of the core principles of integrative psychiatry is seeing every person as unique, and recognizing that each will respond differently to different treatment methods. Psychiatrists are doctors, bound by the Hippocratic Oath to do what’s best for their patients, and this includes listening to them, discussing all aspects of a patient’s health, including family history and lifestyle, and analyzing the relationship between medications and the causes of their symptoms.
We can treat your pain with ibuprofen, but if you keep hitting your thumb with a hammer, the problem is not going to improve. Same goes for mental health. You can take a pill, but if you continue to mentally hit yourself over and over again with things like staying up too late scrolling on Instagram, chugging endless cups of coffee, eat fast food for every meal, etc., your mental health isn’t going to get better.
Integrative Medicine is the practice of using natural treatments along with conventional medical therapies. Its goal is to treat the whole person, not just mask symptoms, and encourage healthy behaviors to keep disease at bay.
It combines traditional, or Western, 417 INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE with nontraditional therapies like acupuncture and meditation to help patients manage their symptoms. It also incorporates education to promote good health behaviors, such as healthy eating and stress reduction techniques.
An integrative practitioner will work with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure you have the best treatment for your specific needs. Then, they will help you build the health skills and healthy habits that can keep you feeling your best in the long run.
Integrative Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine: Embracing the Best of Both Worlds
When you see an integrative practitioner, they will take the time to get to know you as a whole person. That includes looking at the physical, emotional, social and spiritual factors that may contribute to your health concerns. They will then guide you towards complementary therapies that have been proven to be safe and effective for your specific situation.
If you are interested in integrative medicine, make sure to choose a practitioner who has completed rigorous training and certifications. Ask for their credentials and find out if they have worked with people with your condition before. This will give you the best chance of getting the most benefit from your treatment. Moreover, a knowledgeable practitioner will always be honest with you about what they can and cannot do for you. Honest counsel builds patient trust and generates referrals for other services that can benefit your health.
417 Integrative Medicine & Housecalls
1335 E Republic Rd D, Springfield, MO 65804, United States
Phone: +14173633900…
