Healthcare Approaches: Know Your Options
Functional, holistic, alternative, integrative healthcare… what is it all, and how might it help me?
Functional medicine is defined as “a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Each symptom or differential diagnosis may be one of many contributing to an individual’s illness.” (Source 1)
Integrative, or holistic medicine is defined as “an evidence-based approach to treat the whole person — your mind, body and soul. Your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs are all involved, so integrative medicine uses a combination of therapies. It “integrates” conventional approaches and complementary therapies to achieve optimal health and healing.” (Source 2)
Alternative medicine is an umbrella term used to categorize most modalities that do not fit within the “conventional”, western medicine model.
Why functional and integrative healthcare is important:
These modalities rely on a “whole person” approach, concerned with the root cause of issues rather than just the symptoms. This typically results in longer appointment times with your provider, an increased flow of open communication, and the experience of being treated as more than just a sum of your symptoms..which in turn can prevent misdiagnosis, unnecessary prescriptions and medical costs, etc.
These modalities also typically consider the impact of emotional issues or areas of distress in your life– to a greater extent than conventional medicine does. By addressing these issues, there is greater opportunity for the patient to find sustainable solutions to stress and other emotional challenges, thus improving long-term health outcomes.
Choosing which approach, or combination of approaches is best for you
When exploring options for your medical treatment, consider…
-Do you have interest in alternative and/or supplemental healthcare modalities?
-What is your insurance coverage like? Accessibility and fair pricing can be an issue in the holistic healthcare field. Be prepared to potentially pay out of pocket if you plan to visit an alternative healthcare provider. Inquire about payment plans, sliding scale offerings, etc.
-Consider combining western medicine and alternative medicine: it is possible to curate treatment plans that use root cause support as well as modern medicine innovations (e.g., taking a blood pressure medication for hypertension under the care of your PCP while also visiting with a holistic health care provider for herbs, acupuncture, and/or nutrition guidance).
How to find a functional provider near you:
Visit these sites, enter your location details, and explore the options!
Online Databases:
-The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
-The Institute For Functional Medicine
-American College for Advancement in Medicine
Looking for more support, but don’t want to find a new doctor? Enter…Health Coaches:
Health coaches are trained to help “coach” you towards healthier lifestyle choices, with a special focus on integrative nutrition. This means, we not only work alongside your medical providers to support your best nutrition, we also see an equal benefit in addressing other areas of your life that contribute to your overall health (such as…. Exercise, mindfulness, relationships, career etc)
The benefits of working with an integrative health coach can include:
-Coaching in finding manageable steps to take in the direction of your goal
-Mentorship and guidance in making lifestyle adjustments as needed
-Accountability in following through with treatment plans recommended by your providers
-A sounding board to discuss thoughts and feelings associated with your journey in healthcare
**A support system in preparing for your doctor appointments; building your self-advocacy skills to ask for what you want from your doctors, interpret testing results, and direct your own plan of care
For more helpful information like this
-connect with me on socials @imperfectly_well_blog
-visit www.jessnoriga.com for more resources
-sign up for my email newsletter to receive notifications about new informational posts
If you’d love to learn more about holistic healthcare, or could use some support in making healthy lifestyle changes to support your goals, head to the link in my website to see if we would be a good fit! I specialize in using integrative nutrition with a focus on anti-inflammatory choices, alongside therapeutic yoga, to coach others towards relief from chronic stress.
Sources/Learn more at:
1. https://www.ifm.org/functional-medicine/what-is-functional-medicine/
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21683-integrative-medicine
Wishing you well,
Jess
