For far too long, patients have been caught in the middle of a disjointed system, seeing many different physicians for many different issues throughout their lifetime. While receiving care for the immediate issue at hand may be possible, lost is the ability for doctors to truly get to know their patients and to see the bigger picture of their health. These are the problems that the integrative medicine model seeks to change.
What is Integrative Medicine?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health should not be defined as “merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” it should be a “state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing.” Integrative medicine accomplishes this by establishing patient and practitioner as partners in healthcare. In this partnership, the patient builds a relationship with one provider who understands them, their unique set of circumstances, and any and all challenges they may face regarding their physical, mental and emotional health. Rather than simply writing a prescription and sending them out the door, doctors have a deep and genuine understanding of their patient’s needs and how one condition may affect others.
Benefits of Integrative Medicine
The principles of integrative medicine and the unique patient / physician relationship that it fosters can result in many benefits, including:
- Treatment of the whole person versus an isolated condition
- Establishing a foundation of health by actively addressing concerns and promoting a healthier lifestyle
- Ability to anticipate and prevent health problems before they occur
- Greater ease in identifying the underlying causes of conditions
- Saving money on healthcare expenses in the long run
Integrative Medicine in Zachary
In Zachary, Dr. Kimberly Meiners of Lane Family Practice infuses elements of integrative medicine into her patient care approach. As a result, patients can achieve greater overall wellbeing, as well as maintain their health in the present. Don’t just focus on your health when there is a problem, make integrative medicine a part of your life and your mind, body and soul will all thank you. To learn more about Dr. Meiners or to schedule an appointment, click the button below.
