Integrative Medicine
What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine draws together the best of conventional medicine and “complementary” medicine to offer a truly integrative approach to health and illness. It starts from the belief that you, the patient are in the centre, and goes from there.
Integrative medicine acknowledges body, mind, spirit and environment, while drawing on the best of different approaches to enhance our wellbeing. This does not mean that an individual practitioner has to be an expert in all areas of complementary and conventional medicine. An integrative medicine practitioner works to the best of their ability in their chosen modalities, but also has a deep understanding of the different aspects contributing to health, explores each of these areas, and knows when to engage other health professionals.
Integrative medicine encourages communication between practitioners. It is a system where the patient and practitioners work as partners to put into place a comprehensive approach addressing not just the immediate or current concerns, but also underlying issues that may be contributing to your health.
What to expect when you see an integrative medicine practitioner.
When you see an integrative medicine practitioner, you can expect to have an in-depth assessment of your health. The practitioner will take a thorough case history asking for information about your current concerns, and also your previous health history. The assessment will usually include an examination and diagnostic testing.
The practitioner will then work with you to develop a comprehensive programme which may involve various approaches including nutritional, herbal, environmental, body therapies and mindbody medicine. This will address factors that may be contributing to poor health, and help you to achieve and maintain optimal health. One of the key factors here is that an integrative medicine practitioner will invite and encourage you to be an active partner in your journey towards optimal health and wellbeing.
Dr. Nicky Baillie
MBChB, FRNZCGP, Dip Herb Med, MNZAMH, Dip Int Psych (Hakomi).
Using the best of both worlds.
Combining the best complementary medicine and conventional medicine has to offer, to get you well again.
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