Integrative Medicine And You

Here's some good advice from the Duke University Medical Center:

A growing number of women and men are finding answers to their health questions in integrative medicine, a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that enhances the best conventional medicine with a mind-body-spirit approach to both illness and health. Patients who take this approach typically feel better and have better outcomes.

For instance, research studies show that people who incorporate relaxation techniques before and during surgery often lose less blood, require less anesthesia, and have shorter hospital stays; acupuncture can alleviate the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and pregnancy; and daily meditation practice can significantly reduce stress-related elevated blood pressure. Examples like these underscore the fact that people are intricate, whole systems--not just body parts.

Women's health issues in particular tend to be centered around normal, but challenging, life transitions, in addition to disease states--and our perceptions of events like menstruation, childbirth, and menopause help to shape our experiences of them and impact our health. For this reason, it's important for women to reflect inward and ask themselves, "What is the significance of this issue in my life and how can I best support my overall health and wellness during this time?"

We should consider these five components when taking an integrative approach to health and wellness:

• Body - We often become disconnected from our bodies because we are too busy to hear the messages they are sending us. In our culture women, in particular, are often expected to run the show and take care of others; this creates drains and blows to our systems that translate into illness and disease. Our bodies aren't designed to operate in a constant state of go, and our health suffers when they do. Stopping during the day to pay attention to how we feel allows us to relax, and to listen and respond to our bodies' needs.
• Mind - Because today's technology means we receive almost constant input, an important strategy for strengthening our systems is to make time to mentally unplug from that input. Don't answer the phone; choose instead to read a poem, listen to music, or just focus on your breathing. Even short breaks help us rebalance and can be invaluable to our health.
• Nutrition - Reaping the health benefits of better nutrition doesn't necessarily require drastic changes to our eating habits. For example there is strong evidence suggesting that the daily consumption of 2-4 cups of green tea can have a major impact in decreasing the risk of breast and colon cancer.
• Movement - This does not have to mean step aerobics or Stairmasters, and can include anything from yard work to playing outside with the kids. Something as simple as taking a short walk for 20-30 minutes, four days a week, significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, our country's number-one killer of men and women.
• Spirituality - Pay attention to what makes you feel connected to the bigger world, whether that's religion, nature, or being with friends. Figure out what brings you joy and find a place for that in your life. Evidence suggests that both wellness and longevity are increased in individuals who develop nourishing relationships and strong support systems.

An integrative approach to medicine is what many people are seeking. People want their whole selves cared for, not just their sick body parts. We are now gathering evidence that shows that these approaches have a very real impact on our health.