Integrative Medicine. Something I have been avoiding. I wanted to deal with my physical illness then hopefully; I would be strong enough to deal with the emotional burdens of having a chronic illness. And a fatal one at that. Maybe, at last, it is time to seek help for that part of this journey.
Dr. Kevin Barrows came to the ILD Support group to tell us all what the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine offers. He said they offer a dynamic approach to health, healing and prevention by integrating modern medicine with established health practices from around the world.
Their mission statement is “to transform the way medicine is practiced by conducting rigorous research on integrative approaches to health; educating students, health professional, and the community; and treating patients with compassionate care that addresses all aspects of health and wellness-physical, psychological, social and spiritual.”
I have written the below from my notes from the meeting but have also used language from their brochure. Their Integrative Medicine Services include all professionally guided and personally oriented goals:
Integrative Medicine Consultation
An approach that includes multiple aspects of health and lifestyle.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Offers a set of recommendations that combines a range of therapies, providing a holistic approach and an integrated treatment plan.
Integrative Women’s Health
Offers a range of options such as herbs, supplements, nutrition and mind-body methods for managing health concerns including menopause, sexual concerns and others.
Integrative Cancer Care
Recommendations that combine a range of therapies providing a holistic treatment plan.
Integrative Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Nurtures the spirit, focus on emotional wellness, and address life challenges, such as physical injury, interpersonal loss or chronic illness. (HELLO!)
Biofeedback
Helps to regain a level of relaxed awareness amidst stress and to become more aware of stress-responses. Created for the individual, each includes relaxation training, guided imagery and other therapies.
Guided Imagery
Using the imaginative capacity of the mind to improve physical, emotional or spiritual health, enhances peace of mind or prepare for surgery or other medical procedures.
Manuel Medicine/Spinal Manipulation
A diagnosis and treatment of reversible functional problems of the musculoskeletal system (muscles and joints) with particular attention to the spine. Other Techniques and hands-on therapies include: osteopathy, chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, and breathwork techniques.
Therapeutic Massage
Personal massage that combines techniques best suited to address specific needs. Some of the styles offered are Swedish, Esalen, Deep Tissue, Pre-Natal, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Craniosacral, Reflexology, Orthobionomy and Counterstrain.
Ayurveda Consultation
Means “The Science of Life” has been practiced in India for more than 5,000 years. Helps to learn how to optimize well-being through careful attention to your lifestyle choices.
They also offer group programs, which emphasize prevention using modern medicine with established practices from around the work to bring complete healthcare to all people.
Here are some examples:
Mindfulness-Programs
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and parenting
The Mind I Labor: Working with Pain in Childbirth
Movement and Healthy Living
Tai Chi Chuan
Therapeutic Yoga
Laughter Yoga
Ayurveda
Cancer Care
Meditation and Guided Imagery for People with Cancer and Caregivers
Spirituality and Cancer: Tapping into the Deeper Dimensions of Healing
Surgery Care
Preparing for Surgery
What is so cool is that they can put a whole package together for my specific needs for a yearlong plan. It is a bundled service for which they offer a 30% discount. I could also do everything I require in one day a week during a six-hour visit. I don’t think I have the focus or energy for that.
Dr. Barrows took us through a Mindfulness Meditation exercise where we sat in our chairs, eyes closed and focused on our breathing. Specifically, we focused on our bellies. How was our breathing? Was there a pause between every few breaths? He said that some believe that no two breaths are alike. Very interesting. Then he mentioned that our minds would begin to wander but bring it back to the belly.
I found it rather amusing how quickly my mind would wander. I also realized how quickly I could bring the focus back to my breathing and my belly. Focus. Mindfulness. Being aware. Mindfulness is the only goal and is not require to relax. It can be practiced anywhere. Being aware. Being mindful.
At the end of the too quick session, he asked us, “In what way are you presently using your mind to help yourself?”
So, dear reader, how would you answer that question?
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