The road leading to my discovery of integrative medicine started with a realization that there were tools missing in my “box.” Simply prescribing medications for diseases that clearly had multiple origins – physical, psychological, emotional and socioeconomic – was not adequate to address my patients’ needs.
I also felt I had to change some of my own health and wellness behaviors. So, I embarked on learning about new diets and ways to reduce stress.
I found books, personalities, websites and podcasts along my journey. Finding information about nutrition, techniques to manage stress and improve self-image, and a new paradigm for patient care, have been exciting for me.
I am happy to share my list of resources with you. I recommend these to anyone who is interested in living a fuller and richer life:
- “The Tapping Solution” by Nick Ortner. Interesting book explaining the “Emotional Freedom Technique,” which involves acupressure-type tapping to relieve stress.
- “The Silva Mind Control Method” by Jose Silva. Written decades ago, this is an elegant instruction on meditation and how to use your mind more effectively. I currently use this; it is a great way to relax and concentrate as well.
- Website and podcast “The Prosperity Show” by Joan Sotkin. Sotkin teaches financial skills by first exploring people’s inner beliefs. I think this ties in nicely with medicine because both financial and physical health start with healthy inner thoughts. This is the philosophy Joan teaches.
- Institute for Functional Medicine. This organization teaches physicians a new paradigm for taking histories on patients by tracing disease origins on a timeline. There are practitioners who follow this, and patients looking for fresh perspectives can look for them on the website.
- Dr. Joseph Mercola’s website. He is an osteopathic physician who has a wealth of knowledge regarding integrative practice and especially nutrition. Highly recommend subscribing to get daily emails about many different topics. His articles on various products, especially foods, are insightful and packed with useful information designed to educate about maintaining optimal health.
As I continue to learn about integrative medicine, I am sure to find other resources to add to this list. I’d be interested to know from you about resources you’ve found helpful in your journey to better health.
July 29, 2015 at 10:16 pm
Mat…when you use the term “integrative medicine” what exactly do you mean?
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July 30, 2015 at 11:29 am
Integrative medicine blends traditional (or what is termed allopathic medicine) meaning using prescription drugs, surgery etc for treatment with other modalities. For example, I’m an osteopathic physician and use sometimes manipulative therapy for let’s say back pain. There’s also acupuncture, naturopathy (uses nutritional and herbal supplements) and others. I’m trained in traditional medicine mainly but have come to embrace other modalities as I see many shortcomings in our current healthcare system
Hope that answers your question and I appreciate your inquiry. Thanks
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July 30, 2015 at 11:53 am
That answers it perfectly! THanks.
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July 30, 2015 at 5:06 pm
You’re very welcome
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August 2, 2015 at 11:52 pm
Mat, that was a great post with sound resources. Definitely going to check these out. Thanks!
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August 2, 2015 at 11:57 pm
Thank you Antonio. Same here for yours
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August 6, 2015 at 2:07 am
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
Peaceful Practice has provided a great resource list here! Not only health sources but also financial and meditation. Awesome!
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August 6, 2015 at 2:13 pm
I agree that the mind/body connection has the ability to bring dis-ease to light in our lives. I started out reading Louise Hay’s book, You Can Heal Your Life when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a turning point for me. I admire your way of thinking as a person and physician.
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August 6, 2015 at 3:18 pm
Thank you so much. I’ve heard of Louise Hay and interested to learn about her work. Appreciate your very kind comments. Thanks again!
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