Four Approaches to Health
may 20th, 2023
Four Approaches to Health
Our health is complex and can be hard to navigate at times. There are various approaches to health that encompass our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. These approaches often overlap and influence each other. Some key approaches to health are conventional medicine, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), integrative medicine and functional medicine. This journal is not a comprehensive list of every health approach that exists. Rather, it serves as a starting point for considering and understanding four health approaches available to you. There isn’t one pathway to optimal health, and for this reason, it’s important to tune in to your body and your needs to choose the health approaches that align with wherever you are in your health journey.
Your health and wellness aren’t a static condition. As your health needs shift, you may find that the ways in which you support them do too. These various approaches to health often complement and overlap, and individuals may benefit from a combination of these strategies to achieve and maintain health and wellness. If you're seeking additional guidance and support, consider one of my bio-individual programs! Working with a wellness coach could be a great start in your journey towards optimal health.
Let’s explore these four approaches in more detail:
Conventional Medicine approaches are based on scientific research, evidence-based medicine and accepted medical principles.
Specializes in acute, emergency, intensive and urgent care
Uses conventional modalities, such as surgery or prescription medications, for symptom treatment and prevention
The body is often seen and treated as separate parts
The practitioner is typically viewed as the authority in the treatment process
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to a diverse set of healthcare practices and therapies that are not considered part of conventional or mainstream medicine.
Consists of therapies such as nutritional, physical, or psychological
May include healing philosophies, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy and Ayurveda
Nutritional therapies may include therapeutic diets, dietary supplements and herbs
Physical therapies may include chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage
Psychological therapies may include meditation, hypnosis, aromatherapy and biofeedback
Integrative Medicine is patient-centered, providing a comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare, considering the individual's unique needs and preferences.
Evolved to blend CAM therapies into the conventional healthcare model
Aims to use natural, less invasive and less expensive methods of treatment first
Emphasizes optimal healing
Adopts a holistic approach
Functional Medicine is also patient-centered and provides an upstream approach to healthcare that seeks to uncover the root causes of symptoms and disease.
Considers the unique individual by examining biochemical individuality and exploring the predisposing factors, triggers and mediators of disease
Values the importance of personalized treatment plans created through a partnership between the patient and their provider
Views organ systems as interconnected and adopts a holistic approach to create a healing environment that restores vitality, not merely the absence of disease
xoxo,
Anthea
