Medical Mindsets
Many Medical Mindsets: There are different approaches on how medical practices deliver care. From initial training to ongoing learning, medical practitioners may use different ways to diagnose, treat, intervene, manage &/or heal their patients. Some of these approaches have overlapping definitions; while, others do not. By knowing these definitions, you will better understand your doctor’s approach to delivering care and more importantly, it will give you insight into the type of care that you want to receive. Take time to learn about your current conditions and work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that’s addresses your health & healing needs.
Conventional Medicine: Conventional medicine is the standard & most common approach to delivering healthcare. It employs scientifically proven treatments like medications & surgical procedures. Conventional medicine relies on extensive research & clinical trials to establish effectiveness, protocols, safety & governmental approvals. It is used to treat a wide-range of healthcare needs such as infections, chronic diseases, psychiatric disorders, genetic disorders, maternity care and emergency circumstances.
Complementary Medicine: Complementary medicine refers to non-mainstream therapies that are used alongside conventional medicine to enhance conventional outcomes &/or to alleviate side-effects. The scientific-based therapies that are used for specific conditions may include yoga, meditation, massage therapy, chiropractor care, herbal/supplemental/tincture remedies, aromatherapy, homeopathy, naturopathy, Ayurveda & energy healing modalities (Reiki, Qi Gong, and Healing Touch). Complementary approaches aim to improve overall well-being & quality of life for patients without replacing standard medical practices.
Alternative Medicine: Alternative medicine encompasses a diverse range of non-mainstream therapies & practices. Many of these are often rooted in cultural or traditional beliefs (acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy and Ayurveda). Some alternative practices may lack scientific evidence; however, they may offer relief and benefit certain conditions. In some circumstances, they may also serve as an alternative to conventional treatment. Some examples are crystal healing, magnetic therapy, cupping therapy, ear candling, biofield therapies, reflexology, Bach Flower Remedies, iridology, radionics & dowsing. As some of these alternative practices lack scientific evidence, safety concerns should be discussed with your doctor.
Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM): CAM encompasses both complementary & alternative practices and may be used in conjunction or as an alternative to conventional medicine. This type of medicine includes practices mentioned in the previous definitions. Some of these practices may lack scientific backing; however, they may be part of one’s cultural practices and have long histories of being used for healing. As some of these practices lack scientific evidence, safety concerns should be discussed with your doctor.
Integrative Medicine: Integrative medicine combines conventional medical treatment with evidence-based complementary interventions. Depending on the illness, such interventions may include acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, nutrition, physical activity, herbs, supplements, yoga, relaxation techniques, meditation, naturopathy, Ayurveda & energy healing (Reiki, Qigong, healing touch). Integrative medicine emphasizes whole-person care and promotes healing & wellness beyond just symptom management.
Lifestyle Medicine: Lifestyle medicine emphasizes the impact of lifestyle choices on health outcomes. It includes prescribing interventions such as dietary changes, regular exercise, relaxation techniques & smoking cessation programs. It aims to prevent, manage & reverse chronic conditions like obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (abnormal cholesterol/triglyceride levels), type 2 diabetes & some cancers by addressing the underling risk factors.
Functional Medicine: Functional medicine takes a personalized & system-oriented approach to health. It focuses on understanding the root causes of diseases by considering genetic, environmental & lifestyle factors. Practitioners may utilize advanced diagnostic tests to uncover imbalances; then, they help develop individualized treatment plans involving nutrition, supplements, exercise & relaxation techniques.
Osteopathic Medicine: Osteopathic medicine emphasizes the body’s self-healing capacity & the maintenance of good health. It uses preventive medicine and a whole-person approach to deliver patient care. Osteopathic medicine recognizes the interrelated unity of all the body systems in working together to promote overall health and wellness. Osteopathic physicians may use muscularskeletal techniques to diagnose & treat conditions while also employing conventional medical treatments as necessary.
Cenegenic Medicine: Cenegenics medicine focuses on age management & optimizing health & vitality. Cenegenic medicine may utilize interventions such as hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, supplements, exercise prescriptions and relaxation techniques.
Holistic Medicine: Holistic medicine considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body & spirit in health & healing and recognizes the importance of addressing all aspects of a person’s life. It may include a wide-range of therapies such as acupuncture, medication, nutritional counseling & psychotherapy to promote balance and well-being on multiple levels. It works towards addressing whole-person health.
Naturopathic Medicine: Naturopathic medicine combines traditional natural healing wisdom with conventional medicine to address the root causes of disease and it supports the body's innate ability to heal & prevent diseases. Interventions may include nutrition, physical activity, meditation, herbal medicine, supplements, hydrotherapy, physical manipulation and acupuncture. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes whole-person care and uses individualized care, holistic-health assessment and patient empowerment to restore balance and to optimize physical, mental, and emotional well-being.