Holistic (Or Integrative) Medicine

Dr Sandeep Gupta

What is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic or Integrative Medicine is a growing field. It aims to integrate mainstream scientific medicine with evidence-based use of nutritional and complementary therapies. To ‘integrate’ means to make whole. Holistic medicine is a synonym. Essentially, the goal is to treat the whole person rather than the symptoms. In this way, it shares a common philosophy with many traditional medicinal systems, while maintaining a scientific basis.
In practice, this approach to medicine involves longer consultations, a more holistic consultation-style and a different billing system than the conventional general practice model.

What training has an Holistic Doctor had?

Doctors practising integrative medicine have completed the standard medical training at a university. Usually they would have worked in a range of hospitals and/or private practices. They have also pursued extra training in other areas of health such as nutritional medicine, e.g. through the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, and they regularly attend seminars. It takes many years for this type of doctor to be trained and skilled in both mainstream scientific medicine and in systems emphasizing a natural approach to health care.

What does a Consultation Involve?

In addition to a thorough medical assessment, a holistic medical doctor’s consultations involve a thorough assessment of diet & nutritional state, exercise & lifestyle, stress management and thought processes. Clients come out of a consultation with a more thorough understanding of their personal bodily makeup and how to tailor their lifestyle to this makeup. The end point of the initial consultation is a comprehensive treatment plan which is formulated collaboratively with the client. Often there are a range of treatment options. Ultimately it is the client’s choice and it will be them who will have to make the changes.

Range of Procedures available

Integrative doctors work together with specialists or other natural health practitioners who may be involved the client’s care. Natural methods are used where possible, with pharmaceuticals usually reserved for acute or severe problems. Injectable nutrient therapy is also offered, which can be of great assistance for those with gut dysfunction and severe nutrient imbalances.
Basic and advanced laboratory testing are available for all clients. Basic testing is offered through local laboratories and is often bulk billed. Specialized tests include nutrient testing, salivary hormone testing, and tests of liver metabolism, food intolerance and intestinal flora. These will often attract Medicare benefits, and have a gap fee. Imaging and tests of heart, lung or digestive function can also be organized when appropriate.

Conditions often treated this way

Areas often treated this way include depression and anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel, hormone imbalances, women’s health issues, musculoskeletal pain, and allergies. Well-established protocols are used in the treatment of all such conditions.
Overall an integrative doctor can help ‘bridge the gap’ between the natural medicine and the conventional medicine worlds. All long-term health ‘challenges’ can be treated by an integrative doctor. This approach can help prevent the numerous complications which can occur with long-term multiple medication use.
Even more ideally, this approach can help us to stay well for longer, achieve a higher potential in life and prevent disease occurring in the first-place. This is true wellness medicine at its best.