Incorporating natural healing doesn’t mean that you have to turn your back on modern medicine.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that practitioners of natural medicine are against all Western conventional medicine treatment.

That simply isn’t true.

It’s not about pitting one against each other, but using the best of what each has to offer in terms of relief and treatment.

It’s about understanding the strengths and limits of both approaches and about having a team that can support you in your healing journey.

Modern medicine and symptomatic treatment

Modern medicine excels at treating serious infections, performing complex surgical interventions with precision, and providing pharmaceutical drugs to manage acute conditions and critical health issues effectively. It also includes advanced diagnostic imaging, emergency care, and specialized treatments for life-threatening illnesses, making it indispensable for immediate and targeted medical care.

However, conventional medicine often focuses primarily on the physical aspect of illness and symptomatic relief. It often falls short when it comes to long-term management of disease and chronic illnesses.

After the immediate crisis, my patients in my clinic have told me they frequently encounter a fragmented healthcare system with limited coordination among specialists. This can lead to gaps in care.

For example, Nicky (not her real name to protect her identity) was recovering from surgery and she felt that she had to jump through so many hoops just to find out what the surgeon’s findings were and what follow-up care she needed.

Nicky also wasn’t given adequate guidance on lifestyle changes, nutrition, or how to address the root causes of her condition, which are crucial for full recovery and long-term health. The surgeon who performed the surgery was not in communication with her doctor, so the doctor was not able to fully answer her questions. Her follow-up visits with the doctor tended to be brief and centered around medication adjustments rather than holistic assessments of her overall well-being. She felt unsupported and unsure about how to maintain her health post-recovery. She came to me searching for a better solution because she didn’t want to be dependent only on pharmaceutical drugs.

Nicky’s case is unfortunately very common.

Modern Medicine and Integrative medicine

The most obvious scenario is that if you are having a life threatening emergency, go to the ER. If you’re dealing with a serious medical condition, you need to see a qualified conventional medical doctor to get the immediate care you need. No question.

You may also need to see a conventional medicine doctor to get the tests you need to evaluate the situation and determine a treatment and plan of care to manage your acute symptoms

For management of a longer term chronic illness, an integrative medicine approach to treatment can be very beneficial and even preferable. Like many patients who seek out our services in the clinic, they have chosen to rely on both conventional medicine and Traditional East Asian Medicine.

This approach doesn’t pit one against the other; instead, it seeks to create a balanced, comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Getting treatment from a holistic health practitioner like a Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) practitioner, acupuncturist, herbalist, and energy healer, doesn’t mean that you have to turn your back on modern medicine. It is also true that if you are currently getting treated by conventional medicine doctors, you can definitely benefit from incorporating a more holistic approach.

You can get the best of both worlds.

Conventional Western medicine can provide the scientific rigor and technological advancements of modern medicine. It can also provide quick relief and treatment that can include fast acting pharmaceutical drugs if needed.

While modern medicine focuses primarily on symptomatic relief, the Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) approach can provide complementary benefits:

How to make sure you get the care you need and deserve.

If you’re new to the concept of integrative medicine, it might feel overwhelming to navigate these different approaches on your own.

Here are a few steps to help you get started:

• Consult with Both Practitioners: Begin by consulting with your current healthcare provider and a qualified Traditional East Asian Medicine practitioner. Discuss your symptoms, concerns, and goals for your health. Both practitioners can offer insights that will help you create a balanced treatment plan.

• Educate Yourself: Learn more about Traditional East Asian Medicine practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and mindful movements. Understanding these therapies will empower you to make informed decisions about your health.

• Start Small: You don’t have to overhaul your entire treatment plan overnight. Start by incorporating small changes, such as adding a mindful movement practice or dietary adjustments recommended by Traditional East Asian Medicine.

• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to different treatments. Keep a journal of your symptoms, improvements, and any side effects. This will help you and your practitioners make necessary adjustments.

• Stay Open-Minded: Healing is a journey, and it’s essential to remain open to trying new approaches. What works for one person might not work for another, so be patient and flexible as you explore different options.

Embrace the Journey

Remember, you have the power to shape your healing journey. By embracing the strengths of both modern medicine and Traditional East Asian Medicine, you can create a holistic, balanced approach that addresses all aspects of your well-being. You deserve to feel connected, empowered, and whole.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to support you. Together, we can explore mindful movements and practices that will help you reconnect with your innate ability to heal. Let’s embark on this journey towards health, balance, and transformation.

Connect With Us

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how we can help you integrate natural healing into your life, please reach out to us at info@littlesage.com. We’re here to support you every step of the way.