Integrative Medicine

There are more and more healthcare professionals who are taking the route of integrative medicine in addition to the traditional method of treatment. Therapeutic healing when combined with traditional medicine has been known for long to help in easing out the pain as well as the level of stress in individuals who are suffering from cases of chronic medical conditions. These medications are known to focus on various aspects such as biological, psychological as well as the spiritual aspect of the health of the individual.

Integrative medicine is known to be a healing oriented medicine which mostly takes into account the whole aspect of the individual which also includes all the various aspects of lifestyle. The integrative medicine is known to emphasize on the therapeutic relationship between the patient and the practitioner. By the appropriate use of both the conventional as well as the alternative methods can help to facilitate the innate healing process of the body. As defined by World Health Organisation, Integrative Medicine is defined as the state of complete  physical, mental as well as social wellbeing and just the absence of disease or the infirmity.

This approach helps to restore as well as maintain the health and the wellness across the lifespan of the individual by understanding the unique set of circumstances of the patient and also addressing the entire range of mental, physical, emotional, social as well as spiritual influences which is known to affect the health. Through the personalising care, the integrative medicine is known to go beyond just treating the symptom for addressing all the causes of the disease. By doing so, the individual’s current needs of the health as well as the effects of the long-term and also the complex interaction between the environmental, behavioural, psychological, and biological aspects are also taken into account.

Yoga and Tai Chi have been identified as two of the most alternative approaches for de-stressing the body and keeping it healthy. These workouts are inspired from the Eastern regions and they are known to be excellent modalities which are used for enhancing the breathing, the movement as well as the meditation. One can try to incorporate them in the daily life or the fitness routine so as to find ease in the body and mind.

Yoga is one such practice which can be combined with the traditional or the conventional route for healing the mind and body of an individual. Yoga is basically a mind and body practice which has historical origins in the ancient Indian philosophy. There are multiple styles of yoga which can be combined with physical postures, meditation, relaxation techniques and breathing techniques. Today, yoga has become a popular form of exercise around the globe which is based on asanas which are the physical poses which helps in promoting the improvement in controlling of mind as well as body and at the same time to enhance well-being of the individual.

Practicing yoga is known to benefit the medical condition as well as to increase the physical activity, to enhance strength, balance as well as flexibility. Yoga if carried out in a correct manner and under proper guidance of a trained supervisor then it is considered to be a fulfilling treatment. Doctors as well as scientist who have been pursuing yoga related research have focused on its potential benefits as a technique for providing relief from stress and also to cope up with chronic medical conditions. It also helps in investigating the potential for helping in preventing, alleviating and healing those specific condition which can include high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, menopause symptoms and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tai chi on the other hand is known to be slow, meditative and rhythmic movement of the body which are designed for helping to find inner calmness and peace. The three of the most popular styles of tai chi are Yang, Wu and tai chi chih. The Yang style is known to include 24 movements in the simple form and it is quiet demanding since one must have to keep their stance wide as well as the knees are expected to be kept bent all the while. The wu style is known to include 24 to 36 movements in the shorter form.

This style is pretty much gentler than the yang style since it is known to use a narrow but a slightly higher stance wherein the knees are not needed to bent as much as in yang. The last style known as tai chi chih is said to have around 20 movements. It is also known to use a higher stance but with less transfer of the weights from one leg to the other than the other two styles. The wu style would be easier for the beginners since it uses a narrow stance and also it is better for improving the balance.

It does not matter which style would one practice but they are basically to be conducted on a slow basis and each of them have a graceful movement wherein it is seamless to flow from one movement to another without any hesitation. There are multiple benefits of tai chi since it can help in delaying aging as well as to increase the life of the individual. It helps in increasing the flexibility, increase the strengths of the muscles as well as the tendons. Also it is said to be helpful in treating medical conditions such as high blood pressure, skin related diseases, arthritis, digestive disorder or any other medical conditions. But currently there are no strong evidences to prove or support these claims on tai chi.

Earlier western medicine was all about an evidence based practice but the medical community is also looking to take in the alternative route of medicine over the past couple of decades. The practice of integrative medicine is basically a mix on them. It is one which can bring many benefits to the patient who are taking advantage of this mix. Integrative medicine is known to address the root of the illness instead of just targeting the symptoms, there is a partnership approach,  addresses the issue of chronic illness and ensure that the patient is given personal attention.