“Integral health can only be achieved through the development of our inner life and our inner healing capacities.” (Dacher, p9, 2006) Integral Health defined is the expansion of consciousness, knowledge and explores the fundamental meaning of medicine. Conventional allopathic medicine is limited, because it is based on a disease model. It is most effective at addressing symptoms of acute health crisis while not being very effective for chronic disease, our major problem today. (Ageless Zone) The technology behind allopathic medicine is remarkably advanced but this comes at a high price. Science has a limited view, focusing on biology and does not take into consideration, the effects of mind and spirit on the health of the whole person. Healthcare costs are very high, causing financial difficulties for many and making health care unobtainable for some. It is less costly to maintain good health than to cure disease. A new model of care must be focused on wellness. For thousands of years practice of medicine was based on spiritual premises. Today we can combine traditional healing practices with modern allopathic medicine. Clinical studies are proving that complimentary and alternative therapies have measurable and subjective benefits that address healing of the body, mind, and spirit. Creating an integral model of healthcare requires carefully combining complimentary and alternative therapies with allopathic medicine, creating a personalized system that is patient friendly, economically sustainable, more obtainable to the masses and can be utilized widely as a means of preventative care and for treatments of pathologies of various kinds.
Undoubtably, remarkable achievements in the modern sciences and medicine have resulted in dramatic improvement in quality of life. (Dacher, 2006, p. 25) The discovery of disease causing bacteria, viruses, and the subsequent development of proper sanitation techniques have contributed in major decrease in deaths due to acute infections, increasing life expectancies. The last century saw the invention of antibiotics, immunizations, and pharmaceutical drugs to treat a plethora of illnesses or disorders. Eighty years ago penicillin was discovered by Alexander Flemming. (CDC) In 1954 Polio vaccines began distribution. By 1994 Polio was eradicated in the Western Hemisphere. (College of Physicians of Philadelphia) Most Americans today die from chronic illnesses such as heart disease or cancer, which can often be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. Medical technology is helping many people afflicted with these common illnesses to live longer. Surgeries can accomplish many amazing transformations. Organ transplants and reconstructive surgeries are extending and improving the quality of life for many people. But for all of the wonderful things allopathic medicine has to offer, it also has its flaws. The healthcare system in the U.S. is failing many American people.
High costs of healthcare premiums and procedures are indications of a broken system. 50,000,000 Americans today do not have healthcare coverage. (Moore, 2007) Because allopathic medicine is based on a disease model, preventive care generally consists of screening for pathogens and does not go further. Many people only go to the doctor if they’re sick. Some do not go even when they are ill, because they do not have the money to pay for their care, because it can be difficult to get an appointment, or they are just not comfortable with going to the doctor.
“Don’t get emotionally involved with your patients.” (Schlitz et all, 2005, p xvi) This is the counsel of elder medical doctors to their medical students. Doctors are thought to be more objective when emotionally detached. Doctors are allotted very little time with patients in most conventional medical settings which contributes to their being robotic and impersonal when interacting with patients. Furthermore, doctors get paid for prescribing procedures and medications. Insurance and pharmaceutical companies do not generally pay for seemingly healthy people to get nutritional counseling, fitness training, or stress reducing therapies.
Many Americans turn to complimentary and alternative practices or CAM to address their needs of caring for themselves. According to a 1991 study at Harvard University, 34% of people in the U.S. pay out of pocket for CAM services, Examples of such practices include but are not limited to Yoga, massage therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, various forms of energy work, spiritual healing and indigenous healing traditions. The feature and benefits of such practices vary widely. People may be drawn to one type of CAM practice over another for a number of personal reasons. Let’s focus in on a few common forms of CAM.
“Yoga is an ancient science developed over 5,000 years ago in India. Its purpose is to calm the mind so we can abide in our peaceful nature.” (Integral Yoga, 2011) The Integral Yoga Institute is one of many global organizations that has shared this ancient practice with the modern world. The intention of Yoga is to have a healthy body, a mind at peace, and a life with purpose. The physical practice of Yoga asana is only one component of the total practice. There is Karma Yoga, the Yoga of action, which includes mindfulness in all action; selfless service is encouraged. Bhakti Yoga is practice of love and devotion, including ritual, chanting, and loving the divine nature in everyone. Jnana Yoga is the Yoga of wisdom, which includes seeking truth through self inquiry, discernment, intellect, intuition, contemplation, and study of philosophy. Raja Yoga is the practice of control of the mind. This includes the physical practice of postures, which is what most people associate with Yoga. It also includes practicing restraint and meditation. (Vedanta Society, San Francisco, 2011) Yoga can benefit anyone who embarks on the practice. Therapeutic Yoga is a carefully designed collection of restorative yoga, gentle yoga, breath work, guided meditation, and hands-on healing techniques. (Integral Yoga) Therapeutic Yoga helps many people who are living with chronic illness or injury, as well as pregnant women and aging populations.
Massage therapy is another ancient healing modality; it can be found in a variety of forms in practically every culture the world over. Therapeutic touch is used by most people, in some form as a way of healing. Swedish, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Breema, Ralfing, Thai Massage, and Reiki are some common styles of therapeutic touch. Specific types of massage are beneficial for treating a range of injuries and conditions. Athletes and cancer patients can both benefit from massage therapy, however the techniques employed would be completely different. Healing touch works on more than a physical level. It also serves to support mental, emotional wellbeing. Massage therapists can be found in hospitals, chiropractor’s offices, physical therapy clinics, day spas and resorts. Many people consider massage therapy to be an important aspect of their personal wellness regimen. Still for many people a professional massage is considered to be a luxury item.
An integral model of healthcare brings together the most beneficial aspects of allopathic and CAM therapies. Health is influenced by a combination of physical, spiritual and environmental factors. “Integral health is holistic, evolutionary, intentional, person-centered and dynamic.” (Dacher, p 30-31) Conventional medicine focuses only on the biological body. Health care must be designed to fit the patients’ needs, not the other way around. Integral medicine goes beyond looking at people from only a physical perspective. The goal of the integral model simultaneously seeks to understand, heal, and strengthen the psycho-spiritual, interpersonal, and worldly aspects of human experience.
“Getting and staying healthy requires screening for common ailments, getting recommend annual exams, and customizing care according to one’s personal health record.” (One Medical Group, 2011) Redirecting the primary focus of the U.S. health care system, wellness and prevention services would benefit the overall health of Americans and create more continuity within the various branches of health and wellness disciplines. Nutritional counseling, stress management programs, and fitness regimens would be all inclusive as a personalized program for all people, whether or not they are acutely suffering from disease. All practitioners in these various fields of expertise working together with the oversight of a primary care physician would improve quality of care and quality of life. According to the Harvard study previously mentioned, 72% of people who use CAM never talk to their doctors about it. (Shlitz et all, np) Potentially, this could be hazardous if a negative interaction was to occur with conflicting treatments, due to lack of communication. Furthermore, a physician such as an Osteopath, who is knowledgable of CAM could help patients determine which treatments are best serving as complimentary and which are alternative.
More personalized care would return the human element to health care. The medical industry as a whole needs to reconnect with patients emotionally, physically, and spiritally. Allocating more quality time between doctors and patients provides an opportunity to build trust and understanding. Registered nurses, yoga teachers, doctors and other health care professionals can learn how to integrate therapeutic CAM into their professions. Early intervention and education of the youngest Americans regarding nutritional counseling, life skills training, emotional health, and physical health will help to ensure the next generation of adults is healthier than the current population.
An integral model of health care would make health care affordable and accessible for more people. CAM practitioners, working under the direction of a physician could bill the medical insurance for the treatments. If doctors were able to take more time with their patients while they are healthy and recommend personalized health maintenance programs, this would prevent much of the chronic illness that now is so prominent in American society. The costs of treating the symptoms of common chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease drive up costs for everybody. Many Americans simply go without health coverage. This can be an expensive gamble. People may go without care when they need it, due to lack of funds. Meanwhile problems get worse, until they become critical. Medical bills are a common cause for bankruptcy. These problems can be fixed. Use of modern technology to streamline medical records, prescription refills, and appointments are some ways to improve the quality of healthcare while reducing costs. Any practitioner with access to the client’s records could see the client’s history and use that knowledge in their interactions with said client.
An integral model would benefit our nation’s economy on a large scale. Our nations economy is facing many challenges today. Out of control health care costs are a major factor in these troubled times. Treatment of preventable, chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease drive up everyone’s costs. Solving this problem will take a total cultural shift. We as Americans need to become more physically active, learn to manage our stress more effectively, and eat healthfully. Instituting wellness programs within health insurance programs, integrating these programs into workplace benefits packages, and offering incentive programs will encourage people to make the necessary changes. In many parts of the country, entire overhauls of the structure and planning of cities and neighborhoods may be required. Neighborhood designs should encourage walking and biking, having stores and parks within a reasonable distance, and having ample bike lanes so that bikes do not compete with cars. Because of our fast paced lives, we have become a fast food nation. We need to make a major shift with regards to the food available to people on the go. Jamie Oliver made a TV series called Food Revolution where he proved that healthy food can be made quickly and inexpensively. Individuals can take a stand for this by voting with their food dollar, but sometimes choices are limited. This is why our citizens, government, and health professionals need to put pressure on the food industry to provide more healthful choices to us. When this happens, we will see less diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental health problems, and fewer sick days at work.
Obstacles to creating an integral health care model revolve around the debate between modern science and spiritual tradition. Many scientists, especially of older schools are opposed to or skeptical of CAM practices. Careful research of CAM is needed to gain a deeper understanding of how CAM therapies work. Though many CAM therapies have been traditionally used for thousands of years, it is still important to run them through modern scientific trials to prove their efficacy today. Complimentary and Alternative medicine is being researched and scrutinized. The problem that we face is not trial methodology per se but how to measure outcomes. Clinical trial methods usually adopt randomization, double-blinding or placebo controls. The results of CAM treatments are often subjective in nature. Treatments appearing to benefit patients in non-specific ways require adaptation of testing methods in order to measure the benefits. These subjective benefits are typically labeled a placebo effect. Studies to understand the non-specific effects continue to be further explored. Much of CAM is faith based or spiritual in nature. This causes clashes between ‘believers’ and scientists who have not proven efficacy through scientific research. Solid research on the effectiveness of CAM and subsequent implementation would ultimately improve patient care.(JRSM)
It is time to return the soul to health care. “Integral Health recognizes that the crisis in health care today is also an opportunity to bring about profound personal and social transformation.” (Ageless Zone) Compassion, and wisdom are the mark of a great health care professional. Good medicine revolves around patient care. Allopathic institutions must change their view of disconnecting from the patient to identifying with them in order to understand their needs. Individuals must be empowered to take complete charge of their own mental and physical wellbeing, before problems arise. Every individual in the nation should be given the education and resources to make healthy lifestyle choices. This change must reach into schools, community planning, as well as health care facilities. It is not enough to screen for biological pathology. The mind and spirit are where the seeds of wellness or disease lye. When we broaden our definition of what it means to be healthy, we implement societal changes which emphasize healthy lifestyle, our entire society will be healthier and happier and more prosperous.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Antibiotics: One of the Greatest Discoveries of the 20th Century, Retrieved May 2011
College of Physicians of Philadelphia, The History of Vaccines, Retrieved June, 2011,
Dacher, Integral Health, 2006, Basic Health Publications, Laguna Beach, CA
Integral Yoga Institute website, San Francisco CA, Retrieved May 2011,
Journal of the Royal Society for Medicine, UK, Retrieved May 2011
Moore, Michael, Sicko, 2007, Dog Eat Dog Films
One Medical Group, Retrieved May 2011
Schlitz et all, Consciousness and Healing, Integral Approaches to Mind Body Medicine, 2005, Elsevier Inc., St. Louis MO
