Finding Your Path to Wellness

Are you seeking a healthcare approach that looks beyond just treating symptoms? Do you envision a partnership with your doctor that considers your whole being – mind, body, and spirit? If so, you might find the philosophy of integrative medicine and the practice of integrative primary care to be a refreshing and empowering path to wellness.

Here at Integrative Family Medicine of Bend, we believe in this comprehensive approach, and we want to shed some light on what these terms truly mean.

What Exactly is Integrative Medicine?

Integrative medicine is a healing-oriented approach that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient. It focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and¹ makes use of all appropriate therapeutic and lifestyle approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and² healing.

Think of it as a holistic approach that thoughtfully blends conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies. It's not about choosing one over the other, but rather strategically combining the best of both worlds to address the root causes of illness and promote overall well-being.

Key Principles of Integrative Medicine:

• The Patient-Physician Partnership: You are an active participant in your care, working collaboratively with your practitioner to develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Addressing the Whole Person: Integrative medicine considers the interconnectedness of your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects.
• Informed by Evidence: Therapeutic approaches are chosen based on the best available scientific evidence.
• Utilizing a Variety of Modalities: This can include conventional treatments like medication and surgery, alongside complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, nutritional counseling, mindfulness practices, and herbal medicine.
• Focus on Wellness and Prevention: Integrative medicine emphasizes proactive strategies to promote health and prevent disease, rather than solely reacting to illness.
• The Healing Power of the Body: It recognizes the body's innate ability to heal and supports this process.

So, What is Integrative Primary Care?

Integrative primary care takes the principles of integrative medicine and applies them within the context of your regular primary care services. This means that your primary care physician, trained in integrative approaches, will:

• Provide comprehensive primary care: Addressing your routine health needs, managing chronic conditions, and offering preventative screenings.
• Take a broader view of your health: Asking about your lifestyle, stress levels, emotional well-being, and social support, in addition to your physical symptoms.
• Develop personalized care plans: Tailoring treatment strategies to your unique needs and preferences, potentially incorporating complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments when appropriate and evidence-based.
• Emphasize lifestyle modifications: Guiding you on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management techniques to optimize your health.
• Coordinate care with other practitioners: Collaborating with specialists and other healthcare providers, including those offering complementary therapies, to ensure a cohesive and well-rounded approach to your health.

The Benefits of Choosing Integrative Primary Care at Integrative Family Medicine of Bend:

By choosing integrative primary care with us, you can expect:

• A deeper understanding of your health concerns: We take the time to listen to your story and explore the various factors influencing your well-being.
• Personalized treatment plans: Your care will be tailored to your individual needs and goals, drawing from a wider range of therapeutic options.
• Empowerment in your health journey: You will be an active partner in making informed decisions about your care.
• A focus on long-term wellness: We aim to not just treat illness, but to help you achieve optimal health and vitality.
• A compassionate and supportive environment: We are committed to providing you with the highest quality of care in a warm and welcoming setting.

Ready to Explore Integrative Primary Care?

If you're looking for a healthcare experience that values your whole being and offers a comprehensive approach to wellness, we invite you to learn more about integrative primary care at Integrative Family Medicine of Bend. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you on your path to optimal health.

We believe that by integrating the best of conventional and complementary medicine, we can empower you to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.