I THRIVE
Integrative Medicine Techniques
According to the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, Integrative Medicine is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies.
Integrated health approaches may fall into two general subgroups:
1) Naturopathic Interventions: These include herbal remedies, probiotics, vitamins and minerals. Some survivors may find benefit in utilizing these remedies alone, or together with western allopathic medicine. As a number of interactions exist between naturopathic interventions and allopathic medications, clients should consult a medical professional prior to pursuing treatment of any kind.
You can learn more about these treatments by seeking the care of a naturopathic physician or integrated medicine physician.
2) Mind and Body Practices: These include various cross-cultural interventions, several of which are detailed below.
Consider giving a few Mind and Body practices a try through the resources compiled under our 'Offerings' tab. We're going to describe a few of them below:
Meditation: Meditation involves turning your mind from distracting thoughts to focused attention on the present moment. Many styles of meditation exist and survivors are encouraged to experiment with a variety of meditation styles to find that which is best suited to the individual.
Yoga: Yoga is a Hindu spiritual discipline that includes meditation, bodily postures (asanas), and breath control for the benefit of improved physical and mental well-being. Yoga has been shown to improve stress and psychological well being for survivors of trauma among other ailments.
Tai Chi: Tai chi is an ancient Chinese discipline inclusive of graceful movements performed in a serial, focused manner alongside deep breathing.
Qi Gong: In Chinese tradition Qi Gong literally means “life energy cultivation.” It is a style of breathing, meditation, coordinated body movements and postures utilized for physical and spiritual health.
Movement Therapies: Movement therapies include a broad range of Western and Eastern styles of movement used to improve emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health. Examples include Trager Psychophysical Integration, Pilates, Rolfing structural Integration, Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, and NIA dance.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine which involves inserting the tips of needles into the skin at specific points to stimulate nerve impulses. More traditionally this technique is used to balance “qi,” which is a person’s energy and life force. Acupuncturists use the technique to treat a variety of physical and mental/emotional ailments.
Breathing Exercises: Breathing Exercises involve deepened inspiration, expiration, and alterations of rate and rhythm of the breath and are used to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease stress, calm anxiety, and improve present moment awareness.
Guided Imagery: Guided imagery utilizes mental visualization and relaxation techniques to improve physical health and mood.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Progressive Muscle relaxation involves tensing, then relaxing the major muscles of the body from head to feet. In doing so clients are able to thoroughly relax and let go of physical, mental, and emotional tension.
