Sound Integrative Health Blog

Back in 2007 when I named my practice "Sound Integrative Health" I was choosing the name on a conceptual basis rather than a functional basis. Now, after 10 years of existence I have a clearer idea of what it actually means to be an integrative practice. And, guess what? It has less to do with the fact that I give natural treatments and sometimes western treatments, and more to do with what it means to integrate my patients care between multiple providers.  Chronic disease often leads to many cul de sacs; not necessarily dead ends. A cul de sac, being a node where we land on some answers but not necessarily the complete answer. Example: If one has Rheumatoid Arthritis and finds an excellent Rheumatologist with a warm bedside manner and therapeutic drug regimens. However this Rheumatologist falls short on knowing about other ways to manage the disease through diet, lifestyle, herbal treatments, cam therapies, and so on. So what happens? The patient finds another pro...

Recently my wife and I took a class together. The topic came up about what questions a patient should ask when being told to consider a treatment or procedure. The instructor talked about using the acronym BRAIN to formulate your questions. I liked the basic structure of the acronym but like any good nerd (I say this lovingly)...I decided to improve it and I changed the acronym to brains BRAINS. So here it goes.... A doctor walks into the room and says "I want you to take this pill"....before you say "OK"; follow this train of questions. BrainS B: What is the Benefit(s) of the Treatment or Procedure? R: What is the Risk(s) of The Treatment or Procedure? A: What Alternatives are available besides this treatment? I: What is my Intuition telling me (or gut feeling) about doing the treatment or procedure? This you must ask yourself N: What would happen if I do Nothing? Or Need Time before making a decision? S: my addition. What happens if I suddenly stop tre...