Have you ever wondered who, why and when someone started calling modern medicine “traditional” medicine? There’s nothing traditional about modern medicine at all. It’s relatively new, around a hundred years old, and is based on using artificial i.e. chemical means to try to cure, but rarely does, a disease. The real “traditional” medicine is based on ancient wisdoms that tell us our bodies were inherently designed to be healthy and that use natural substances to prevent and cure illness.
I also believe we all need an M.D. because the system is the system like it or not. More specifically, what we all need and want is a holistic and integrative internist because you may just need that M.D. to navigate the system with you and for you one day.
I am blessed with the greatest doctor and here are my criteria for you to find one of your own.
Integrative: uses modern medicine when necessary and uses traditional methods and remedies or at least knows who to refer you to (naturopath, acupuncture, homeopathy, etc.).
Holistic: looks at your overall physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health, can treat the symptom but looks for the underlying cause, attempts to prevent illness, understands basic nutrition and nutrient depletion, understands stress and how it can manifest, takes the time to know you.
Interestingly enough, this is what your family doctor was until the beginning of the 20th century. He was holistic and integrative and didn’t need a label to identify him as such.
Testing: Thorough and detailed blood work. You need it as a baseline if you’re perfectly healthy and you need it to rule out things like food allergies or nutrient depletion. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover all the costs, these tests are vital for accurate diagnosis and treatments. In addition, you meet face to face after the labs have been studied by him/her AND you are always given a copy of your labs for your records. These are your tests and you have paid for them. If you aren’t automatically given your labs or must wait for copies or even charged a fee per page, then it’s time to find another doctor!
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