Integrative and Holistic Medicine | Phoenix Family Medical Clinic

Integrative Medicine

Holistic doctors and treatment methods in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix Family Medical Clinic takes great pride in offering patients an Integrative approach to medicine and wellness.

As defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, integrative medicine "combines mainstream medical therapies and Complementary and Alternate Medicine therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.

At Phoenix Family Medical Clinic we incorporate therapies typically excluded by conventional medicine in the treatment of disease. These therapies may include a variety of old and new practices ranging from acupuncture, homeopathy, supplementation, nutrition, herbal remedies among others. Generally, alternative therapies are closer to nature, cheaper and less invasive than conventional therapies, although there are exceptions. Some alternative therapies are scientifically validated, some are not. An alternative medicine practice that is used in conjunction with a conventional one is known as a "complementary" medicine. Example: using ginger syrup to prevent nausea during chemotherapy.

Our naturopathic medical physicians spearhead the Integrative philosophy at the clinic. When they treat a patient, the healing is oriented towards taking account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. The approach emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.

The principles of integrative medicine at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic incorporate:

• A partnership between patient and physician in wellness
• Appropriate use of conventional and alternative methods to facilitate the body's innate healing response
• Consideration of all factors that influence health, wellness and disease, including mind, spirit and community as well as body
• A philosophy that neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically
• Recognition that good medicine should be based in good science, be inquiry driven, and be open to new paradigms
• Use of natural, effective, less-invasive interventions whenever possible

Nutrition is an important component of many of the treatments at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic because vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are not foreign to the body. They can be just as effective, or even more effective than conventional treatments. When a deficiency is present, a nutritional treatment plan can improve conditions such as diabetes, fatigue, obesity, and fibromyalgia.

Hormone imbalance can affect numerous body functions without ever revealing the root cause. Because we use a holistic approach, we consider a wide array of paths to help you achieve optimal wellness. Our physicians offer Bio Identical Hormone therapy to optimize the hormone levels in men and women.

Every Phoenix, Surprise and Ahwatukee integrative doctor understands that sometimes the best thing we can do for our patients is to provide guidance.