Health Resources You May Have Never Heard Of

Most of the time, we think (or hope) our doctor has the answer to our particular health problem or disease. But what if you're not getting the results you were hoping for? What then?

At our age, we become afflicted with chronic disorders that are not easily dealt with. Drugs, surgery and chemotherapy can only do so much. They may mitigate the severity of a chronic disease but don't remove the root causes that led to the problem in the first place.

The fact is, it's time-consuming, hard work and expensive to identify and deal with the underlying causes of our outward manifestations of disease and poor health. Our health insurance system rewards efficient identification and treatment of discrete disease entities. It does not reward health providers to spend time and resources to view you as a whole person from an overall health perspective.

So if you're not satisfied with your present health situation, where could you turn to find a health professional who may look at you from a different or a more holistic perspective? It's difficult to find these professionals, but you could start with the organizations listed below.

The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)

Functional medicine takes a comprehensive, whole health approach to prevention, health, and well-being; treats root causes of disease; and restores healthy function through a personalized patient experience -- all while being a vital partner to conventional medicine.

Functional medicine offers the potential for achieving unprecedented levels of health restoration. By uncovering and addressing the underlying causes of the common conditions that afflict a growing number of people -- autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and digestive issues, to name a few -- functional medicine brings the potential to liberate patients from their dependence on costly medications that are not designed to address the root causes of their disease.

You can find an IFM provider near you here.

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process through the use of natural therapies.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primary care physicians who blend centuries-old knowledge and a philosophy that nature is the most effective healer with current research on health and human systems. They have attended a four-year naturopathic medical school, are clinically trained, and work in all aspects of family health.

Naturopathic diagnosis focuses on identifying the underlying causes of disease, while naturopathic therapies are supported by research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacognosy, homeopathy, psychology and spirituality. 

You can find a AANP provider near you here.

American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM)

ACAM is the pioneer integrative organization and advocate of education for dedicated professionals who set out to make a difference in the standards of  healthcare. Their membership includes MD, DO, ND, ARNP, NP, DC, DDS, scientists, dietitians, nutritionists, and researchers. Members of this organization tend to practice integrative medicine.

Integrative medicine (IM) is a patient-centered, holistic approach to healthcare that combines conventional and alternative therapies to treat the whole person. It focuses on health and healing, rather than disease and treatment. It employs a variety of therapies, including conventional medicine, mind-body approaches, manipulative therapies, energy therapies, biologically based therapies, and whole medical systems. 

You can find an ACAM provider near you here.

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