Frequently Asked Questions
What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine brings Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies together with mainstream conventional medicine. It is a holistic, patient-centric approach to care, where the focus is on treating the whole person – including the mental, emotional, social and functional elements – rather than the symptoms and/or the disease in isolation. It emphasizes the importance of the patient-practitioner relationship, is informed by evidence, and as Dr. Andrew Weill has pointed out, “cherry picks the very best, scientifically validated therapies from conventional and CAM systems” to help patients achieve optimal health and healing.
What is holistic nutrition?
At the heart of holistic nutrition is the philosophy that an individual’s overall health and well-being is determined by the intricate relationship between the physical, emotional, social and environmental aspects of their lives. While the mind-body interplay is crucial, it is also important to take into account lifestyle factors such as exposure to toxins, food habits, personal stress factors and socio-economic conditions; Holistic Nutrition thus is about the ‘whole person’ and treats each client as a unique individual.
Are Holistic Nutrition and Conventional Medicine compatible?
Yes. First, it is crucial to understand that holistic nutrition does not seek to replace or alter the protocol prescribed by a medical doctor. A holistic nutritionist works in tandem with a client’s treatment plan.; our nutrition and lifestyle recommendations always take into account a client’s medications and the advice given by their physician/s.
Often, doctors may not have the time needed to explain the nuances of a good diet, or may lack the in-depth knowledge about nutrition. This is where a holistic nutritionist steps in. We interact closely with our clients, interviewing them about their medical history, understanding their food choices and life situations. We have the ability to spend more time with them, allowing us to better appreciate their challenges and their needs. These insights help us design individualized nutrition plans that specifically address a particular client’s health condition. It also gives us the opportunity to educate the client on the importance of making better choices and empowering them to take charge of their own healing.
How do we use the integrative approach in our practice?
We incorporate different modalities along with nutrition in our practice to create protocols that address each individual’s unique needs. We are strong believers in using the five senses as a gateway to healing. Ayurveda deems sensory perceptions as crucial for optimal health. Everything that we see, smell, hear, taste or touch not only nourishes our bodies at a cellular level, but also activates our inner Praana (Life Force) and determines our relationship with the outer world. Thus, we can make a conscious decision to engage in sensory experiences that foster both internal stability and external harmony. By working on the five senses, we can help restore the mind-body balance and holistically improve chronic conditions.
What is Nutrition Counseling?
Is everyone put on the same diet?
Who will benefit best from our programs?
systemic inflammation, cancer or other acute medical illnesses. We also work with athletes and other sports enthusiasts who want to improve performance or manage pain caused by injuries. Finally, it benefits anyone who is keen to pursue a more healthier, robust life.
Are the services of a holistic nutritionist covered by the government or by insurance companies?
Do holistic nutritionists cure disease?
How can I get the most out of the program?
It depends on you. You have already taken the first step by taking the time to make an appointment and meeting with the holistic nutritionist. Follow the protocol to the best of your abilities and be patient. If you are looking for a quick fix or immediate results, then holistic nutrition is not for you. The body takes a while to heal since we are trying to address and eliminate the root cause of the problem. Some see results sooner; for others it is a slower process. However, the key is to stick to the program!