should you see a holistic doctor?

by Dave Harney

Many people can’t seem to get over the symptoms of an illness. Perhaps they are in pain. Maybe they’re constantly tired. They just can’t seem to shake the symptoms of illness. They’ve probably tried numerous over-the-counter remedies. And they’ve gone to their doctor, been diagnosed, and received a prescription medication. But there was no relief. Maybe they even tried home remedies, but nothing seems to help. What to do next?

For many, the answer may lie in seeking out a holistic practitioner. According to medical-library.net, these are doctors who recognize the basic causes of illness must be understood so healing will be a complete experience to last the rest of their lives.

Mary Claire Wise, M.D., of Brighton is a holistic practitioner. She has been board certified in the science, and has studied under notable holistic practitioners such as Dr. Andrew Weil. And she’s also a Yale-trained medical doctor. She says it is crucial to look at the whole person in an effort to diagnose a condition. This means looking at the physical parts of the person, and also their psychological, emotional, and spiritual makeup. Equally important is a review of their lifestyle and diet. She says when these and other factors are put together, the holistic practitioner can make recommendations to help the patient effect a change that will hopefully bring long-lasting results.

Sometimes traditional medicine diagnoses the symptoms of an illness in a broad manner. According to Dr. Wise, that is the case with a condition like fibromyalgia. In cases like this, where other treatments have been prescribed to treat an otherwise broad range of symptoms but no relief has been found, a holistic practitioner may go further and attempt to refine the diagnosis. If successful, this can mean a completely different treatment. In the case of fibromyalgia, the symptoms can sometimes be the same as a condition known as Metabolic X Syndrome, which can be a precursor to Type 2 diabetes. In Dr. Wise’s practice, she has found that these similar symptoms can be missed unless a very thorough review has been made in a patient interview. In cases like this a completely different approach is used for treatment.

Types of Treatment

Among other things, holistic practitioners seek to rebuild and balance the cell structures of their patients. Therapies utilizing vitamins and amino acids are often chosen because they work at a deep cellular level. Here, practitioners like Dr. Wise may have an advantage because they also have traditional medical knowledge and licenses. Practicing what she terms “integrative medicine” means she applies both disciplines. She can prescribe traditional drugs if called for, as well as a holistic antidote if needed for side effects. For example, a patient taking antibiotics might receive guidance to eat yogurt in order to limit possible stomach distress.

Lifestyles and Holistic Medicine

Contemporary lifestyles are fraught with danger. Dr. Wise says, “As a society we are doing a major experiment on ourselves in terms of evolution.” She is referring to the poor diet, high stress, and fast pace of life many of us lead. Holistic practitioners understand how important it is to try and achieve balance with modern existence. Much of their practice involves counseling their patients on how to correct many of the lifestyle problems we face. In that way, much of their advice can be about changes patients can make that can lead back to balance and health. And that is certainly welcomed by many who feel better because they take that advice.

ROCHESTER RESOURCE A Place for Healing, 1654 Monroe Ave., (585) 256-1967