Skip to main content

Integrative Medicine - a GIFT to the Increasing Concern of Lifestyle Disorders

 


In the History of medicine, traditional systems of medicine prevailed before 3000BC which showed that herbalism was the way to go. In the period to follow 19th Century brought in a revolution in healthcare after the discovery of germ theory. During this period communicable diseases played a major role & modern evidence based medicine backed by research & development flourished.  20th Century saw rapid economic development & industrialization which lead to a disturbing number of increase in lifestyle disorders, shifting the focus of healthcare from communicable to non communicable disorders.

21st Century healthcare needs has shifted to lifestyle disorders as recent trends in healthcare show an alarming rise in NCD ( Non Communicable Diseases) or Lifestyle Disorders.   Lifestyle disorders are linked with the way people live their life- a faulty lifestyle in respect of poor diet, sedentary habits & stress.  Cardio vascular Disorders continue to take a larger chunk of mortality worldwide today followed by cancer, respiratory disorders etc., Lifestyle disorders like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity are major risks for developing Cardio Vascular Disorders. This is seen to have a staggering economic impact of common preventable diseases.

·         Conventional modern evidence based medical system is a boon to mankind but  as a complete healthcare need fails to impart optimal health as it has a reductionist approach, and medication or surgery becomes incomplete in management of lifestyle disorders. 

·         Traditional medical systems approach on healthcare is focused on promotion of health, prevention & management for a healthy lifestyle, but is not backed by evidence. As lifestyle disorders have a gradual onset, associated with multiple causes, long history & requires prolonged treatment a multi disciplinary approach using a blend of both is best suited.

·         Integrative medicine involves a structural & functional integration of conventional & traditional medical systems.   The best of both worlds of modern evidence based medicine & traditional systems with a focus on Prevention & controlling lifestyle disorders is the need of the hour. Prevention should transcend every individual & permeate every aspect of the society. An Integrative approach to health can reduce the risks of developing lifestyle disorders, reduce dependency on medication and is a futuristic medicine which aims at sustainable healthcare for optimal management of lifestyle disorders.


- Dr Kaveri Kuttappa - Program Director-Integrative Medicine, WELLBEEING, Integrated Health Centre, Bangalore

 

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Simple Process Which We Ignore Most...

  Enhance strength to head, scalp and its sensory organs by a simple   2 minute procedure – DO IT YOURSELF Haven’t you all come across your elders telling  you to apply oil to scalp regularly, especially when there is warm or hot climate or body has been exposed to hot temperatures or when a person is suffering from heat, burning sensation in eyes, mouth ulcers, burning urination etc. In all these situations you have heard them telling rub castor oil to vertex or over the crown of head, it will relief heat. Have you wondered why they said so?  Here is a simple procedure in Ayurveda, which will provide many benefits. Talam – Shiropichu - Murdhni taila are some of the procedures which are slightly different from each other, but the most common thing that we all know about is application of oil to the head. But it is difficult for an individual to carry it by himself alone, for which you need to come to panchakarma center for getting the procedure done ap...
Post a Comment
Read more

Health & Immune Boosting with Squatting

                                                            - By  Dr Mahesh Kamal, BNYS, Acupuncture & Drug-free Pain Rehab,                                                                   Consultant at WELLBEEING Integrated Health Services, Bangalore We gave up squatting, sitting on the floor for the sake of a dignified and comfortable living. When you look back or if you ask your grandparents, they will tell you about this. Some of the examples are: both males and females used to squat while defecating and urinating and they understood it for the sake of hygiene and not splashing to sides. But today w...
Post a Comment
Read more

Lifestyle, Body type and Seasons, What are their connection?

The Science of Imbalances!   ‘Science of life’ is explained very well in Ayurveda. It’s very fascinating to know about this science, which deals with the way of life and life style. It’s main aim is to lead a healthy and happy life. It believes in maintenance of health and prevention of diseases. Thus maintaining harmony in the health and environment, and achieving overall well-being of an individual is the overall objective of this ancient science. All of us know that any variation in the food or place or life style from our routine, we often feel a difference in our health like say, a mild stomach discomfort or change in bowel movement or sore throat etc. We have also observed that we come over the disturbances that tend to happen by simple life style changes or adoption of specific food and regimens. The remedy is often within nature that can influence the body composition a bit for chemical changes within. We just need to be present to these or be aware of basics of our body....
Post a Comment
Read more