What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative Medicine is a ‘holistic’ patient-centered approach to medicine, focusing on prevention and root cause. Integrative medicine combines the best of both conventional medicine and traditional and natural medicines in an individualized approach. In Integrative medicine, each patient is a unique individual, and we see illness as a manifestation of imbalance in the individual. In Integrative medicine, we look at not only physical and emotional symptoms, but how the individual is connected to their environment, as well as their spiritual wellbeing. These factors have a great impact on balance, overall health & wellness.
It provides an effective way to find the root cause of the disease. It views the body as one integrated system. The use of functional lab testing can help identify and correct underlying physical problems and create a healthier internal environment in a child’s body, which may allow recommended sensory, motor, educational and behavioral therapies to work more effectively.
What is Functional Lab testing and why it is done?
Functional Laboratory testing may include blood, stool, urine or saliva samples. The testing is referred to as Functional Diagnostics and it provides a holistic view of the patient’s genetic predisposition, nutritional biochemistry, gut and microbiome health, environmental toxin burden, metabolism, lifestyle and dietary factors. It can assess the levels of systemic inflammation in the body with food intolerance tests, oxidative stress levels and nutrient status. Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system. A strong immune system not only attacks germs that makes it sick, it attacks and takes care of other cells that have started to go awry as well.
It provides an effective way to find the root cause of the disease. It views the body as one integrated system. The use of functional lab testing can help identify and correct underlying physical problems and create a healthier internal environment in a child's body, which may allow recommended sensory, motor, educational and behavioral therapies to work more effectively.
How Integrative medicine is beneficial for those with ASD?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a wide range of developmental disorders that affect the nervous system. It is a complex disorder which impairs social and communication skills. The Integrative Medical approach to Autism Spectrum disorders is to address the underlying multi-factorial causes which may contribute to the child’s condition.
Diet
Diet can have a big impact on Autism symptoms, so Nutritional Counselling becomes an integral part of treatment with ASD.
Detoxification Therapies
A variety of Detoxification Therapies such as IV therapies help the body to detoxify which forms an important component of an integrative program for ASD.
NAET
NAET (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique) - The NAET treatment stimulates pressure points along the spine from neck to the sacrum while the patient is holding an allergen. After the treatment a strong NST indicates that the allergy has been removed.
KST
KST (Koren Specific Technique) - can help to align the cranial bones, desensitize the body to allergens, address emotional root causes and help address speech delays, motor impairments and fears/phobias as they relate to the individual’s condition.
Speech Therapy
Speech Therapy which is not just for actual language challenges, but also to address Feeding and Sensory issues with eating. Many children have nutritional challenges and texture issues with certain foods.
Occupational Therapy
Through the use of everyday activities, our occupational therapists build the the skills needed for daily living and working. OT focuses on improving motor skills individually as well as working in a community.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy focuses on helping improve movement, mobility, and function. A physical therapist may do this by using a variety of targeted exercises, stretches, manipulation and other physical activities.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a short-term therapy technique that aims to change thought patterns and in turn, behaviour. It is used to help treat a wide range of issues. Engaging with CBT can be thought of as a combination of psychotherapy and behavioural therapy customised to the specific needs and personality of each patient.