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Integrative Rheumatology
Integrative Rheumatology offers a new and much-needed perspective in disease and symptom management, blending conventional medicine with alternative approaches not typically included in a Western medical practice. While conventional treatments can provide considerable symptomatic relief and can even slow the progression of many rheumatologic conditions, integrative treatment incorporating lifestyle interventions, mind-body approaches, and practices such as acupuncture and meditation into conventional medical therapies can improve quality of life, reduce medication dosages, and are generally better tolerated. In this book, researchers and clinicians highlight specific gaps in conventional rheumatologic care and examine how alternative approaches may be ideally suited to address these missed opportunities. Here, the authors introduce topics not typically addressed in conventional rheumatology texts, including nutritional therapies, exercise, herbal medicine, mind/body approaches,
Ayurveda, and energy medicine. The contributors, all of whom have a background in academic medicine, share the approaches that they have found most effective in their own practices, basing their work on the best scientific evidence available. Ultimately, an understanding of complementary and alternative approaches to healing can help clinicians care for their patients using the best proven therapies to modify disease progress and relieve pain and disability.
Ayurveda, and energy medicine. The contributors, all of whom have a background in academic medicine, share the approaches that they have found most effective in their own practices, basing their work on the best scientific evidence available. Ultimately, an understanding of complementary and alternative approaches to healing can help clinicians care for their patients using the best proven therapies to modify disease progress and relieve pain and disability.
376 pages, Hardcover
First published September 14, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 24, 2016
I found this book about Integrative Rheumatology and others (Cardiology and Gastroenterology) in the Weil Integrative Medicine Library this summer. As background, I have two autoimmune diseases and have experienced serious medical events as a result. Also, I have been frustrated by the silos in Western medicine; one of my autoimmune diseases is a blood disorder that causes heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, etc. Yet, my rheumatologist points me to hematologist and cardiologists, who then point me back or focus on just treating the heart, with no overall case management.
The book is aimed at medical practitioners, but, as a lay person, found the book clear and understandable, although I often have to look up unfamiliar medical terms.
What is exciting about Integrative care, in general, is that it offers a holistic approach, incorporating Western and Eastern approaches to patient care. For example, diet is one part of the care plan that includes traditional Western drugs along with meditation, exercise, etc. Unfortunately, the one Integrative Rheumatologist in the Chicago area recently left for California to teach. But, one can find useful information in this and other books in the series to supplement traditional healthcare and to consider additional options.
The book is aimed at medical practitioners, but, as a lay person, found the book clear and understandable, although I often have to look up unfamiliar medical terms.
What is exciting about Integrative care, in general, is that it offers a holistic approach, incorporating Western and Eastern approaches to patient care. For example, diet is one part of the care plan that includes traditional Western drugs along with meditation, exercise, etc. Unfortunately, the one Integrative Rheumatologist in the Chicago area recently left for California to teach. But, one can find useful information in this and other books in the series to supplement traditional healthcare and to consider additional options.
June 14, 2023
An indispensable book for anyone who wants to understand autoimmune diseases and for any physician who wants to manage such conditions using all available resources.
I could see someone reading a section and in their head completely disagreeing with the efficacy of a certain intervention but that's because they might view a medical diagnosis from their own lens. Each of my patients presents and feels their autoimmune disease differently from another.
Nor is the content in this book prescriptive; it's meant to educate the patient and clinician about potential options and raise the treatment/management ceiling.
I could see someone reading a section and in their head completely disagreeing with the efficacy of a certain intervention but that's because they might view a medical diagnosis from their own lens. Each of my patients presents and feels their autoimmune disease differently from another.
Nor is the content in this book prescriptive; it's meant to educate the patient and clinician about potential options and raise the treatment/management ceiling.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews