Risks & Benefits of Integrative Medicine Therapies

NorthEast Internal & Integrative Medicine uses low-risk and high- benefit therapies. A consultation carefully matches the patient’s areas of concern with therapeutic choices. These choices are guided by the patient’s goals for a higher level of wellness.

When recommendations for Herbal medicines, or Nutritional Supplements are made, the patients' current prescription (or over the counter) medication is studied to be sure that there will be no adverse reactions. Different treatments are chosen and woven carefully into a treatment plan that is continuously re-evaluated as changes in the patient's condition occurs.

These interventions may include one or more therapies in combination: Mind-body medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine, Manual Medicine, Energy Medicine, Biofeedback, Aromatherapy, Art or Music Therapy, and Nutritional or Herbal medicine supplementation. Other modalities such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation may be recommended or taught to the patient to complete the treatment plan. The patient’s primary or referring physician is notified, and consulted if needed, as to the treatment plan so that there is a knowledgeable team effort with all health care providers sharing the care and working towards best healing outcome possible.

With procedures like acupuncture there is very little risk of serious complications, as the needles are gently inserted just a few millimeters under the skin. Rarely there can be a slight feeling that the needle is present, but there should be no significant pain. If this should occur, the needle would be removed promptly or readjusted by the acupuncturist. The treatment is also accompanied by advice on nutrition and lifestyle changes to help the treatment maintain maximum effectiveness.

Manual Medicine frees the muscles and fascia of tension and spasm which produce pain for the patient. Massage at times could be temporarily uncomfortable if long standing pain and spasm exists. However, with the release of the spasm, the pain usually dissipates and a feeling of relaxation and peacefulness occurs. Sometimes with manual medicine, deeply retained emotions can be released, and a huge relief can be felt by the patient. Energy medicine may also be added to enhance the process.

Energy medicine has no contra-indications. It provides a feeling of well being and tranquility. There may also be a feeling of warmth, or coolness at the treatment site. In some rare individuals there is a feeling of such deep relaxation that one may feel slightly light headed on arising after treatment; however, this passes quickly without residual effects. The therapeutic benefits of the treatment are usually experienced immediately, and interestingly, improvement may also continue for the next 3 days. It is a wonderful addition to other modalities and frequently speeds the healing process.

Mind body medicine uses guided visualization or light hypnosis to release significant emotional blocks that are impeding the patient 's wellness or function in daily life. There is no loss of consciousness or control by the patient, and indeed this is a very interactive powerful healing method that allows the patient to direct the healing, with the support of the consultant. This may be accompanied by the use of Energy Medicine to further enhance and speed the healing.

We encourage patients to give feedback during the time of treatment, as we believe that this is true partnership in the healing process that requires both the provider and patient to work together for the highest state of wellness and balance that can be achieved.