Dr. Andrew Weil
by Melissa King
May 28, 2005

Last Monday I had the privilege of attending a lecture given by Dr. Andrew Weil.  He is a well known integrative doctor who is doing many things to help pave the way for western medicine to be integrated with natural and alternative therapies.  If you'd like to know more about him, see his website at www.drweil.com

I strongly support integrative medicine because it takes the best of both worlds (alternative, eastern, western) with the goal of supporting the patient's unique needs.  Not only was I excited to hear Dr. Weil affirm many of the things I am currently doing to help clients improve their health, but I also came out better equipped to support clients with chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes.

I have so much to share with you over the next couple weeks, so be sure to stay tuned.  Today I want to leave you with a few interesting thoughts I gained from Dr. Weil.

Evidence Based Medicine

He talked about the best evidence based medicine not being that of research studies (which are often skewed to the biases of the researcher or to that of the funder) but that of the patient's results.  How is the treatment affecting the patient?  Is the patient satisfied?

I thought this was so important because I always wonder when I read about research studies, what kind of population was being studied, is their lifestyle like mine?  Are these people eating well or were they on a junk food diet?  Were they your average American, or were they seeking a healthy lifestyle?  If not, would the results apply to me?  For instance, when studies say that my metabolism will lower
as I reach 30, should I buy into that?  Is that your average suburban who uses a car to get everywhere and who often becomes less active as they settle into family life, or does that also apply to an active New Yorker who walks everywhere, eats well, and exercises on a regular basis? 

Also, please understand that I am not saying that there is no importance in research studies!  I definitely believe there is and that they can benefit us tremendously.

Many Factors Determine Your Health Needs

While Dr. Weil is a well studied man and very knowledgeable about research, he understands that there are many factors involved in whether treatment will work for one individual versus another, i.e. race, culture, age, sex, stress factors etc.  All of these things need to be considered.  This is why "holistic" methods are becoming more and more important.  For one person acupuncture and meditation may improve health, and for another homeopathy and diet. 

Science has a very difficult time studying something so complex...it's easier for them to study just one thing at a time, such as acupuncture’s affects on cancer.  It's more difficult to study acupuncture with a changed diet, and homeopathic treatments.  Dr.
Weil shared that another doctor and himself made a proposal for a study involving the integration of traditional Chinese medicine in the western medical treatment of cancer, and the proposal was turned down stating that "a research study involving a system such as Traditional Chinese Medicine is far too complex."  This is very sad
because our narrow mindedness could prevent many people from achieving a desirable state of health. 

Know Your Body Well

With that, I want to leave you with one of the most important tools you can use to benefit your health.  How do you feel?  How does your body respond when you eat a certain kind of food?  Are you fatigued, depressed, excited, peaceful?  What happens when you don't get enough sleep, enough exercise, enough hugs?  How does this affect your daily life?  What is your body telling you that you need? 

It is very important that you know your body, that you understand the language it is speaking to you.  Chances are that the better you become acquainted with it, the quicker you will be able to put yourself back into balance, to nourish yourself, and to communicate your needs when something is wrong.

Would You Like To Become Better Acquainted With Your Unique Needs?

If you would like support in discovering what your body needs whether it be nourishing foods, stress relief, or healthier relationships and career... I am trained to help clarify these things with you and keep you accountable to achieve your goals.  We all can use support to stay on track in a world where seeking health is unfortunately going against the grain.  Please call if you'd like to find out if holistic health counseling is right for you.  Sessions are an hour, and not only will you
feel good discussing your concerns, you will leave with tangible recommendations you can begin doing today.

Call for an appointment or information: 917-689-6530

 

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Though Melissa King has taken great care in the books, products, and practitioners she recommends, Melissa King and myheartdances do not take any responsibility for the advice, information or practices performed or provided by any of the recommended practitioners or products.