Have you heard of naturopathy, acupuncture, biofeedback, or yoga? These and other practices have been used as alternative or complementary therapies in the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases.

At Billings Clinic we are committed to providing the best medical care for our patients. As part of this effort, we have been developing Integrative Medicine services for you and your family. In the practice of integrative medicine, practitioners from different disciplines work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for their patients. For example, in the treatment of cancer, these practitioners use a blend of evidence-based conventional and complementary therapies to reduce side effects and optimize the effectiveness of medications, radiation and/or surgery. This collaborative approach is also used in making health assessments, in interventions to treat underlying causes of a number of diseases, and in improving overall health and well-being.

There is an array of different therapeutic options available in the alternative and complementary realm. Some of the most widely use are described below in alphabetical order.

AcupunctureAcupuncture is a therapy from the Traditional Chinese Medicine system, which is based on the theory that health and well being are maintained by the flow of chi (energy) through channels in

the body known as meridians. The goal of treatment is to restore the flow of chi, which is accomplished by inserting thin solid needles into points along the meridian to remove the blockage of chi and restore health. In integrative medicine, acupuncture has been effectively used for pain control and the management of treatment side effects, like nausea.

AromatherapyAromatherapy is a component of Botanical Medicine, which uses the essential oils from plants to restore health and well being. This is usually accomplished by the inhalation of the oils through a diffuser, atomizer, or directly. The inhaled oils then have effects on the body, typically through the brain. This therapy is mostly used for relaxation, decreasing sinus congestion and improving mood. Caution: Volatile oils can be toxic when taken internally.

BiofeedbackBiofeedback is a therapy that uses monitoring devices attached to the skin to give visual feedback for certain vital signs, like heart rate or blood pressure. Visually monitoring vitals while trying different techniques, allows patients to consciously modify their behavior to improve symptom management. For example, pain is often accompanied by increased heart rate and blood pressure. Using different breathing techniques, patients learn which techniques lower their heart rate and blood pressure and are most effective at decreasing their pain.

Integrative Medicine

Billings Clinic Integrative Medicine2825 8th Avenue NorthBillings, Montana 59101238-2500 or 1-800-332-7156www.billingsclinic.com

0507100RH

Body workBody work is a term that includes many different practices—acupressure, chiropractic, reflexology, massage, Reiki, craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage and many more. These practices involve the manipulation or massage of muscles, ligaments, energy or fluids by a practitioner to assist the patient’s body to regain or maintain health. Massage, for example, can help increase circulation, encourage relaxation, and reduce pain and inflammation.

MeditationMeditation uses relaxed breathing coupled with silent reflection or contemplation to help to calm the mind and relax the body. There are many types of meditation. Some forms involve movement (e.g. walking meditation), focused attention (e.g. mindfulness meditation), repeating of phrases over in the mind (e.g. chanting, or prayer), complete stillness (e.g. transcendental meditation), and guided imagery (imagining positive and soothing scenes or stories). One or more of these forms of meditation can often be used to decrease anxiety before medical procedures and to help control pain.

Movement therapiesMovement therapies teach patients how to move their bodies in ways that may be beneficial to restoring health and promoting a sense of well being, while also developing balance, strength and flexibility. These therapies include dance, eurhythmy, Nia, Tai Chi, Yoga, Qi Gong, and others.

Naturopathic medicineNaturopathic medicine focuses on prevention of disease and the use of the least invasive and most effective therapies to restore health to the whole person (body, mind and spirit). Naturopathic physicians are licensed doctors who receive extensive medical training. They are trained in botanical medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, massage, chiropractic adjustments and other soft-tissue and boney manipulations, counseling, conventional pharmaceuticals, and other methods of healing.

NutritionistsNutritionists are trained professionals who work either within a clinical setting or independently to provide

advice about our dietary choices. They provide valuable information about the best foods to include and those to avoid in order to restore and maintain good health.

SupplementsSupplements involve a wide range of substances including vitamins, minerals, botanical or herbal medicines, homeopathic remedies, etc. When properly used, supplements can promote overall health, decrease side effects of pharmaceutical medications, and in some cases enhance therapeutic effects of other treatments. For some diseases and conditions, trained professionals can also use certain supplements as a viable treatment option.

In the United States, supplements and over-the-counter medicines are not strictly regulated like pharmaceuticals, so supplements may contain contaminants that can cause harm. Many supplements and herbs can interact with each other and with pharmaceutical drugs to create harmful reactions or consequences. Do not assume that because it is natural or available without a prescription that it is safe. It is important, therefore, to inform your health care provider about the supplements you are taking.

If you choose to coordinate your own complementary care, there are some important things for you to consider. First, there are many different types of complementary providers, and the medical training, formal training (schooling), and licensing of these providers vary widely. In choosing providers it is important to know where they received their training, whether they are licensed or certified, whether they are willing to work with the other providers on your health care team, and how well you will be able to discuss your concerns with them. Second, it is important to communicate with your health care providers about therapies you are considering, are trying, and have tried including everything that you take (e.g. vitamins, minerals, juices, teas, remedies, over the counter medications), and do (e.g. acupuncture, chelation, chiropractic manipulation, colonics, massage).

Integrative medicine, when properly applied, can improve your health, enhance benefits of other therapies or treatments and improve your overall sense of well being.

Dr. Roberta Bourgon is available to see patients at Billings Clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 238-2501 or 1-800-332-7156. Dr. Bourgon has a bachelor of science degree from the University of British Columbia and a doctorate of naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University in Washington. She has been practicing

naturopathic medicine in the Billings community since 1996.