From: KC Homes &
Gardens 
Finding Balance
By: Lisa Waterman Gray – December 2005
Pam Swift took anti-inflammatory drugs for 20 years and muscle relaxants at
bedtime for more than 10 years to combat the effects of what she eventually learned were chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Half a dozen physicians had suggested her symptoms were "all in her head" and that she should see a psychiatrist.
But, instead, she went to an integrative medical practice that includes massage therapy, psychology,
acupuncture and biofeedback as well as traditional Western medicine.
Today, Swift has given up her muscle relaxants and is weaning herself off anti-inflammatory drugs. She has adopted a diet rich in organic foods and receives plenty of bodywork
at her doctor's office. "I don't remember the last time I took a very long nap in the afternoon, and I have clarity and clearness of thought that I never had before," Swift says.
To get rid of her problem, she worked with Nancy Russell, a physician at Combined Health Care Professionals in Kansas City, Mo. Now, Swift says, "I'm caring for my entire
person, and every aspect is being treated and contributes to my wellness."
Russell had observed Chinese physicians using acupuncture and herbal medicine when she attended
medical school. And, as she completed her degree and residency, patients spoke positively about their experiences with alternative healthcare.
Russell then took an integrative approach toward improving her own health. In order to minimize long term tension headaches and depression, she adopted better sleep habits and
nutrition, began to exercise regularly, and consulted a psychologist, an acupuncturist and a massage therapist.
Both conditions subsided significantly, convincing her that the traditional Western medicine she had studied could not meet all medical needs. Jane Murray, a physician at Sastun
Center of Integrative Medicine in Mission, Kan., had come to the same conclusion.
"Integrative medicine is an approach to care in which we are working with the patient to figure out the best combination of methods to promote healing," she says. 'It is
mind-body medicine for the individual patient. (We're asking), 'How can we help you find balance?' and we facilitate healing."
Russell frequently assists patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic sinus problems, generalized fatigue and female hormonal issues. She performs many
traditional medical tests in-house, including blood draws, EKGs and IV therapy. But she also offers a natural pharmacy
stocked with vitamins, minerals and "medical foods," and she may refer patients to a nutritionist or a chiropractor when appropriate.
"I follow three principles (in my practice): getting to know a person as an individual, getting to the root of a problem versus just treating symptoms, and working in
partnership with each patient versus having a more dictatorial relationship," Russell says.
Murray also has found great success in treating women's health and chronic pain issues at Sastun Center, which she co-founded in 1998 after serving as chair of the Department
of Family Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center for seven years.
The integrative medicine practice offers family medicine services, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, subtle energy and bodywork therapy, and counseling. Other services include
craniosacral therapy, which gently releases restrictions in connective tissues of the body, natureopathic medicine which employs botanical, homeopathic (plant-based) and physical medicine, clinical nutrition and lifestyle counseling.
"(As physicians) we are taught from Day One that patient history is everything. If you listen long enough to a patient, she will tell you her diagnosis. Relationships, work
satisfaction and stress can be as important (to a patient's health) as other factors," Murray says.
Staff at Sastun Center and Combined Health Care meet regularly to discuss the medical needs of individual patients as well as which treatments might best promote healing.
Russell and Murray receive many new patients through referrals from current patients. Increasing numbers of pain centers and physicians also refer patients to their offices,
particularly gynecologists who don't feel equipped to handle hormonal issues.
"Some patients come here because they don't want a drug," Murray says. "Some are anti- Western medicine, and some have already gone through all the traditional treatments for a
chronic condition, such as arthritis "Of lupus.
"With some autoimmune diseases, nutrition changes, journaling and guided imagery can get to the root of the problem. Osteoarthritis (responds to) dietary changes, acupuncture,
movement exercises and mind-body practices such as meditation – and none of these are wacky," she continues.
Both Russell and Murray ask patients to pay for treatment out-of-pocket, at the time of service, believing this helps make people accountable for improving their own health.
Although patients may later file insurance paperwork themselves, some insurance companies will not cover the cost of non-traditional treatments. That may change in the future.
"We're building on mainstream medicine and I think this is a trend that will only grow,” Murray says.
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