Integrative Medicine

Preventive and Integrative Medicine

Integrative medicine is a healthcare approach that combines conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies. It seeks to address the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and takes into account various factors that can influence health, such as lifestyle, environment, and emotional well-being.

Integrative medicine practitioners aim to provide patient-centered care by considering the individual's unique needs, preferences, and goals. They utilize a diverse range of therapies and treatment modalities from both conventional and alternative medicine to promote healing and support overall well-being.

The treatments and therapies offered in integrative medicine can vary depending on the specific practitioner and their expertise, but some commonly used approaches include:

  1. Mind-body techniques: These may include meditation, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, and guided imagery. These practices aim to enhance the mind-body connection and promote relaxation, stress reduction, and overall mental well-being.

  2. Nutrition and dietary interventions: An emphasis is placed on personalized nutrition plans, considering the individual's specific needs, food sensitivities, and overall health goals. Dietary changes and nutritional supplementation may be recommended to support health and manage certain conditions.

  3. Herbal medicine and supplements: Natural herbs and plant-based supplements may be used to support health and address various conditions. These can include botanical extracts, vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional supplements.

  4. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): Practices such as acupuncture, acupressure, herbal remedies, and Chinese massage (tuina) may be utilized to restore the balance of energy in the body and promote healing.

  5. Manipulative and body-based practices: These include chiropractic care, osteopathic manipulation, massage therapy, and other forms of bodywork aimed at relieving pain, improving musculoskeletal alignment, and enhancing overall physical well-being.

Integrative medicine can be applied to a wide range of health conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Stress-related disorders and mental health conditions.
  • Cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.
  • Cancer care, to support overall well-being during and after treatment.
  • Autoimmune diseases.
  • Allergies and asthma.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • Hormonal imbalances and reproductive health issues.

It's important to note that integrative medicine practices are evidence-based and aim to combine the best of both conventional and alternative approaches. The integration of different therapies is personalized and tailored to the individual's needs, under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals. Integrative medicine practitioners often work in collaboration with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care.

At Anne Swart Clinic we have Dr Rita Xavier (mostly Sintra) providing integrative medicine, including medical acupuncture and neural therapy. We also have Dr Maria Jose (Sintra only) our osteopath providing manipulative therapy and our therapists Svitlana and Rute overing massage therapy.

Availability

Integrative Medicine treatment is available in the Anne Swart Clinic in  Portimão
Integrative Medicine treatment is available in the Anne Swart Clinic in  Sintra