We have so many choices now - those of us on a healing journey. How can we decide the best path to take on our way to optimal health? Our conventional “allopathic” health system has achieved impressive scientific breakthroughs in technologies and interventions however it's not without its own set of challenges and concerns. And more and more people are seeking complementary and alternative approaches in their healing quests. Complementary medicine, for example, may be found in a hospital room where a patient, just prior to surgery, practices meditation techniques and breathing exercises to lessen anxiety. The meditation and breathing exercises used in conjunction with surgery help the patient feel better and heal faster. An example of alternative medicine would be acupuncture. This form of treatment distinctly differs from allopathic medicine practiced in the United States, yet it has been used for centuries in China; and its effectiveness is proclaimed by vast numbers of people.

In light of all these attractive choices, the wisest path may be “integrative.” Integrative medicine combines conventional medicine with complementary and alternative approaches to health care, taking into account patients' mental, emotional, and spiritual, as well as physical well being. It is a partnership approach involving the patient, doctor, therapists and whomever else the patient chooses to be part of his or her wellness support system. The integrative approach requires responsibility on the part of the patient. Patients are active participants in decisions that affect their health. They are empowered to listen to their bodies more, to explore various therapeutic options, to question and to evaluate the effectiveness of their choices along the way.

So, in mapping out your integrative route to improved health, what may be your first steps?

First, take a good long look in the mirror, check in with your body, and assess how you feel. Next, you can consider how you would answer the following questions:

• How far are you willing to go in order to improve your health? Are you content with “absence of disease” or will you stop at nothing to obtain vibrant vitality?

€ What would you be willing to experience, embrace, or even risk in order to be healthy? (The fact is that clinical evidence is not always available for some types of complementary medicine. How do you feel about that?) Are you inclined to wait for scientific proof beyond a doubt before proceeding; or would you be willing to venture forward into “unproven” territory if it may mean you could improve the quality of your life?

• To what extent do you feel comfortable taking charge of you're own health care? (If being an active participant and being in control of your health and life are important to you, then the integrative approach may be just what your looking for.)

• Are you willing to investigate current research (being alert to who funded it) and seek out sources that will help you understand the research findings?

• How far upstream do you want to be before getting serious about your health? Sooner rather than later? Or would you rather wait until your health condition is desperate?

Lastly, here are some suggestions to consider along your way towards feeling better.

• “Word of mouth.” Ask trusted friends and colleagues to recommend health care providers (allopathic and alternative) who have benefited them.

• Make cautious use of the Internet to explore health intervention options (including those that involve medication), paying particular attention to their safety and effectiveness.

• Compare the financial investment associated with various options in relation to goals and possible outcomes.

• Consider each intervention you are interested in in terms of its compatibility with other treatments.

Once you have an understanding of what you are willing to invest, and who you would like to involve on your collaborative team of health care and wellness professionals, the process of making decisions and achieving results become that much easier.

Happy healing!

Beth Miller is a writer, storyteller and poet. She currently works at The Center in Auburn. To learn more about integrative medicine offerings, contact The Center at 704-0319 or visit www.TheCenter4Wellness.com