Integrative Gynecology
What is Integrative Gynecology?
Integrative Gynecology blends the highly specialized medical and surgical training of Obstetrics and Gynecology with the more holistic and complementary approach of Integrative Medicine.
The integrative approach is a holistic framework that emphasizes these key points:
- Acknowledge and honor the whole person: mind, body, and spirit
- Establish a therapeutic partnership between doctor and patient
- Maintain wellness instead of just treating disease once it develops
- Recognize nutrition as the cornerstone of wellness
- Embrace all healing modalities and traditions that have utility:
- Food as medicine
- Herbal medicine
- Supplements
- Manual therapies
- Mind-body practices
- Aromatherapy
- Functional Medicine
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Ayurveda
- Practice medicine that has research to support safety and efficacy
- Always try the gentlest, least invasive therapies first
Why Integrative Gynecology?
It is the best of both worlds. I am able to approach all aspects of women’s health with the knowledge of a specialist who chooses to treat the whole woman and get to the root of her problem. I have a level of understanding that most generalists don’t have, yet I still choose the least invasive, safest routes first. My treatment plans typically involve nutritional interventions, lifestyle changes, stress management, exercise, weight loss if appropriate, herbal medicines, supplements if needed. I still use hormones, antibiotics, medicines, recommend surgery when needed. I am not “anti-medicine,” nor do I automatically embrace all “alternative” approaches. I believe in putting patients’ safety first.
The benefit of being trained in herbs and supplements is that as a physician, I have the knowledge and background to understand how they interact with each other. Herbs and supplements can interact with medicines in both harmful and beneficial ways. It is important that you have a trained healthcare provider who is monitoring everything you are taking. It is also important to know how to choose a high quality product. I can help you find the best herbs and supplements for your needs and advise you how to take them.
Request an appointment now!
Dr. Andrew Weil, founder of Integrative Medicine