Image thanks to Pexels, Gelgas Airlangga
Should healthcare be either conventional or alternative? According Dr. Toh Wong and Dr. Naveed Akhtar, more and more health practices are combining the best of two worlds. It may still be an usual way of thinking in our time, but here, the two British doctors and integrative pioneers tell us all about the changing health landscape: In both the UK as well as further afield, things are merging.
In 2018, the first Integrative Health Convention was launched in London. It was around the time that acupuncture was recommended for lower back pain by the American College of Physicians (ACP). There was also the unexpected suggestion of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They said it was time to consider complementary medical techniques for chronic pain management − and to do so even before pharmaceutical management.
Healthcare was changing and we wanted to introduce the concept of integrative health to a new generation of doctors and the UK. To incorporate conventional, complementary health and self-care approaches. With one aim: to enhance patient outcomes.
How it all started
I myself, (Dr. Toh Wong) had had a profound experience with a treatment of a non-healing dense Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis). What happened is something we could only call a miraculous improvement. It was done under hypnosis, and there were also some other non-conventional healing techniques. Conventional medicine had told me that nothing else could be done, and the experience had caused me to question all that I knew.
So, learning such simple techniques from enlightened [Ed: spiritual] teachers became the focus for the idea of a new convention. Many schools of health and healing sharing their knowledge with interested individuals.
The aspiration was to create a new healthcare platform. One where doctors and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners could learn, share and connect. Thus was born the Integrative Health Convention. The UK’s premiere annual conference on integrative health approaches for doctors, therapists, and the public.
The first convention featured 36 different fields of healthcare and healing. From Ayurveda to acupuncture, from yoga to Qi Gong, and from hypnosis to homeopathy.
We held it in partnership with the College of Medicine and Integrated Health. They are longstanding advocates for the integration of complementary therapies into routine clinical care. They were also the organisers of the Food on Prescription Conference. In addition, they were pioneers of Social Prescribing.
“Conventional medicine had told me that nothing else could be done, and the experience had caused me to question all that I knew.”
The changing healthcare landscape
We have made great strides in global health over the last 40 years. But today, we face different challenges. It is imperative we tackle chronic diseases, which have become most of the focus of ill-health today.
To refocus our efforts on the future of healthcare, the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that we must address the underlying determinants of health. That we must emphasise population-level services that prevent illness and promote well-being.
Already we see the tide turning, with conventional medicine practitioners recommending reduced prescriptions of some oral pain relief. They have also started recommending a more discerning use of antibiotics.
A recent development in healthcare pioneering in the UK is the birth of Social Prescribing, and it’s increasing popularity worldwide. It encourages social contact in the community, with the introduction of individuals to therapists, groups or classes.
All in all, it will be cheaper and simpler in the long run if we look after ourselves. To not get ill in the first place. The key to doing this is to empower people and communities. Involving them in the future of their health is essential in increasing patient satisfaction and ultimately in improving health outcomes.
“It will be cheaper and simpler in the long run if we look after ourselves. To not get ill in the first place. The key to doing this is to empower people and communities. Involving them in the future of their health is essential.”
Healthier lifestyles
Lately, there has also been a push towards healthier lifestyles. As well as an increased awareness by the public of complementary and alternative medicine. Social media and mainstream media are increasingly informing the public about evidence-informed diets and behavioural approaches. As well as complementary therapies for self-care.
In recent years, there has been more publicity on the microbiome, with immense interest at the Integrative Health Conventions held. Breathwork with advocates such as Wim Hof was another popular modality attended at the convention, taught by Anthony Abbagnano.
Meditation and yoga also generate a constant interest at the annual health conference. They have both seen amazing rises in popularity with the proliferation of apps like Headspace or Calm.
A widely-accepted perspective
What has become clear at the convention is a hunger for a different way of doing things. There is an increasing disillusionment of conventional medicine for many chronic conditions.
Integrative health approaches have been growing around the world. They have a focus on personalised whole-person care to optimise health. This perspective is becoming more accepted. Dedicated bodies like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NICCH) now provide education and funded research.
There are numerous studies supporting the efficacy of hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and meditation, to mention a few. Heath experts in the UK as well as around the world have recommended many of these approaches. For conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome utilising hypnotherapy. Or the use of acupuncture and meditation for chronic pain.
Way forward?
There is no one-size fits all. Currently, in cases when conventional medical healthcare is inadequate, it might be time for patients to look outside what a medical doctor can offer. It may be time to consult a regulated CAM therapist. Someone who can use different modalities to help. For example, many people with chronic pain or fatigue conditions find great relief through CAM modalities.
We teach conventional medicine mostly in bodysystems. These systems are devoid of the interrelations with the brain, stress, or interconnectedness. They are based on the mechanistic model that our body is a machine. They lack the mind-body connection: even though it is based on an ancient wisdom and form of healing, and even though there is ample evidence that it works. So, conventional medicine can no longer work without this awareness.
It is also where the strength of CAM lies. In its appreciation that the mind is connected to the body, and the body to the mind. Whether it is massage or hypnosis, homeopathy or reflexology. These therapists are familiar with concepts such as how the body reflects trauma and stress. And how treating the mind or body can affect the other.
Not without challenges
But, awareness of the integrative health approach is yet to be mainstream. There is still a lot of unfamiliarity with different, more holistic ways of health and healing. So, the lack of the acceptance of the term can be scary and daunting to doctor and patient. It is both their healing journey that will open their eyes to better health and better care. Papers published on an integrative approach to health certainly do show increased patient satisfaction.
Another challenge in taking control of a person’s health, is whether they are ready to change. This will often take the form of a sudden stimulus coming from personal experience of illness. It is rarely, in our experience, sought out; unless there is a strong reason for change. There is nothing wrong with this, and perhaps it is part of the journey people have to make. And thus every illness or challenge in life becomes an opportunity to develop. To look at changing one’s health behaviour for the better.
“Every illness or challenge in life becomes an opportunity to develop. To look at changing one’s health behaviour for the better.”
Tomorrow’s world
The Integrative Health Convention has never had the agenda of promoting CAM or conventional medicine. It is there for the best care for the right person. Most people still seek out conventional medicine for serious illness. This is commendable as there are now many effective treatments for certain cancers, infections and injuries. And many other conditions.
But, tomorrow’s world is an integrated world. An integrative approach is an essential part of better health for the future. And more people experience the limitations of just one approach. They embrace multiple modalities that work well for their symptoms.
The recognition that conventional medicine; self-care approaches (like diet, exercise, sleep and stress management); and complementary therapies can go together. That they can result in better health and better healing. That we can have the best of both worlds. It is this realisation that will drive the change that we need.
Integrative healthcare today
Integrative health approaches have a focus on personalised whole-person care. They make use of conventional medical techniques such as surgery, medication, or physiotherapy. In combination with treatments used by complementary health practitioners such as acupuncture, yoga or herbal remedies. As well as self-care approaches like exercise, nutrition or meditation. More and more doctors and therapists accept an integrative health approach.
Also, more patients accept that their bodies have an incredible innate ability to heal. Plus, that self-care and other healing modalities can help with their health. With this realisation, patients will actively seek a personalised approach to their health. They will expect their therapist or doctor to know that this includes a wide spectrum of healing techniques. Including yoga, meditation, and psychotherapy.
About the authors
Dr. Toh Wong and Dr. Naveed Akhtar are UK’s leading doctors in Integrative Medicine (IM). They were among the first to integrate hypnosis and acupuncture within their conventional medical practices. They are both principle, senior General Practitioners (GP)s with their own practices and are both active in medical education.
Their professional expertise includes specialisms in the fields of musculoskeletal medicine and mental health, acupuncture, Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy. They are also the creators of the UK’s annual Integrative Health Convention where all types of experts from different fields of healthcare and healing come together to share their knowledge: from Ayurveda, acupuncture, yoga and Qi Gong, to hypnosis and homeopathy.
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