Developing strength and flexibility without strain or injury.Identifying desired activities based on awareness of and respect for the current condition of your body,.Healthy goals for any exercise routine include: Yoga, Pilates, tai chi or chi gong, which combine strength and flexibility, can be a wonderful way to incorporate a well-balanced, relaxing and fun routine into one’s life. The goal is to gradually create a well-rounded exercise routine that promotes aerobic activity, strength, and flexibility that she or he enjoys and feels motivated to do. Experiencing the pleasure of a strong and supple body can provide powerful motivation for maintaining an exercise routine throughout our lives.Īfter considering a patient’s current health condition and level of fitness, we will explore exercise options that are appropriate and appealing to him or her. Having the strength and stamina to do the things we want to do greatly enhances our life experience.
Promotion of mindfulness and relaxation through meditation, yoga, massage, hobbies, writing poetry, singing, playing an instrument, or creating art. Simple stress management tools such as breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. Each of the other elements mentioned here – a healthful diet, integrative health care, exercise, and connection with others – promotes the development of resilience.Īdditional approaches to assist with managing stress that I may discuss with my patients include: This is often what’s going on when someone says, “I feel stressed out all the time.”įortunately, there are many time-tested and research-proven ways to help promote the mental and physical resilience that supports a healthier response to stress. When that happens, chronic stress begins to take a toll on our health. If we haven’t developed skills to respond to stress in a healthy way, the return to a baseline calm state gradually becomes more difficult. An excellent example of this can be seen in nature programs when gazelles quickly return to calm grazing just minutes after being chased by lions.Īll stress triggers some degree of the physiologic reactions associated with the “fight or flight response.” The challenge of living with serious illness triggers stress, as does an everyday annoyance like rush hour traffic. Ideally, after such an incident, we return fairly rapidly to a calm baseline state. When w e encounter real or potential danger, our bodies mount an acute stress or “fight or flight” response so we can react instantaneously, like when we swerve our car to avoid a collision. If more is needed, I may discuss their working with a psychotherapist, a bodywork practitioner, or a practitioner in another healing tradition such as Chinese medicine/acupuncture. They may include nutrient supplements, botanical medicines, a therapeutic diet, exercise recommendations, and conventional medical treatments when needed. Treatment options are chosen to enhance results and ensure safety. An integrative approach to healing and wellnessĪs a functional medicine physician, I embrace an integrative approach to supporting each patient’s path back to optimal health. I may suggest working with a nutritionist or dietician to support my patients in developing and implementing these fundamental skills. Making space in one’s busy life for healthy cooking and eating. Possessing basic cooking skills to prepare simple, delicious, and healthful meals rather than depending on over-processed or fast foods. #HEALING ELEMENTS HOW TO#
Knowing how to source and select whole foods.The keys to incorporating whole food into one’s diet include: They provide building blocks for growth and repair, supply raw materials for our bodies to create energy, and support proper functioning of genes. Whole foods contain nutrients that work together to support countless functions in our bodies. Healthy Food ChoicesĪ diet based on whole foods is a cornerstone of health and an essential part of any healing plan. It is often clear which elements should be addressed during a medical visit. The goal is to develop one or more patient skills or behaviors in each of the five fundamental health elements so that, together, they provide a strong foundation for optimal health. Together, we create a treatment plan to promote their return to balance and optimal health. I partner with my patients to uncover the root causes of their health issues. Each element offers options that can be matched to an individual’s unique situation and preferences. These important elements form the foundation of healing and they must be addressed in order to return to health.
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