A Wider View

Integrative medicine combines Western treatments with evidence-based nonconventional therapies. This patient-centered approach incorporates a broad range of factors that contribute to an individual’s well-being, including genetics, environment and lifestyle.

“In integrative medicine, the physician and patient work in partnership to optimize health and well-being, using our Western medicine and a variety of less traditional modalities,” says Martha Calihan, MD, a board-certified practitioner in integrative, functional and holistic medicine who is on the medical staff at Inova Loudoun Hospital. “We work together toward health and wellness in body, mind and spirit.”

Natural Healing

While conventional medicine often emphasizes treatment of specific symptoms, functional medicine focuses on the origins of a patient’s condition and steps the patient can take to achieve optimal health. Patients commonly seek integrative treatment for general wellness and preventative care, in addition to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, hormonal issues, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, weight management, healthy aging and allergies.

The integrative approach includes therapies stemming from nontraditional approaches such as acupuncture, herbal medicines, massage, yoga, meditation and Reiki. For example, says Dr. Calihan, who works at Integrative Family Medicine Center in Leesburg, Virginia, if a patient were to seek treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, “we would look at specific imbalances, food intolerances, stress management and herbal and nutritional supplements,” she says. “A lot of people come to my practice because they feel there is more to their condition than a single issue, and they believe that there are other approaches to health and well-being.”

Dr. Calihan pairs the best of alternative and traditional methods of medicine to educate and empower her patients so they can be instrumental in their own healing process.

“I’m a strong proponent of integrative medicine because it offers a wider view and more options, and makes the best use of treatments from many traditions,” says Dr. Calihan. “It’s a very rewarding field for patients and providers.”