In today’s world of healthcare, there’s a big divide. On one side, you have people who swear by "western medicine," celebrating its cutting-edge technology and life-saving interventions. On the other, you have folks who are all about natural remedies, often dismissing modern medicine entirely. But the truth is, both sides bring something valuable to the table. What really matters is asking the right questions—starting with “Why?”
An integrative approach to healthcare doesn’t pit one method against the other. Instead, it brings together the best of both worlds while respecting the body’s incredible ability to heal itself. It’s not about choosing sides; it’s about staying curious, digging deeper, and always looking for the root cause of what’s going on.
There’s no denying that modern medicine has its strengths. When it comes to emergencies or acute conditions, it’s often the hero of the story. Think about antibiotics for severe infections, surgeries to fix broken bones, or tools like MRIs that can help us see what’s happening inside the body. These are amazing advancements that save lives and deserve a ton of credit.
But here’s the thing: modern medicine tends to focus on symptoms rather than the big picture. Take high blood pressure as an example. Sure, there are medications to bring it down, and those are sometimes necessary to prevent a stroke or heart attack. But why is the blood pressure high in the first place? Is it due to stress, diet, lack of exercise, or something deeper, like unresolved emotional pain? Without asking “Why?” we risk just putting a band-aid on the problem instead of solving it for good. Those band-aid fixes often come with their own potential side effects and can make the underlying cause worse or complicate the situation.
The Body’s Incredible Healing Power
Your body is pretty amazing. It’s built to heal itself in so many ways. Think about how a small cut heals on its own. Behind the scenes, your body is doing all sorts of complex work to repair itself—no conscious effort required.
That’s why true healing focuses on supporting the body’s natural processes with the least amount of intervention possible. When we work with the body instead of trying to override it, we’re tapping into a deep well of wisdom that’s been honed over millions of years of evolution. It’s about respecting what the body can do on its own while giving it a little extra help when needed.
Herbalism, diet, and lifestyle are tools that help the body stay balanced so illness doesn’t take hold in the first place. For example, herbs like ashwagandha and holy basil can help the body adapt to stress. Eating a nutrient-rich diet and staying active are other ways to keep your body in top shape.
Unlike modern medicine, which often steps in after something has gone wrong, those promoting healthy lifestyle changes often focus on keeping things from going wrong in the first place. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, account for 75–85% of doctor's visits in the US and public health experts estimate that 50–80% of these conditions are preventable through improved diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and effective stress management. When it comes to these chronic conditions, prevention is so much easier than trying to reverse things later on.
But let’s not forget: just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s always the right choice. Herbs and natural remedies are powerful, and they need to be used thoughtfully. Even supplements and herbal remedies are often wrongfully used to treat symptoms rather than underlying causes. The key is understanding the “Why?”
Most conventional medical training focuses on treating disease, not necessarily on building health. That’s where an integrative approach comes in. It encourages practitioners to think outside the box and look at the whole person—their diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and even emotional well-being.
Take insomnia as an example. A conventional doctor might prescribe a sleep aid to help someone get rest. And sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed in the short term.
But an integrative approach would ask, “Why is this person struggling to sleep?”
A big part of integrative medicine is knowing when to turn to modern medicine and when to rely on natural approaches. There’s a time and place for everything. If someone is having a severe asthma attack, they need immediate medical intervention like bronchodilators. That’s not the time for herbal teas or meditation.
But once the crisis is over, that’s where natural and lifestyle-based approaches can shine. Maybe it’s time to explore what’s triggering the asthma—environmental allergens, dietary sensitivities, or chronic inflammation—and work on those underlying issues. Maybe we can utilize herbs to support the respiratory system and help rebuild the natural resilience of the lungs. It’s about addressing the immediate need while also thinking long-term.
At the heart of it all is the question “Why?” This simple question keeps us curious and connected to the bigger picture.
When we consistently ask “Why?” we move past quick superficial fixes and start to uncover deeper truths. We honor the body’s natural wisdom, use interventions thoughtfully, and respect the role of every tool at our disposal.
Wrapping It Up
Integrative healthcare isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about weaving together the best of modern medicine and natural remedies with care and intention. By focusing on long-term wellness through herbalism, diet, and lifestyle, we can help people avoid illness before it starts. And when necessary, we can turn to modern medicine for the life-saving interventions it may provide while avoiding the pitfalls that may come with them.
The body is incredible at self-healing, and our job is to support it as best we can. Whether it’s with an herb, a lifestyle change, or a medical procedure, the goal is always the same: to help the body heal while addressing the root causes of illness. When we do that, we create a healthcare system that’s not only effective but also compassionate and deeply human.
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Topics: Herbalism
Dr. D.J. Polzin is a physician based in Eugene, Oregon, specializing in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. His practice is uniquely holistic, combining osteopathy, lifestyle medicine, dietary practices, plant medicine, and western medicine. This integrative approach is designed to empower patients to harness their own innate healing abilities, fostering recovery and well-being through a balanced treatment model. An advocate for inclusive care, Dr. Polzin has extensive experience with the LGBTQQIP2SAA community and employs trauma-informed practices. In addition to mental health counseling, telemedicine services, and clinical visits, he also offers personalized hands-on healing sessions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to health care. In August 2024, Dr. Polzin will begin a new role as a primary care physician in Eugene, Oregon. In this position, he plans to utilize his multifaceted approach to further empower patients to improve their health. You can find him at www.wildbearmedicine.com.
In today’s world of healthcare, there’s a big divide. On one side, you have people who swear by "western medicine," celebrating its cutting-edge technology and life-saving interventions. On the other, you have folks who are all about natural remedies, often dismissing modern medicine entirely. But the truth is, both sides bring something valuable to the table. What really matters is asking the right questions—starting with “Why?”
An integrative approach to healthcare doesn’t pit one method against the other. Instead, it brings together the best of both worlds while respecting the body’s incredible ability to heal itself. It’s not about choosing sides; it’s about staying curious, digging deeper, and always looking for the root cause of what’s going on.
There’s no denying that modern medicine has its strengths. When it comes to emergencies or acute conditions, it’s often the hero of the story. Think about antibiotics for severe infections, surgeries to fix broken bones, or tools like MRIs that can help us see what’s happening inside the body. These are amazing advancements that save lives and deserve a ton of credit.
But here’s the thing: modern medicine tends to focus on symptoms rather than the big picture. Take high blood pressure as an example. Sure, there are medications to bring it down, and those are sometimes necessary to prevent a stroke or heart attack. But why is the blood pressure high in the first place? Is it due to stress, diet, lack of exercise, or something deeper, like unresolved emotional pain? Without asking “Why?” we risk just putting a band-aid on the problem instead of solving it for good. Those band-aid fixes often come with their own potential side effects and can make the underlying cause worse or complicate the situation.
The Body’s Incredible Healing Power
Your body is pretty amazing. It’s built to heal itself in so many ways. Think about how a small cut heals on its own. Behind the scenes, your body is doing all sorts of complex work to repair itself—no conscious effort required.
That’s why true healing focuses on supporting the body’s natural processes with the least amount of intervention possible. When we work with the body instead of trying to override it, we’re tapping into a deep well of wisdom that’s been honed over millions of years of evolution. It’s about respecting what the body can do on its own while giving it a little extra help when needed.
Herbalism, diet, and lifestyle are tools that help the body stay balanced so illness doesn’t take hold in the first place. For example, herbs like ashwagandha and holy basil can help the body adapt to stress. Eating a nutrient-rich diet and staying active are other ways to keep your body in top shape.
Unlike modern medicine, which often steps in after something has gone wrong, those promoting healthy lifestyle changes often focus on keeping things from going wrong in the first place. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, account for 75–85% of doctor's visits in the US and public health experts estimate that 50–80% of these conditions are preventable through improved diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and effective stress management. When it comes to these chronic conditions, prevention is so much easier than trying to reverse things later on.
But let’s not forget: just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s always the right choice. Herbs and natural remedies are powerful, and they need to be used thoughtfully. Even supplements and herbal remedies are often wrongfully used to treat symptoms rather than underlying causes. The key is understanding the “Why?”
Most conventional medical training focuses on treating disease, not necessarily on building health. That’s where an integrative approach comes in. It encourages practitioners to think outside the box and look at the whole person—their diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and even emotional well-being.
Take insomnia as an example. A conventional doctor might prescribe a sleep aid to help someone get rest. And sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed in the short term.
But an integrative approach would ask, “Why is this person struggling to sleep?”
A big part of integrative medicine is knowing when to turn to modern medicine and when to rely on natural approaches. There’s a time and place for everything. If someone is having a severe asthma attack, they need immediate medical intervention like bronchodilators. That’s not the time for herbal teas or meditation.
But once the crisis is over, that’s where natural and lifestyle-based approaches can shine. Maybe it’s time to explore what’s triggering the asthma—environmental allergens, dietary sensitivities, or chronic inflammation—and work on those underlying issues. Maybe we can utilize herbs to support the respiratory system and help rebuild the natural resilience of the lungs. It’s about addressing the immediate need while also thinking long-term.
At the heart of it all is the question “Why?” This simple question keeps us curious and connected to the bigger picture.
When we consistently ask “Why?” we move past quick superficial fixes and start to uncover deeper truths. We honor the body’s natural wisdom, use interventions thoughtfully, and respect the role of every tool at our disposal.
Wrapping It Up
Integrative healthcare isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about weaving together the best of modern medicine and natural remedies with care and intention. By focusing on long-term wellness through herbalism, diet, and lifestyle, we can help people avoid illness before it starts. And when necessary, we can turn to modern medicine for the life-saving interventions it may provide while avoiding the pitfalls that may come with them.
The body is incredible at self-healing, and our job is to support it as best we can. Whether it’s with an herb, a lifestyle change, or a medical procedure, the goal is always the same: to help the body heal while addressing the root causes of illness. When we do that, we create a healthcare system that’s not only effective but also compassionate and deeply human.
You may also enjoy:
Topics: Herbalism
Dr. D.J. Polzin is a physician based in Eugene, Oregon, specializing in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. His practice is uniquely holistic, combining osteopathy, lifestyle medicine, dietary practices, plant medicine, and western medicine. This integrative approach is designed to empower patients to harness their own innate healing abilities, fostering recovery and well-being through a balanced treatment model. An advocate for inclusive care, Dr. Polzin has extensive experience with the LGBTQQIP2SAA community and employs trauma-informed practices. In addition to mental health counseling, telemedicine services, and clinical visits, he also offers personalized hands-on healing sessions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to health care. In August 2024, Dr. Polzin will begin a new role as a primary care physician in Eugene, Oregon. In this position, he plans to utilize his multifaceted approach to further empower patients to improve their health. You can find him at www.wildbearmedicine.com.
