Holistic, integrative and functional medicine encompasses many different modalities and areas of practice. This lifestyle medicine, which emphasizes prevention and aims to address the root cause of disease rather than alleviating symptoms, relies on a whole person approach that combines physical and mental health. These strategies may also address certain mindsets and behaviors that lead to unhealthy lifestyles.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes how the use of holistic, integrative and functional approaches to health and wellness has grown within care settings across the U.S. “Researchers are currently exploring the potential benefits of integrative health in a variety of situations, including pain management for military personnel and veterans, relief of symptoms in cancer patients and survivors, and programs to promote healthy behaviors.”

Dr. Toni Engram, of Flourish Dental Boutique, affirms the importance of a whole person approach toward wellness. “Our spiritual, mental and physical health are all equally important. Treating the whole person means that not only are all of our body parts and systems connected, but also that you can’t help heal someone physically while ignoring their spiritual and emotional health.”

Biological dentists such as Engram understand this holistic connection by promoting minimally invasive techniques and preventive measures to treat oral conditions. By avoiding non-toxic dental materials, patients can have safer, allergen-free options.

Engram approaches her patients’ concerns by considering their biological terrain, taking care to limit toxins whenever she can and intentionally choosing treatment options. Some examples of biological dentistry include ozone therapy, platelet-rich fibrin, laser dentistry and biocompatibility testing of dental materials.

Phyllis Gee, M.D., is a practicing obstetrician, gynecologist and founder of Willowbend Health & Wellness. At her integrative functional medicine practice in Plano, she looks at lifestyle factors concerning diet, exercise, stress, sleep and relationships. She encourages her patients to take active roles in their healing process.

Through a “lifestyle prescription,” Gee assists patients in their healing journey by weighing 10 factors that promote holistic, whole person wellness: eating nourishing food, healing the gut, movement, restful sleep, stress management, herbal supplements, incorporating enjoyable activities into daily life, connection with friends and family, detoxification protocols to reduce inflammation and mind/body practices to promote relaxation. Gee’s treatments incorporate holistic elements such as red light therapy, lymphatic massage, herbs and nutritional counseling with allopathic treatments when appropriate.

Holistic Approaches for Chronic Conditions

“Most chronic conditions, and even some acute problems, can be either treated or supported by integrative, functional, or holistic medicine,” Engram notes. “It can often provide a ‘best of both worlds’ approach, utilizing more natural healing methods whenever possible, and a more allopathic approach when warranted.”

Holistic modalities such as chiropractic care or therapeutic massage offer non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical ways to address tangible structural or musculoskeletal issues. Holistic approaches also include yoga, breathwork and meditation, which according to the National Institutes of Health, support stress management and mental health. This, in turn, may lead to physical improvements such as lower blood pressure and better sleep to embody whole person heath.

More studies are showing a solid connection between oral health and systemic health, understanding that what happens to the teeth and gums can impact the entire body. When left untreated, conditions such as gingivitis may escalate into periodontitis, a serious disease that causes receding gums. This allows an easier pathway for bacteria and toxins to move from the mouth into the bloodstream, where they can spread to other organs.

Integrative, functional or holistic medicine can often be used alongside conventional medicine to achieve positive health outcomes. Gee notes that holistic, integrative and functional practitioners all offer the potential for a more natural approach to solving problems, but sometimes there may be more serious health concerns that need to be determined by conventional testing.

Engram adds that while there are risks to any treatment options, as well as risks in doing no treatment at all, choosing integrative, functional or holistic care should be evaluated in the same manner as any type of care. She advises, “The key is to work with healthcare providers who are prepared to share with you all of those risks and help support you in making the best decisions for your whole health—physical, spiritual and mental.”

Flourish Dental Boutique, 1415 State St., Ste. 800, Richardson, 469-676-7777, Flourish.Dental.

Willowbend Health & Wellness, 4601 Old Shepherd Pl., Bldg. 2, Ste. 201, Plano, 469-361-4000, WillowbendHealthAndWellness.com.