Hi there,

These days there are a lot of terms used to describe healthcare that differs from the standard or allopathic medicine so many of us are used to. Many of the terms used mean similar things, terms like Holistic, Alternative, Integrative and Functional Medicine. Doctors of different disciplines preferentially use these terms but many share them and overlap there meaning. To some degree they can also be used when different types of therapies are used. Like, some Chiropractors use the term “Holistic” even when they may only employ Chiropractic adjustments as their primary treatment. Chiropractic philosophy is “holistic” in that they adjust to bring balance and wholeness to the body by addressing the nervous and musculoskeletal issues by addressing the underlying cause. They typically don’t just treat the symptoms of the issues. But “holistic” can and often means more to most people.  The other terms like Integrative Medicine are used more commonly by Naturopaths or Naturopathic Doctors, they often include natural Herbs and Nutrients along with Acupuncture. Functional Medicine is often used more commonly by “alternative” Medical Doctors who practice similarly to the Naturopaths.  However, no one discipline uses these terms to the exclusion of any other discipline. There are many Chiropractors and Naturopaths that practice Functional Medicine for instance.  All these terms can mean the same thing, that your practitioner offers healthcare that addresses the underlying cause of why your body is not expressing optimal health. And that they address those issues by using methods which  are derived from either more natural sources, like herbs and vitamins, and/or use a physical art, like acupuncture or chiropractic, that promotes the body’s natural healing powers to be awakened. So, in short all these terms, except “Holistic” are terms that usually include many different modalities to bring about healing and health in the body. Holistic is in my opinion is an often over used and  misleading term. Too general to give much information. The only sure way to know to what your doctor means by the terms  they use to describe their work is to call and speak with them about your health concerns and find out what methods they do use.  I, as a Chiropractor, use all of these terms to describe what we do here at Life Source Healing Center. As the picture down below shows all your body’s systems are very interconnected. So to get to the foundation or cause of many of today’s health challenges it is often necessary to “integrate” an “alternative” approach” using more “natural” resources to bring more healthy “functioning” of the body and restoration of health.

Call Dr. Becky Laird DC at Life Source Healing Center @ 706-369-3600 if you would like to discuss your health issues and find out just what we do.

Hi folks, Health is a subject no one is much interested in unless you lose it or are afraid of losing it. Often once it is lost it is hard to find it again because there are so many conflicting ideas about health and healthcare. As an Athens, Georgia Chiropractor I have studied many years to find the most updated information on causes of many chronic illnesses. We use some of the best diagnostic testing available to discover these underlying causes of issues like, chronic pain and fatigue, digestive disorders, hormone imbalances, thyroid disease, allergies, obesity, blood sugar imbalances, immune system dis-regulation, heavy metal toxicity and many more.

We also of course align the spine so that it and the nerves function optimality to restore function and enhance health and performance. Without the brain in good communication with all parts of the body through the nerves, many therapies would have limited affect.

Once the underlying cause of your dis-ease or disease is discovered regaining the health often is a matter of what we call the 3 R approach, Remove the irritant, be it food allergy, heavy metal, improved diet or other. Repair the damage through the use of specially formulated nutritional formulation or vitamin, supplement protocols. And finally Restore, often this is done with repair but depending on the issue may extend longer than the repair stage. Restoration of health and balance.

Through years of postgraduate training and clinical experience I feel we truly have a Holistic approach to health care not just disease care and symptom reduction.

wishing you a great day!! Dr. B.