Integrative Medicine
At Marty Ross MD Healing Arts, we practice integrative medicine, which blends the best of holistic and natural medicine approaches with conventional prescription medicine approaches based on what is best for the patient.
Our practice of this technique is rooted in science that moves beyond the often oversimplified methodology symptom managment with conventional medicine. Our integrative medicine approach for clients in our Seattle practice is whole person focused. Beyond isimply prescribing you a pill for the pain, we consider critical factors like sleep, movement, diet, and nutritional supplements that may fix, rather than just medicate, the problem.
Integrative medicine was first developed by Andrew Weil, MD in the 1990s. His approach relies on scientifically grounded alternative and conventional medicine to treat and manage medical conditions. We build on Dr. Weil's approach and apply his principles to complex chronic illnesses like Lyme disease, mold toxicity, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Long COVID, and other difficult-to-treat conditions.
The Toolbox
At its foundation, our integrative medicine approach works with lifestyle factors like diet and sleep plus mind-body approaches. We then layer in supplements, herbal medicines, vitamins, oral peptides, and prescriptions as needed or based on the choice of our clients. We also consider referrals for acupuncture, chiropractic care, and physical therapy as needed.
We offer a number of treatment options, and then work collaboratively with you to pick what is right. I have found there are many ways to approach different problems. Acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal anti-inflammatories, and prescription pain medicines may all help a person with back pain, for instance. We lay out the various options, and help you decide what is best based on your own intuition or preferences.
Conventional and Compounded Prescriptions
Generally, we start with these more holistic approaches first, and add prescription medicines as needed. We work with all types of prescription medicines a conventional medicine family physician, internist, or specialist might prescribe. In our Seattle practice, we offer a full range of prescriptions including antibiotics, hormones, anti-inflammatories, stomach and intestinal medicines, and antidepressants.
As an integrative medicine practice, we think outside the conventional prescription medicine box too. We work with compounding pharmacies to prescribe science-based therapies like low dose naltrexone (LDN), which helps regulate immune function and may reduce fibromyalgia pain, and methylene blue, which supports mitochondrial energy production and has activity against certain tick-borne infections including Bartonella and Borrelia.
The Bottom Line
Our Seattle-based integrative medicine approach is well suited to people dealing with complex chronic illnesses like Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mold toxicity. We are pleased to offer these advanced medicine approaches as we help you take back your life from chronic illness.
If you'd like to learn more about how we apply Integrative Medicine at our Seattle clinic, book a consultation or explore our areas of practice.