Integrative Medicine Have you heard of naturopathy, acupuncture, the body known as meridians. The goal of treatment biofeedback, or yoga? These and other practices is to restore the flow of chi, which is accomplished have been used as alternative or complementary by inserting thin solid needles into points along the therapies in the prevention and treatment of a variety meridian to remove the blockage of chi and restore of diseases. health. In integrative medicine, acupuncture has been effectively used for pain control and the management At Billings Clinic we are committed to providing of treatment side effects, like nausea. the best medical care for our patients. As part of this effort, we have been developing Integrative Aromatherapy Medicine services for you and your family. In the Aromatherapy is a component of Botanical Medicine, practice of integrative medicine, practitioners from which uses the essential oils from plants to restore different disciplines work collaboratively to achieve health and well being. This is usually accomplished by the best outcomes for their patients. For example, the inhalation of the oils through a diffuser, atomizer, in the treatment of cancer, these practitioners or directly. The inhaled oils then have effects on the use a blend of evidence-based conventional and body, typically through the brain. This therapy is mostly complementary therapies to reduce side effects and used for relaxation, decreasing sinus congestion and optimize the effectiveness of medications, radiation improving mood. Caution: Volatile oils can be toxic and/or surgery. This collaborative approach is also when taken internally. used in making health assessments, in interventions to treat underlying causes of a number of diseases, Biofeedback and in improving overall health and well-being. Biofeedback is a therapy that uses monitoring devices attached to the skin to give visual feedback for certain There is an array of different therapeutic options vital signs, like heart rate or blood pressure. Visually available in the alternative and complementary monitoring vitals while trying different techniques, realm. Some of the most widely use are described allows patients to consciously modify their behavior below in alphabetical order. to improve symptom management. For example, pain is often accompanied by increased heart rate and Acupuncture blood pressure. Using different breathing techniques, Acupuncture is a therapy from the Traditional patients learn which techniques lower their heart Chinese Medicine system, which is based on the rate and blood pressure and are most effective at theory that health and well being are maintained decreasing their pain. by the flow of chi (energy) through channels in

Billings Clinic Integrative Medicine 2825 8th Avenue North Billings, Montana 59101 238-2500 or 1-800-332-7156 www.billingsclinic.com 0507100RH Body work advice about our dietary choices. They provide valuable Body work is a term that includes many different information about the best foods to include and those practices—acupressure, chiropractic, reflexology, to avoid in order to restore and maintain good health. massage, Reiki, craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage and many more. These practices involve Supplements the manipulation or massage of muscles, ligaments, Supplements involve a wide range of substances energy or fluids by a practitioner to assist the patient’s including vitamins, minerals, botanical or herbal body to regain or maintain health. Massage, for medicines, homeopathic remedies, etc. When properly example, can help increase circulation, encourage used, supplements can promote overall health, relaxation, and reduce pain and inflammation. decrease side effects of pharmaceutical medications, and in some cases enhance therapeutic effects of other Meditation treatments. For some diseases and conditions, trained Meditation uses relaxed breathing coupled with professionals can also use certain supplements as a silent reflection or contemplation to help to calm viable treatment option. the mind and relax the body. There are many types of meditation. Some forms involve movement In the United States, supplements and over-the- (e.g. walking meditation), focused attention (e.g. counter medicines are not strictly regulated like mindfulness meditation), repeating of phrases over in pharmaceuticals, so supplements may contain the mind (e.g. chanting, or prayer), complete stillness contaminants that can cause harm. Many supplements (e.g. transcendental meditation), and guided imagery and herbs can interact with each other and with (imagining positive and soothing scenes or stories). pharmaceutical drugs to create harmful reactions One or more of these forms of meditation can often be or consequences. Do not assume that because it is used to decrease anxiety before medical procedures natural or available without a prescription that it is and to help control pain. safe. It is important, therefore, to inform your health care provider about the supplements you are taking. Movement therapies Movement therapies teach patients how to move their If you choose to coordinate your own complementary bodies in ways that may be beneficial to restoring care, there are some important things for you to health and promoting a sense of well being, while also consider. First, there are many different types of developing balance, strength and flexibility. These complementary providers, and the medical training, therapies include dance, eurhythmy, Nia, Tai Chi, Yoga, formal training (schooling), and licensing of these Qi Gong, and others. providers vary widely. In choosing providers it is important to know where they received their training, Naturopathic medicine whether they are licensed or certified, whether they are Naturopathic medicine focuses on prevention of willing to work with the other providers on your health disease and the use of the least invasive and most care team, and how well you will be able to discuss effective therapies to restore health to the whole your concerns with them. Second, it is important to person (body, mind and spirit). Naturopathic physicians communicate with your health care providers about are licensed doctors who receive extensive medical therapies you are considering, are trying, and have training. They are trained in botanical medicine, tried including everything that you take (e.g. vitamins, nutrition, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, massage, minerals, juices, teas, remedies, over the counter chiropractic adjustments and other soft-tissue and medications), and do (e.g. acupuncture, chelation, boney manipulations, counseling, conventional chiropractic manipulation, colonics, massage). pharmaceuticals, and other methods of healing. Integrative medicine, when properly applied, can Nutritionists improve your health, enhance benefits of other Nutritionists are trained professionals who work either therapies or treatments and improve your overall sense within a clinical setting or independently to provide of well being.

Dr. Roberta Bourgon is available to see patients at Billings Clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 238-2501 or 1-800-332-7156. Dr. Bourgon has a bachelor of science degree from the University of British Columbia and a doctorate of naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University in Washington. She has been practicing naturopathic medicine in the Billings community since 1996.