What is Integrative Psychiatry?
My interest in plant medicine originally stemmed from my studies in Anthropology. I have met herbalists, midwives, shamanic practitioners and other traditional healers all over the world; and have studied herbal medicine for personal use for over 30 years. When I eventually settled in Oakland as a primary care provider, I had the fortune to work in a county clinic which served an international community. It was then that it became a necessity to learn more about evidence-based plant medicine and supplements because my patients from southeast Asia, South America, Mexico, Nepal, and elsewhere were telling me they were taking herbs or using traditional remedies. I knew I needed to respect their cultural identity and autonomy, but also have the knowledge to counsel them on the science and value, as well as potential risks of these treatments.
Thus began my lifelong study of integrative medicine. Integrative medicine integrates diverse modes of healing- it values the science and rigor of mainstream medicine that we practice in the West; and also sees the ways in which traditional medicine (ie plant medicine or other ancient systems) and mind-body techniques can enhance healing and offer less invasive and often less risky treatments. A cancer patient receiving chemotherapy may take ginger to combat nausea or adaptogens to increase disease fighting white blood cells. They may seek acupuncture to help pain or appetite. Integrative medicine does not exclude the value of western medicine but it also may result in using less of it- because adjunctive therapies can improve wellness on a deeper, synergistic level. Wellness is more accessible because our path of healing occurs on a spirit-mind-body level. When one adds functional medicine, we tune in to some of the minutiae of deeper healing on a more molecular level because we consider genes, nutritional markers and hormones.
Integrative Psychiatry utilizes psychotropic medications in combination with mindfulness or meditation practices, science-based plant medicine or supplements, and lifestyle changes which address sleep, nutrition and exercise. Exploring the root cause of illness may expose childhood trauma or other past experiences which have kept us stuck. Root causes identified by functional medicine may include gut dysbiosis, a severe vitamin deficiency, or a genetic mutation affecting mood and anxiety. This model requires us to take a role as self-healer. Medications do not heal us but they can facilitate healing by making the internal environment more ripe for positive neuroplastic changes of the brain. For many, addressing the root cause can result in less medication and in some cases freedom from medications. My style is uniquely influenced by my decades-long study of yoga and meditation; and I integrate these perspectives into my therapeutic approach. My goal is for my patients to identify and experience their most vital selves with attention to the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of being; and integrative psychiatry is my tool to help facilitate this level of healing.
