I want to take a moment to define this space, what I do and what I believe in.
I am a pharmacist. I was trained to critically evaluate evidence and keep a skeptical mindset, especially if something sounds “too good to be true.” I believe in evidence-based medicine, vaccinations, and the scientific method. I want to see double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trials whenever possible. However, I also know that sometimes doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals are too busy looking at the science, the metrics, or the computer screen and don’t focus on the person. The living, breathing person right in front of them who just needs a listening ear, validation that their feelings are real, and answers to their questions. A person who will turn to anyone and anything that validates their concerns and feelings.
There have been many studies that show a mind-body connection. I witnessed this connection firsthand when I interacted with cancer patients during my training. There were patients who hated the world and their diagnosis, and who lashed out at the healthcare professionals that were trying to help them, they died even when their prognosis was good. Yet, patients with a low chance of survival, who kept a positive attitude, survived. That’s not to say that none of the nasty people survived or nice people died, because both were true. However, the healthcare professionals found that in their own observations, it helped to have a positive attitude.
There are not just observational studies about the mind-body connection; real studies have been done about this. Your mindset, stress, and attitude can have positive or negative effects on your health. There is also something to be said for the placebo effect. If you believe something is going to work, it will.
Considering this mind-body connection, as well as the placebo effect, I believe that many of the alternative medicine practices that are promoted out there tap into this connection. I am not here to discredit their use, but I do want to make it clear that I will not promote certain ideas or practices that may be common in other Functional and Integrative Medicine spaces. While I do believe that some practices can help mental or spiritual health and well-being, which in turn effects overall health, I do not promote certain practices or beliefs.
For example, I believe that getting out in nature brings a sense of calm to many people. It can create a sense of awe and a spiritual connection to our world. I also believe that getting out in nature allows us to encounter various micro-organisms that can help to diversify our microbiome and improve our health. However, I feel the concept of “Grounding” or “Earthing”, which promotes the movement of electrons from the earth to our bodies through walking barefooted, needs more scientific support and clinical trials before I would recommend it. However, if I have a client who decides that “Grounding” or “Earthing” has been a transformative experience for them, so be it. I believe that Yoga and Meditation are powerful stress relievers and reducing stress can have profound effects on health and wellbeing. However, I do not promote Reiki Healing, Homeopathy, or Crystals. Again, if I have a client who swears by any of these things, please feel free to continue. I will not judge you, but I will also not promote these practices.
What I know to be real is that people are genetically different from one another. They can respond differently to medications, foods, or the environment. They may metabolize medications or supplements differently from another person. One person might have a food sensitivity that can manifest as eczema, headaches, or asthma symptoms and another person might get stomach cramps or diarrhea and another may have no issues at all. I also believe that gut health is key to overall health. If we can fix your gut health, other things can fall into place, and you can feel like a new person. However, I am not here to sell you an expensive diet drink or “cure-all” vitamin supplement. I am here to listen and help you create a plan for your health and wellness journey.
Everyone has their own unique story. Everyone deserves to have their story heard. This is why I created PIVOT. I want to hear your story. I want to provide you with the time that you deserve to tell your unique story. I want to understand the full picture that is you! Once that full picture is revealed, I can provide guidance to help you achieve your health and wellness goals!
Are you ready to start your journey to a healthier, more balanced life with PIVOT Integrative Consulting, LLC.?