An Alternative Approach to Medicine

Most of us dread going to the doctor. If I were to ask for reasons why, I am sure the answers would be similar. Most likely you would say you spend more time waiting for your doctor, than your actual appointment. Your doctor will ask a few questions, perhaps send you off for some tests, write you a script, and send you on your way. Seems impersonal, does it not? What if I told you there was a doctor that treated you and not just your symptoms? And, your wait time was a fraction of your appointment time - a reverse of what you are used. Let me introduce to you Dr. David Edelberg of Whole Health Chicago.

Dr. Edelberg is one of the early pioneers of integrative medicine and is the clinical director of Whole Health Chicago, an integrative medical practice combining the best of conventional and alternative medicine. Dr. Edelberg, along with recent addition Dr. Casey Kelley, are the primary care physicians of the practice. They both work with their team of specialized practitioners to provide an individualized treatment plan, otherwise known as a healing path. This healing path can include more than one type of treatment (i.e. acupuncture, physical therapy), diagnostic testing (i.e. saliva testing, food sensitivity test), natural and pharmaceutical therapies, and referrals to other practitioners as needed.

How can integrative medicine be beneficial to you? If you have a chronic or life-threatening disease that is regarded by many physicians as ‘non-existent’ or controversial. You may have symptoms that have not been diagnosed or treated to your satisfaction. Perhaps you are not ill, but want a primary care physician that will focus on wellness and disease prevention. All of these reasons are why integrative medicine can be very beneficial. At your initial visit, expect a detailed appointment - ninety minutes to two hours. This includes a full intake of your health, a physical examination, an inquiry to the specifics of your condition, and a creation of your healing path.

For example, my husband was having multiple chronic health issues that were not being resolved using alternative methods, separately from standard medical treatment. He was then referred to Dr. Edelberg, who attacked the issues from multiple angles to determine the underlying causes. From there, Dr, Edelberg addressed each of the issues, using education, some medicine, nutritional supplements, and major changes in the diet. Thankfully the issues were resolved, which in turn prompted me to seek Dr. Edelberg out, for preventative/routine care.

Hopefully after reading this, you will look at integrative medicine as not an alternative option, but rather a more logical and thorough approach to healthcare. Whole Health Chicago takes a natural/lifestyle approach and only uses drugs/medication when it is appropriate.