Can Integrative Medicine and Yoga Make One Healthy?

Many ask: “What is integrative medicine?” Integrative medicine is a “whole-person,” holistic approach to health therapy that seeks to incorporate treatment options from conventional and alternative treatment methods. It takes into account not only physical symptoms but also the environmental, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of an individual’s life. Research has shown that the combination of integrative medicine and yoga exercises has proven to be an effective health and wellness treatment method. 

Dr. Rachel E. Hall, board-certified integrative family physician and founder/owner of Expect Wellness, in Columbia, began her work in conventional medicine, and for a long time, treated the symptoms exhibited by patients, as that was the standard practice. In addition, she was not afforded the time, opportunity or flexibility to treat the “whole” person. Illness affects and impacts the entire individual: mind, body and spirit. In order to achieve health, one must treat all aspects.

Hall begins with a comprehensive consultation reviewing an individual’s medical history along with other important factors, such as stress, sleep quality, spirituality, and any other current issues. She works with each individual to develop a comprehensive and customized wellness plan designed to promote whole-body health.

In the world of integrative medicine, yoga can play an important role in the treatment process. It combines exercise, deep breathing, stretching and meditation to align the body, mind and spirit; and in so doing, it has been shown to greatly reduce stress. Yoga exercises can positively impact a person’s health by improving circulation and stimulating the body’s abdominal organs and glandular and lymphatic systems. Numerous scientific studies have indicated that stress causes most illness, whether directly or indirectly. Yoga, when performed correctly, can greatly reduce stress and provide the body with energy to fight illness. Hall is also a certified yoga instructor, who specializes in many types of yoga, including prenatal. 

Many common ailments and symptoms are due to whole-body health imbalance. They include fatigue, insomnia, joint pain, brain fog, gastrointestinal issues, depression, moodiness, chronic illness, muscle loss, weight gain, headaches and more.

By combining integrative medicine and yoga exercises, the ailments and symptoms experienced by each person are addressed to promote whole-person healing: mind, body and spirit. Hall and her Expect Wellness team stand capable and ready to help individuals that feel “robbed” of life and meaningful vitality find effective treatment options that restore and improve health and wellness.

Expect Wellness is located at 130 Suber Rd., Ste. D, Columbia. For more information on the benefits of integrative medicine and the treatment solutions offered by Expect Wellness, call 803-796-1702 or visit DrRachelHall.com