INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE NZ
A NEW FUTURE !
Dr Bill Reeder, now retired as of 28th November, is pleased and relieved that a highly skilled Functional Medicine clinic team REVERSALNZ in Taupo will continue to work with his patients and the many who have and will make further enquiries about where and whom they can find with expertise in this important field.
For more information about the reversalnz clinic see link below.
Integrative or Functional Medicine
Also known as Functional Medicine, its the blending of standard ‘Western’, pharmaceutical based medicine, termed mainstream, with complementary systems or treatments. The goal for all systems should be to achieve best outcome with least harm. It is not either one nor the other.
The Western model is based on highest level of evidence of benefit and safety, confirmed from large clinical trials. In general this is the case and the high standard we should strive for. However, it’s based on the construct of how the majority respond to a given treatment, plus consideration of harms. But where does that leave those for whom the treatment is ineffective or harmful? They seek what other options may work for them.
Other options, natural biological products, off label use of approved medicines, are often rejected purely for lacking clinical trials. Realistic thinking is that evidence is in real results of that individual patient ie personalised medicine.
Randomised Clinical Trials (RCT) are highly relevant for potentially toxic ‘non-natural’ pharmaceutical chemicals which need very rigorous testing before wide use in humans. They are pertinent for any treatment; but enabling a trial is very difficult as costs to do powerful, meaningful trials are prohibitive without massive funding. So we depend on long term observational evidence, research and safety. Unfortunately, rarely, harms can occur from poor products which result in headlines – whereas pharmaceutical side-effects that have more potential for significant harms which are accepted as just unfortunate risks we take.
Because of this many patients seek to include safe, non-mainstream treatment options beyond those offered by conventional guideline based medicine.
It behoves Integrative Practitioners to discuss the risks and benefits of both standard of care (SOC) as well as other options.
Integrative Medicine, Functional Medicine advice and management options are not a replacement for, but complementary to, mainstream standard medical care.
Examples of Areas of Interest
Change of Life – low Hormone Consequences
As we age many factors play a role. One key area is the decline in our vital natural hormones. For women its Menopause and for men, Male Andropause. We can overcome unwanted symptoms, ‘refurbish’ our vitality, sensuality with natural hormone replacement for men and women. At this clinic only safe Bio-identical Hormones (BHRT) are prescribed. Some prefer herbal remedies. Whilst the sex meds like Viagra are very useful, they dont have any benefits on age slowing, improved mood, brain focus, sleep and many other benefits. Refer to Topics in Menu
Younger Adults Can Have Low Hormones Too
Its not just the older folk who may be struggling to keep their physical, sexual and emotional vitality. Many younger women can be at the mercy of unbalanced hormones. This can cause a wide range of unwanted symptoms of body and mind. Increasingly younger men under 35 are presenting with male hormone insufficiency symptoms that are overlooked. Men are less likely or unwilling to recognise this. We look at the causes and advise about options including safe natural hormone optimisation. You will have hormone analysis prior and after treatment. This clinic does not work with body building hormone treatments. Read more about male hormone deficiency.
Thyroid Dysfunction
Functional Medicine doctors see many patients with symptomatic hypothyroidism, usually Hashimoto’s autoimmune (AID) but not always, who have been on standard (SOC) thyroid medications but who are anything but well despite a ‘normal’ blood result. A number have had total thyroidectomy and never regain their previous wellness. They still feel terribly unwell and worse, often made to feel their symptoms are not real. We do lab investigations and discuss safe alternatives. Read more>>
To make an enquiry or book an appointment please email us with your health concerns to:
info@reversalnz.co.nz
We will review your request to ensure it is within our special interest areas. We may call you to clarify we are the right fit for you.
Our staff will respond as soon as possible.