Suggestions for a holistic medicine practitioner?
Anonymous emails:
I'm wondering if the amazing AOA readers could recommend a holistic medicine doctor in the area. I've been working with a number of "real doctors" and haven't found them terribly helpful so I think it's time to look for some outside solutions.
Specifically I'm looking for assistance with autoimmune/thyroid issues (Hashimoto's) and some sudden food intolerances... if anyone has been treated holistically for similar issues that would be very much appreciated!
Here's a quick primer on holistic medicine.
We'd widen Anon's question just a little bit to include doctors who might not necessarily identify as "holistic" per se, but do maybe take extra time to learn about different aspects of a person's life and possibly include a wider range of treatment options.
So, got a suggestion for Anonymous? Please share. And as always, a line or two about why you're recommending that doctor -- good listener, smooth-running practice office, whatever -- is always helpful.
photo: Flickr user a.drian (CC BY-ND 2.0)
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Comments
I highly recommend http://ryanfamilymedicine.com/. Having been a patient for many years, I can't imagine going elsewhere.
... said Rich on Feb 25, 2016 at 11:55 AM | link
Haven't been, but have had her highly recommended:
http://healthyendeavorsmed.com/Healthy_Endeavors_Medicine/Healthy_Endeavors_Medicine.html
... said Jeanine on Feb 25, 2016 at 12:08 PM | link
I have found that anyone with a "DO" instead of "MD" after their name -- which stands for Doctor of Osteopathy -- is usually a good bet. That is what I use for my kids' pediatrician, and I never worry about him suggesting a bunch of medications and antibiotics for what can be treated more holistically.
... said Deanna on Feb 25, 2016 at 12:12 PM | link
You could try the Stram Center for Integrative Medicine in Delmar. They also have a location in Bennington, VT. I see Dr. Korey DiRoma for stomach issues and food sensitivity. He is a naturopath, but there is also an MD at the office you could see. They've been great! The only thing is that they don't take insurance and it's pricey, but it's been totally worth it for me after so many years of no solutions.
... said Lisa on Feb 25, 2016 at 12:13 PM | link
I like Dr. Ronald Stram and the Stram Center for Integrative Medicine in Delmar. Stram is the best of both worlds -- credentialed as an M.D. (emergency room specialist) but also a deep commitment to alternative medicine. His center offers an array of services like acupuncture, therapeutic massage, nutritional counseling to name a few. The downside is that he does not take most of or any of the health insurances so you would have to check with your insurer to find out if you would get any reimbursement for your out-of-pocket payments.
http://stramcenter.com/
... said chrisck on Feb 25, 2016 at 12:23 PM | link
Several years ago I went to one of the centers that may or may not have been mentioned above. ( I don’t want to get sued, so I will not say either way).
The consultation was very expensive and they did not accept my insurance. They prescribed acupuncture at $90 per hour 3x per week and an herbal supplement through an online company out of Oregon. As I didn’t want to take something without knowing what it was, I called the company in OR and they refused to tell me what was in their proprietary herb blend. When I called the center back to ask them, they were very vague. I believe the herbal pills were $60.00 per bottle.
In my opinion, these centers are in the business of selling services and pills. During my visit I felt like I was constantly being sold something. They NEVER mentioned exercise or nutrition. Only the latter if it was about taking supplements.
Since then, I educated myself on health and well-being. Books by David Angus were very helpful. I exercise daily, eat properly (minimal red meat and lots of fish), I go to a regular doctor if I get sick and the only herbal remedies I use are those in real fruits and vegetables.
... said Cyril on Feb 25, 2016 at 1:18 PM | link
@Cyril -- what you say is valid. I agree that you have to go in with some degree of "buyer beware" when they try to sell you a lot of herbal supplements and homeopathic tinctures. I'm also not big on supplements. As with conventional medicine, the patient needs to education him or herself about what course of treatment to take and if there are any scientific studies supporting it.
... said chrisck on Feb 25, 2016 at 2:24 PM | link
I've taken my daughter to Larry Malerba in Guilderland. He's a DO who practices homeopathy.
... said Abby on Feb 25, 2016 at 2:29 PM | link
Thank you everyone for your suggestions I will check them out.
@Cyril that's been exactly my concern... I work in internet marketing and everything I find either has a book, diet program, pill or something attached to it and it makes me wonder if it's legit or just some really well researched content that's crafted to suck me in.
That all said, I feel like I've been getting the runaround from "real doctors" so I figured I would give it a shot. I'll be sure to keep my BS meter with me though :)
Thanks again to everyone, it's been a frustrating year so I appreciate all of your help!
... said Jeff W on Feb 25, 2016 at 4:38 PM | link