Integrative Health emphasizes mindful awareness and self-care along with conventional and integrative approaches to health and well-being.  The Circle of Health highlights eight areas of self-care: Surroundings; Personal Development; Food & Drink, Recharge; Family, Friends, & Co-Workers; Spirit & Soul; Mind and Emotions; and Physical Activity.  The overview below shows what an Integrative Health clinical visit could look like and how to apply the latest research on complementary and integrative health to headache.

An Integrative Health approach to headache starts with a discussion and understanding of each Meaning, Aspiration, and Purpose (MAP). From there, the conversation extends to incorporating a variety of personal and professional approaches ranging from physical therapy and tai chi, to elimination diets and various supplements, to many other complementary and integrative health (CIH) approaches to prevent and treat the pain.

Meet the Patient

Mike is a 33-year-old man suffering from chronic headaches, both migraine and tension-type, since 2004.  He has tried many pharmacological treatments for his headaches, including beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Tylenol, triptans, antiemetics, and opioids.  His friend, who had success with acupuncture, recommended that Mike consider something similar for his pain.

Mike suffers from tension headaches most days of the week and has migraines 1-2 times weekly.  He currently takes propranolol and uses sumatriptan and occasional hydrocodone as needed to abort his pain.  He sees a counselor on a weekly basis and has a psychiatrist who follows him for his PTSD.  His psychiatrist prescribes fluoxetine.  Mike is frustrated by the medication side effects, including fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and impotence, especially given that he does not feel that his symptoms are well controlled.  After speaking with his friend, Mike decided to schedule an appointment with his primary care clinician to explore further other treatment options.  Prior to his appointment, he was asked to complete a Personal Health Inventory (PHI). 

Personal Health Inventory

Mike rates himself a 2 out of 5 for his overall physical well-being and a 2 for overall mental and emotional well-being. When asked what matters most to him and why he wants to be healthy, Mike responds:

“My wife and son are the most important people in my life.  I want to be there for them.  I worry that my health will make it difficult to support my family in the future.”