Program for Integrative Medicine and Health Disparities
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617.414.6264
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If you are a new patient and need an appointment, please contact us at the phone number below.
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Introduction to Holistic Care or Integrative Medicine
Holistic Care or Integrative Medicine combines conventional medical treatment, complementary therapies, and lifestyle changes. It encourages a compassionate, healing relationship between patients and caregivers. Integrative Medicine views the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.
Conventional medicine is a term that describes healthcare carried out by licensed medical doctors and by allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, registered nurses, and psychologists. This type of healthcare is familiar to most people – it is the routine and established treatments that are carried out everyday in hospitals and clinics in the United States. Conventional treatments may include prescription medication, x-rays, surgical procedures, physical, and occupational therapy.
Complementary therapies include yoga, massage, acupuncture, herbal therapy, dietary supplements, meditation, hypnosis, chi gung, tai chi, and reiki. Historically, complementary therapies were not part of conventional medicine; however, certain therapies are becoming more common in healthcare today because knowledge and research about their effectiveness continues to grow.
Started in 2004, the Program for Integrative Medicine and healthcare Disparities at Boston Medical Center is committed to evidence-based practices. Our multidisciplinary team is composed of highly qualified:
- Physicians
- Massage Therapists
- Acupuncturists
- Class instructors
Your first appointment will be a time to meet with a provider and discuss your current health and understand any past medical issues, develop a plan with you that incorporates both integrative therapies and conventional medicine, and recommend you for a follow up appointment or refer you to integrative medicine services (massage, yoga, acupuncture, etc.) as needed.
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Treatments & Services
Breathing Exercises
Buteyko is a clinically-proven, natural, safe breathing retraining program which utilizes the body’s self-healing capacities. It is based on the standard medical principles of respiration and the Bohr effect.
Massage
Massage is the manipulation of muscles to improve healing, health and wellness and relax the mind and body. The term “massage therapy” encompasses many different techniques.
Mindfulness at Boston Medical Center
Mindfulness can be achieved by anyone. The practice of mindfulness is a purposeful way to approach your day to day tasks: this mindset can reduce stress and enhance the joy experienced in daily life.
Yoga
Yoga originated over 2000 years ago in India as a system of physical, moral, and spiritual practices. Like other meditative movement practices used for health purposes, modern day yoga typically combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation.
Our Team
Integrative Medicine Practitioners
Bonita Jones, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist and Meditation Instructor
Betsy Simmons
Yoga Instructor
Ramel Rones
Tai Chi Instructor
Beth Sommers, Ph.D., MPH, Lic.Ac.,
Acupuncturist
Chris Lehmann, Lic.Ac.,
Staff Acupuncture
CJ Allen, Lic.Ac.,
Acupuncture Preceptor
Maria Broderick, Ed.D., Lic.Ac.,
Pediatric Acupuncture, Acupuncture Preceptor
Kathy Seltzer, Lic.Ac.,
Acupuncturist
Patricia Leydon, Lic.Ac.
Acupuncturist
Integrative Medicine Research Staff
Eric Roseen, DC
Research Fellow