When “Normal” May Not Be “Optimal”
By Sharon Ackerman PA-C, MSP

The tremendous success of medical science of the 20th century has not been without cost.  The healthcare market grows when more attention is focused on problems that can be managed with drugs or procedures.  The system encourages a belief that medications or procedures are a simple answer to physical dis-ease and thus often discourages a deeper look at the interplay of mind, community, and spirit.

Overutilization of testing based on fear and underutilizing attention to detail in uncovering underlying imbalances that contribute to disease states should be examined in the demand for healthcare reform.  Becoming more aware of the value of certain tests and procedures as well as taking greater responsibility for facilitating “optimal health” in ourselves and others may be the greatest key in reducing healthcare cost.  The greatest opportunity available in a time of health crisis is becoming receptive to possibilities for change and improvement.

Laboratory tests can be useful when various levels are beyond a normal reference range.  The case for awareness comes when a lab result is “borderline” normal or a clinician’s interpretation of the lab is normal.  What action, then, needs to be taken to create “optimal?”  If all tests return within normal limits but a patient still feels far from healthy, how can we best address the fears of “missing something” and also address other areas in which the individual may be making choices that tend to perpetuate a declining health condition? 

Neither a simple prescription nor a costly surgical intervention can take the place of personal responsibility with regards to optimal healing on all levels.  Conscious choice and clear intention to honor one’s own inner authority allows the empowerment necessary to move beyond genetic tendency and national statistics.  Optimal health is best supported by attention to the whole person as well as taking specific action to create an atmosphere of health on all levels.

Integrative medicine is health-oriented rather than disease focused and places emphasis on the centrality of the practitioner-patient relationship.  It focuses on the least invasive, least toxic, and least costly methods to facilitate health by integrating allopathic and complementary therapies. (massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, postural alignment, etc.)  These are recommended based on an understanding of the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual levels of the individual.  In returning the power to heal from “the health care system” back to the ultimate Healer, healthcare reform is indeed possible.

“All things are possible with God”    Mark 10:27

By Sharon Ackerman PA-C, MSP and an integrative health specialist in Temecula. She can be reached at…..