well-being [W]HOLISTIC MEDICINE
WELL-BEING FOR YOUR WHOLE BEING! BY IJY STAFF
W
hen you think about holistic medicine, a few common stereotypes may come to mind. You likely may think about the use of all-natural remedies or the fundamental connection between body, mind and spirit. And, you may also think that Holistic medicine is the same as Functional medicine, which is the same as Alternative medicine, which is the same as Integrative medicine, and is NOT the same as Conventional medicine. And you would be right! AND you would be wrong. There is not enough space in this inaugural edition of the “IJY Magazine and Event Guide” to fully explain the commonalities and differences of these practices of medicine. Many times, the terms are used interchangeably. “Google” even appears confused. What started out being referred to as “holistic medicine” has evolved into also being referenced as “functional medicine” and/or also being referred to as “integrative medicine,” by our friends on the internet. For purposes of this article, we will be referring to holistic, functional and integrative medicine somewhat interchangeably for purely selfish reasons! Otherwise this amazingly clever title does NOT work!
sight, and her willingness to provide valuable information to our readers.
less, confused, and disempowered like” our health is “up to chance, a genetic roulette.”
Dr. Brooke explained that many people would know EXACTLY what to do if they came back from vacation to a closed house - and one of their favorite house plants was a withering, wilting “shell” of a plant.
In this hectic world we live in, we have created our very own “evolutionary mismatch,” says Dr. Brooke. We spend most of our time indoors. We are under tremendous pressure – between working, spending time with loved ones – children, partners, parents, friends – and handling the various crises that arise. We get through the day by drinking caffeine in the morning (or all through the day) and a glass of wine or ten at night. Many of us depend upon pharmaceuticals to help us cope. (Not that there is anything wrong with that!) And this is BEFORE we have to get on I-4!
To cut through all of the internet “noise” and learn more about ways to improve our health, have a better quality of life, and be the best version of ourselves, the IJY staff contacted Dr. Brooke Stuart, a Doctor specializing in Functional Medicine and Holistic Counseling. Dr. Stuart, a Central Florida native, is the creator of “The Let Go & Grow” Philosophy. (You need to “LET GO” of what isn’t working and optimize or “GROW” what is!) She is also a frequent guest on WKMG, Channel 6.
Why of course! You would give your plant plenty of attention, clean water, open the window for some fresh air and direct sunlight! Maybe re-pot it in some nutrient rich soil and give it some TLC. You recognize instinctively that the plant’s bleak environment, while you were away, is what caused the plant to wilt and wither. Dr. Brooke said in medicine, this concept is called an “evolutionary mismatch.” The plant was in a situation where it was NOT going to thrive and entered into a state of survival.
Dr. Stuart spent several hours with the IJY staff and we appreciate her knowledge, her in-
However, when it comes to our own bodies, Dr. Brooke explains that we “often feel help-
14 IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE | CENTRAL FLORIDA
Rather than taking the time to nurture ourselves, like we nurtured the plant, we’ve done the landscaping equivalent of painting the leaves green. However, Dr. Brooke Stuart, and Doctors like her, believe that there is another, very promising option. And that is functional medicine.
