Robban A. Sica, MD - International College of Integrative Medicine - ICIM
Click Black Square to pause sound What is Integrative Medicine?
By Robban A. Sica, MD
Part 1 Energy expressed through thoughts and feelings, energy becomes physical. Hence, we are all energy beings. It is true that at any point in time, anyone can become free of a given illness or symptom simply by directing their focus towards the state of health they desire and maintaining a state of allowing their connectedness with universal energy to deliver that outcome to them. For most, however, this is a stretch to actually accomplish. While we might understand this from a spiritual or intellectual point of view, how can we translate this into useful tools for healing? For years I have struggled with this truth in my own life as well as in my practice of medicine. It is hard to stay in a place of allowing, focused only on the desired healthy state while suffering pain or other nagging symptoms. Your awareness keeps getting pulled back towards the symptom, recreating the unwanted state of being. Often, the more aware you are that you create your experiences in life, the worse it gets as you may feel guilty that you are not creating what you want. Fortunately, there is a simple easy way out of this dilemma: focus on anything or any thought that feels better, even just a little better. The better you feel, the more you are allowing the universe to deliver your desired outcome to you sooner. And it can happen quicker than you think! So what does this have to do with Integrative Medicine? Everything. At the heart of Integrative Medicine is the belief that health depends on the interplay of who we are and what we eat, drink, breathe, think and feel, including both physical and spiritual. Our health improves as we recognize and integrate all aspects of ourselves. Increasing our awareness and choices about our health allows us to find a path to healing and growth. But often we have to find the "path of least resistance", in other words, the open door that feels good to us and that we can believe will help us take the next step. So the way that I work has evolved over many years of study and practice. My comprehensive initial interview determines the underlying factors affecting the person, including what deficiencies are lowering the overall reserves and which stressors are overwhelming those reserves, causing illness. I assess what therapies have or have not gotten results, to determine which therapies the person is most likely to respond to and create an individualized treatment plan. To increase health reserves, I may prescribe nutritional and hormonal supplementation and individualized dietary recommendations, or I may refer to a specific practitioner for body work, homeopathy, acupuncture, or other therapies. Then, I draw on my experience to select the appropriate therapy to reduce or remove as many stressors as possible. Common stressors include food or inhalant allergies, chemical sensitivity or toxicity, heavy metal toxicity, biochemical imbalances, chronic viral, fungal, or bacterial infections, emotional stress, toxic belief systems leading to dysfunctional feelings, and chronic structural misalignment. These may or may not be obvious to the person. Since food, mold, and other allergens are a frequent hidden stressor causing a wide variety of symptoms, I utilize several types of allergy testing and desensitization to treat allergies as well as discuss necessary environmental changes. Specialized laboratory testing may determine the need for chelation or detoxification, nutritional support, herbal remedies, or prescription medications. We discuss and implement lifestyle or attitudinal changes that are necessary. Most importantly, I get the person to focus on their ideal health and their health goals, which is essential to support the healing process. Even if my patient has seen many other doctors or alternative medical practitioners, I often see success with the integrative approach of systematically assessing and addressing all aspects. ___________________________  For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to help people get more out of their lives. I've always enjoyed when I saw someone feel better, think differently, free themselves from limitations, or be happier as a result of my efforts. While this desire directed me to study medicine, I quickly became disillusioned by the way medicine has been practiced. Giving a drug to cover symptoms alleviates suffering but does not really create "more life" for the person. Often the side effects even worsen their quality of life. I studied a variety of spiritual paths. I discovered and trained in many complementary, alternative therapies, but noticed that most "holistic" practitioners focus only on their favorite therapy that they then apply to every person they see. If their approach was what that person needed, they would do well. If not, the person had to start their search for healing again. I gradually found that by integrating many aspects of what I learned, I focus on what the person needed and use the appropriate tools that could help that individual. As they began to feel better, they became more open to exploring more of their beliefs about health and able to create better outcomes.
Here are the stories of several of my patients that demonstrate this power of integrative medicine: Cathy had been treated with antibiotics every 3-4 weeks for sinus infections that exacerbated her asthma, requiring Prednisone, in turn causing out of control diabetes. Antibiotics caused intestinal yeast overgrowth, worsening her allergies, weakening her immune system, and creating a vicious cycle. After correcting her thyroid/adrenal imbalances and treating yeast, her diabetes and high cholesterol became well-controlled. Allergy desensitization virtually eliminated the chronic sinus infections. In the past six years, she has only had 3 infections requiring antibiotics and has felt dramatic improvements in her overall well-being. Denise, 7 years old, suffers from cerebral ataxia, a neurological condition which seriously affects balance. After food allergy testing, followed by elimination of the offending foods from her diet and desensitization, and a prescription of brain nutrients, including CoenzymeQ10 and glutathione, her balance improved dramatically to where she could walk without assistance for the first time in her life. A chronic fatigue victim for years, Roberta had all but given up. Allergy treatment provided some relief but she was still unable to pursue her career. Correcting thyroid and hormonal imbalances, followed by detoxification of elevated arsenic and mercury, she restored to full vibrant health. When she returned to work, however, her unresolved emotional issues over her bad marriage and financial problems that forced her to take a job she didn't really like resulted in neck pain and carpal tunnel. Once she looked at what the marriage was doing to her, she was able to let go, get a divorce, and look toward doing what she loves. Now she really feels she is doing well and is able to return to work without pain. After severe side effects forced her to discontinue PremPro, Susan experienced from severe menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, severe anxiety and mood swings, edema, and insomnia. I prescribed balanced bio-identical hormones and her symptoms resolved. We also were able to begin her restoring bone loss, by careful monitoring of nutritional and hormonal support. We then used genomic testing to assess her genetic risks for osteoporosis and to fine tune her health plan, including an individualized exercise program. Dr. Robban Sica practices integrative medicine at Center for the Healing Arts, PC in Orange CT. For information or an appointment, call 203-799-7733 or visit www.centerhealingarts.com.
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