Integrative Dream

My last Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) revealed that certain ratio results were so low they didn't even register in the lowest range. The consultant told me she wondered how I even got out of bed in the morning!

So, at my next yearly check-up I asked my doctor ... "Hey, do you know what Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis is?"

"Nope, never heard of it", she said. "But I wouldn't put much crock in it! I mean stock... I wouldn't put much stock in it!"

Talk about a Freudian slip! She confesses to not knowing what it is and yet dismisses it as nonsense all in one short eye-rolling exchange.

My mother had a similarly disappointing encounter with her doctor one day when she wanted to discuss some research that sounded hopeful. She was thinking it might shed some light on her thyroid difficulties.

But alas, her attempt to play a roll in her own health-care was quickly rewarded with a terse... "You need to stay off the internet!" 

I can't begin to grapple with all the potential reasons why such attitudes are so prevalent. I'm just sad for all concerned that it happens at all. I'm sure you've got your own stories that can be told.

As one good family doctor (and thankfully, there are many) recently stated.. "So often today, doctors just rely on routine tests for common problems. They don't want to really 'get in there and get their hands dirty', so to speak. They don't have time to take the time... "

I believe that's part of it, but also, doesn't this seem like a prime opportunity for doctors to just say, "You know what? I haven't been educated in the field of nutrition, homeopathy, herbalism, acupressure or ________ (fill in the blank). I'd love to refer you to someone I think could help though!"

Wouldn't that be wonderful?

I believe in mutual respect, bio-individuality and integrative health. No one can know it all, no matter who you are or what field you practice in. Why not share, refer and build great resources and outcomes? You know... for the person seeking help!! Isn't that what it's suppose to be about?

It could happen someday. I hope it does...