Integrative Healthcare
The current burden of chronic diseases in India accounts for 60% of deaths every year. These deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases (26%), cancer (7%), chronic respiratory diseases (13%), diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases (14%) which are likely to grow with time (WHO). Among these, at least 80% of premature deaths due to heart diseases, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are preventable by lifestyle and integrative medicine interventions. Modern medicine has helped in clinical symptom management of chronic diseases, however with limited success in curing the disease and side effects. Therefore, an integrative medicine approach that considers a whole person for clinical diagnosis and integrates the best evidence-based treatments from different modalities for better healthcare is essential for treating chronic diseases.
At Lifesurf we practice an evidence-based personalized integrative medical approach using multiple clinical modalities (Ayurveda, panchakarma, lifestyle medicine, clinical nutrition, neuromodulation, therapeutic exercise, telemedicine along with dose management of modern medicine) for the treatment of chronic disorders. We treat diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and weight management, arthritis, skin diseases, mental health disorders, stroke rehabilitation, respiratory disorders, gynecological issues, GI disorders, inflammation, and chronic pain syndromes. We provide continual support and monitor our patients through telemedicine for better health outcomes. We are engaged in improving our treatment protocols through continual research on patient data and case studies using clinical research methodologies. We apply artificial intelligence and a data-based approach for disease diagnosis and personalized treatments.
Integrative medicine
As per Dr. Andew Weil Center for Integrative medicine (USA), "Integrative Medicine deals with the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle and emphasizes the use of all evidence based therapeutic approaches for patient care". At Healthsurf, we provide evidence based Integrative medicine packages involving lifestyle medicine, Ayurveda, Panchakarma (Bio-cleansing and physical therapy), Clinical nutrition, Medical exercise and Neuromodulation tailored for specific chronic diseases.
Lifestyle medicine
Lifestyle medicine deals with research, prevention, treatment, and reversal of diseases caused by lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical inactivity, and chronic stress. It focuses on educating and motivating patients to change personal habits and behaviors. We provide lifestyle prescriptions to treat diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, dyslipidemia and arthritis using evidence-based lifestyle medicine approach as per the guidelines prescribed by American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is based on ancient writings that rely on a natural and holistic approach to physical and mental health and treats the root cause of the diseases. Ayurveda defines health as the balance of three body humors, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurvedic treatment combines herbal products, herbo-mineral medications, diet, exercise and lifestyle modification. We provide ayurvedic consultation using personalized prakurti based approach for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
Clinical Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a method of therapeutic detoxification and physical therapy. Panchakarma includes five karmas (procedures) viz, vaman (emesis), virechan (purgation), vasti (enema), nasya (nasal instillation) and raktamokshan (blood letting) along with upakarma such as snehan, swedan and shirodhara. Panchakarma treatment includes preventive, curative, and promotive actions for various diseases. We apply authentic Kerela ayurvedic panchakarama procedures for treatment of chronic disease.
Clinical diet
Clinical diet is a meal prescription that controls the intake of certain foods or nutrients as a part treatment of a medical condition. Clinical nutrition focuses on diagnosis and management of dietary requirements for patients with chronic diseases. It involves the nutritional assessment and medical nutrition therapy, counseling, and prescription of tailored diets for treatment of specific diseases. We provide dietary prescriptions for chronic disease conditions as per the guidelines by American Dietetic Association.
Clinical Exercise
"Application of exercise modalities to the treatment of health conditions, to prevent or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional pain. Therapeutic exercise and yoga enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain and enhance overall well-being and quality of life" (Woodyard 2011). We prescribe the calorie based physical activity, specific movements and medical yoga for treatment of chronic diseases.
Clinical Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a way to help people with a broad variety of stress disorders and mental illnesses. It can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing. As a part of psychotherapy, we provide cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) and motivational interviewing for treatment of specific mental disorders, like depression or anxiety and behavioral change for adherence to lifestyle interventions.
Nutraceuticals Therapy
Nutraceuticals are the medical foods claimed to have a health-promoting and/or disease-preventing property beyond the basic nutritional function of supplying nutrients. Nutraceuticals have combination of nutritional and pharmaceutical activity. Majority of the chronic diseases can be prevented and treated by diet correction and nutrient supplementation. We prescribe nutraceuticals and food supplements for treatment and prevention of chronic disease as per the clinical nutrition guidelines.
Neuromodulation Therapy
Neuromodulation is the alteration of nerve activity through targeted delivery of electrical stimulation to specific neurological sites to alter brain activity. Neuromodulation is safe and effective in treatment of neurological and mental health diseases. We apply transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial ultrasonic stimulation (TUS) and cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) for treatment of mental health disorders, stroke rehabilitation and chronic pain as per the evidence from clinical trails.
Lifestyle Recommendations
The primary goal of lifestyle medicine is to provide evidence-based lifestyle interventions to prevent, manage, and treat various chronic diseases and promote overall health and well-being, and empower individuals to make healthier choices in their daily lives. Here are some common lifestyle medicine recommendations:
Diet and Nutrition:
Eat a plant-based diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Minimize or eliminate processed foods, sugary beverages, excessive salt and animal products. Consume lean protein sources like fish, poultry, plant-based options and avoid meat. Pay attention to portion sizes and practice mindful eating.
Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Incorporate strength training exercises to build muscle and bone strength. Find enjoyable activities to stay motivated and make exercise a part of your daily routine.
Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation. Get adequate sleep to help manage stress and promote overall health.
Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, seek support and resources to quit smoking. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable chronic diseases.
Alcohol Moderation/ Cessation: Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels, which typically means up to one drink per day or eliminate.
Social Connection: Maintain strong social connections and engage in meaningful relationships to support mental and emotional well-being.
Healthy Body Weight: Maintain a healthy body weight through a combination of diet and exercise. Aim for a balanced and sustainable approach to weight management.
Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular health check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor your health and receive guidance on preventive care.
Chronic Disease Management: If you have a chronic condition, work with your healthcare team to manage it effectively through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
Cognitive Engagement: Stay mentally active by engaging in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill.
Environmental Wellness: Be mindful of your physical environment and its impact on your health. Ensure access to clean air, clean water, and safe living conditions.
Safety: Practice safety measures in your daily life, such as using seat belts, helmets, and adhering to traffic rules to prevent accidents.
Preventive Health Screenings: Follow recommended guidelines for health screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and vaccinations.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay properly hydrated, as it is essential for overall health and well-being.
Sun Protection: Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure to prevent skin cancer and premature aging. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing and accessories.
Community Engagement: Get involved in your community through volunteer work, advocacy, and social activities to promote social and emotional well-being.
It's important to note that lifestyle medicine recommendations are individualized based on a person's specific health needs, age, and circumstances. Consulting with a healthcare provider, nutritionist, or lifestyle medicine specialist can provide personalized guidance and support in making healthier lifestyle choices. The goal of lifestyle medicine is to help individuals prevent and manage chronic diseases and achieve a higher quality of life by adopting and maintaining healthier habits.
