The Osher Center is dedicated to the practice of integrative health and functional medicine.
What is Integrative Health?
Integrative health is a healing-oriented approach that considers the whole person (body, mind and spirit), including all aspects of a patient’s lifestyle. It appreciates the role of the provider in inspiring the possibility for attaining better health and longevity and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.
What is Functional Medicine?
With functional medicine, our goal is to identify and treat the root causes of disease. We view the body as one integrated system, each aspect influencing the whole. We treat systems, not just the symptoms. By understanding genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and lifestyle, we are able to affect positive change in a patient’s health.
Essentially, integrative medicine is based on the premise that we all have the capacity to heal ourselves. And functional medicine explores where imbalance might be originating from and applies as natural means as possible to correct it.
Our tools include ancient methods proven to work over thousands of years, like acupuncture and Ayruveda (lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment), massage and herbalism. We have found these approaches, successful over millennia, gently encourage the body into homeostasis.
What happens on your initial visit to the experts at the Osher Center for Integrative Health?
Before your first visit, you’ll receive a detailed new patient packet to be completed at least 24 hours before your scheduled visit. We will also request labs or imaging studies you’ve had in the last 12 months.
If you are seeing one of our doctors, your new patient visit will last approximately an hour and a half. We’ll review your entire life history, beginning at birth and examining any illnesses or stressors throughout your life. We’ll go decade by decade to learn what you have experienced because this informs your current health status. Our acupuncturists are thorough in their information-gathering as well.
Based on what we learn, we’ll order specific tests and extensive bloodwork to further investigate the causes of your symptoms. We will address everything from your nutrition and exercise to your sleep and even your spiritual practices that help keep you grounded and calm, as well as encourage your own capacity to heal.
Next, we’ll determine what tools will most benefit you, including:
- Acupuncture
- Ayurvedic medicine
- Breathwork and meditation
- Exercise science
- Guided imagery
- Herbs and supplements
- Massage
- Nutritional counseling and education
Learning Opportunities at the Osher Center
Developing a meditation practice using the power of group – led by Dr. Durve, this once-weekly class gives the learner a structure to understand the value of a meditation practice, how to overcome challenges, and how to notice the benefits as they begin to take root.
Korean Hand Therapy – Ilana Newman, MD, will teach you how to ease pain throughout your body by applying pressure to precise points on the hand. Korean Hand Therapy is a complete acupuncture microsystem, with 14 acupuncture meridians and 404 points identified on the hands. During this course, Dr. Newman will focus on headaches, back/neck pain and joint pain. No prior acupuncture training is required.
Why Choose the Osher Center?
Recognized experts in integrative care. Experts at the Osher Center teach integrative medicine to providers from around the country. They also conduct research and clinical trials to discover new ways that integrative medicine can improve patients’ lives.
Evidence-informed care. Osher Center physicians and providers use the latest evidence to determine which integrative therapies may help their patients. They ensure they are using safe techniques with documented positive effects.
Questions? We're here to help.
Our appointment specialists are ready to help you find what you need. Contact us today.