Integrative Medicine Highlighted at UP Conference

Local and international doctors highlighted the benefits and effects of integrative medicine during the Conference on Integrative Medicine for Physicians and Medical Students held last March 14-15, 2009 at Basic Science Lecture Room-East, University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine in UP Manila.

The event, carrying the theme, “Integrative Medicine: Collaborating to Address Changing Illness Patterns” was organized by the UP College of Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, and UP Medicine Class '80 in collaboration with Clinica Blumea and the Invitation to Health Medical Center in Australia and France. The conference was created to serve as an avenue for Philippine doctors to learn from the experiences of doctors and practitioners working in two integrative medical centers located in Australia and France and encourage medical practitioners in the Philippines to work in an integrative manner together.

During the event, local and foreign medical practitioners shared their expertise with the conference participants. Dr. Jaime Galves Tan guided the audience back to their roots and grounding to identify the “Filipino Medicine Concept”. Dr. Isidro Sia talked on the “Evidence-based Guide to the Use of Medicinal Plants”. Dr. Penelope Caldicott from Australia presented about "Biochemistry of Mental Illness and Other Disorders". Dr. Nicole Avard from Australia discussed "Treating the Current Childhood Epidemics-Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Asthma and Allergies". Dr. Richard Plet presented his experience treating autistic children through bone alignment therapies.

On the second day, Dr. Susan Ballinger, PhD of Australia, presented the first published, peer-reviewed study on “Harmonization”, showing its effects on heart rate variability, respiratory rate and brain waves (electroencephalograph). Dr. Paulita V. Baclig discussed about Chronobiology and Chronomedicine. Dr. Beatrice Milbert from France enlightened the participants on “Quantum Medicine'. Lastly, Dr. Catherine De Bartha, a Neurological Rehabilitation Medicine specialist from France, shared her experiences in providing holistic care of patients with degenerative neurological disorders.

Later, eleven workshops were conducted for the delegates for practical applications of the lectures presented during the two-day event. Aside from practical applications, additional workshop provided learning experiences to serve as reinforcement. Workshop topics include nursing home remedies, art therapy, speech and breath therapy for asthmatics, preparing healthy meals, stress management in a holistic way, and new clinic models of management in integrative medicine.

For more information about the Conference on Integrative Medicine for Physicians and Medical Students, contact Clinica Blumea at (632) 474-8208 or 396-5386.