Ep152: Understanding the Difference Between Integrative & Traditional Medicine | with Dr. Edison de Mello

Optimize Yourself

When it comes to health and wellness there is no shortage of information on the interwebs. I would argue that there is way too much information, and trying to sift through what's true and what's garbage is enough to make anyone throw up their hands in despair. (And don’t even get me started on the number of “thought leaders” and “influencers” complicating things even further). Because it’s so difficult to discern what works and what’s a gimmick, most people only approach their health on an as-needed basis (who’s got time for anything else?). When something goes wrong, you go to the doctor. In fact, that’s what our traditional medical system is designed to do - treat sickness.

But what if you strive to be more than just “not sick” and instead you want to optimize your health?

I spent most of my life simply thinking the doctor was there to help me when I was sick, which led me to literally hitting rock bottom both mentally and physically before I decided to take an active role in my health and well-being. When I finally looked for help I was disillusioned by what conventional western medicine doctors had to offer me. Then I found Dr. Edison de Mello and The Akasha Center.

Dr. Edison de Mello, is the founder, CEO, and medical director of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine in Santa Monica, CA and has been my doctor for over fifteen years now. He’s also now become a very close friend who has literally saved not just my life but the lives of several of my closest family members and friends. In today’s conversation we help you better understand what “Integrative Medicine” really means (and trust me, it has nothing to do with magic crystals or incense). We also discuss the benefits of having regular doctor's visits (even if you feel fine) and how the work he does in integrative medicine treats the patient as a whole person and not just simply the disease.

If you're discouraged with traditional western medicine and looking for a more comprehensive and preventative approach to your health, this episode is a great primer on getting started down the road towards integrative medicine and a better approach to your well-being.

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Here's What You'll Learn:

• How Dr. de Mello started out and what sparked his interest in becoming a doctor.
• Why he started the Akasha Center in Santa Monica and what the guiding premise is of the center.
• What the benefits and drawbacks of western medicine are and how integrative medicine can compliment it.
• The mood enhancing and immunity boosting benefits of acupuncture.
• Integrative medicine is for patients that want to be truly "seen" by their doctors.
• Why he asks his medical students to tell him what the color of the patient's eyes are.
• Is integrative medicine for you? What questions you need to ask yourself.
• Which vitamin is the miracle vitamin that most people are deficient in.
• What small steps you can take toward better health and wellbeing.
• The differences in calories: quality vs. quantity.
• The easy trick to reduce the number of calories you eat during meal time.
• Are there good fats or bad fats? Which should you be eating?
• How to properly fuel your body and why timing matters.
• The importance of listening to your body when you are exercising.
• The difference between high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and steady state low intensity cardio training.
• What supplements to take to fuel your workouts.
• KEY TAKEAWAY: Consistency leads to habit change.
• How to get better quality sleep.
• What effect computer screens have on the brain and how it influences your ability to sleep.
• The best supplements to take to improve your quality of sleep.

Useful Resources Mentioned:

The Akasha Center

Akasha Naturals

Vital Fuel

About Dr. de Mello

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Guest Bio:

Dr. Edison de Mello, MD, PhD, is a board certified Integrative Physician by the American Board of Integrative Medicine and a licensed psychotherapist by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. He practiced psychotherapy for 13 years before entering medical training and now practices and teaches evidenced- based integrative medicine.

Dr. de Mello’s PhD dissertation, entitled “Gut Feelings – A Psychosocial Approach to Gastrointestinal Illness,” inspired his conception of a center where psychology would be combined and fully integrated with Western and Eastern medicines. The de Mello Institute was formed in 1996 with the goal of employing safe and complementary approaches to healthcare while also addressing a person’s emotional and spiritual health and safe ed treatment. Fully committed to these goals, Dr. de Mello entered residency in 1999 at the prestigious Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center Urban Family Residency program in New York City, including training at the Manhattan-based Center for Health and Healing. His training utilized a biopsychosocial model and offered innovative experiences in the integration of complementary medicine into the practice of Family Medicine. Upon completing his medical training, Dr. de Mello expanded the de Mello Institute and founded the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).