CLEVELAND, Ohio News 5 is introducing you to a form of healthcare and treatment that you may have never heard of before. <\/p>\n
It's called \"Whole Health\" or \"Integrative Medicine.\" <\/p>\n
It focuses on total body wellness and often incorporates acupuncture and even herbal remedies. <\/p>\n
Doctors and patients within the University Hospitals healthcare system say this method of care is helping several patients who at times did not know where to turn. <\/p>\n
From long COVID to Sickle Cell Disease, they have seen tremendous success with the Whole Health approach. <\/p>\n
For those looking to steer clear of heavy pain medications, it has been a Godsend. <\/p>\n
At 14 years old, Jordyn Cunningham proudly wears her Lawrence School letterman's jacket. <\/p>\n
When she's not thriving in the classroom, she lives for being on the court, playing basketball and volleyball. <\/p>\n
\"I think I like it so much because I grew up with it and mostly because all my family is athletes,\" Cunningham said. <\/p>\n
But what many don't knowis Cunningham is living with the often-debilitating and excruciating Sickle Cell Disease. <\/p>\n
\"Some of the pain is in little spurts but it's better than it was before,\" she said. <\/p>\n
\"Early onthere wasn't a whole lot of options other than pain management,\" Kamilah Cunningham, Jordyn's mom, said. <\/p>\n
Her mom brought her to University Hospitals Connor Whole Health back in 2020 at age 10 in hopes of finding relief and understanding. <\/p>\n
\"Jordyn was in a wheelchair. So, Jordyn could not walk this particular day,\" Cunningham said. <\/p>\n
They met with the Medical Director for Pediatric Integrative Medicine with UH Connor Whole Health and Rainbow Babies and Children's Dr. David Miller. <\/p>\n
He would ultimately change the trajectory of her life with his treatments. <\/p>\n
\"We've spent a lot of time teaching about her triggers for pain and the underlying ways that comes about,\" Miller said. <\/p>\n
Integrative Medicine or Whole Health looks at the larger picturefocusing on the patient's physical, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual well-being. <\/p>\n
Miller treats Jordyn Cunningham's condition with a combination of bodywork and deep massage of her legs. <\/p>\n
He then begins acupuncture, using between six to 12 filaments or tiny needles on her legs and near her temple. <\/p>\n
\"The points I was doing were points that were indicated for helping to keep blood flowing freely in the body, regularly sort of the harmony of the nervous system,\" Miller said. <\/p>\n
Miller then adds in a heat lamp, dimmed lights, and soft music. <\/p>\n
Cunningham can reach the pinnacle of relaxation and a feeling of refreshment. <\/p>\n
\"Whether it's massage, acupuncture, chiropractic. Mind, body, medicine, yoga things like that. Helping people find ways to manage their own consciousness, their own behavior,\" Miller said. <\/p>\n
After a brief 40-minute appointment, Cunningham is up and ready to go to school and start her day. <\/p>\n
\"Really relaxes you. Even though it's scary with the needles. Once you get used to itit's really good,\" Cunningham said. <\/p>\n
Kamilah Cunningham says her daughter has good and bad days but the tools and care here have brought a renewed sense of hope. <\/p>\n
The treatment has helped her daughter gain confidence, find her voice, and succeed in the classroom and the court. <\/p>\n
\"We celebrate when we can! Those little moments are big right!? Absolutely,\" Cunningham said. <\/p>\n
It's important to note this isn't her sole care, it's a compliment. <\/p>\n
She comes to UH Connor Whole Health biweekly, but she also receives traditional medical care regularly. <\/p>\n
For more information, click here. <\/p>\n
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Excerpt from: CLEVELAND, Ohio News 5 is introducing you to a form of healthcare and treatment that you may have never heard of before. Continue reading
\nHow Integrative Medicine is helping a teen battle Sickle Cell Disease - News 5 Cleveland WEWS<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"