This year, from October 24 to 29, more than 14,000 scientists will gather in Chicago for the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The college invited me to speak on the topic of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: What’s Out There, the Evidence, and When and How to Use It.
You often hear the phrase “alternative medicine.” But “alternative” suggests choosing sides — as if you must leave out modern medicine to achieve healing. I prefer the word integrative. It reflects my strategy: bringing together the precision of science with the wisdom of the body and nature’s deep intelligence. Integrative medicine doesn’t reject modern treatments; it amplifies and augments them.
When you think about arthritis and immune diseases, think of inflammation as fire, and rheumatologists are firefighters. The golden rule of firefighting is this: Know your terrain! I will discuss the top three integrative therapies that are moving from the fringe into the frontline to put out the fire in your body.
Extinguish your body’s embers, and you will be surprised by the power of what is in your kitchen. Hint: think about minerals.
You (and your doctor) should know about safety when using multiple supplements with prescription drugs. The goal: smarter ways to cool the inner fire and restore balance. The good news is you will have tools at your fingertips.
Catch the heat, not the burnout! Follow my Rheumatology Firefighters video reels for inside moments from ACR—right from your home. Your body will thank you.