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The Changing Face
of Healthcare in Michigan
By Jan Deremo Lundy
We’ve heard it again and again: ‘Michigan is so conservative.’ ‘Nothing progressive happens here.’ Well, we are proud to shout, ‘Not So!’, as we share with you the delight we’ve found in a plethora of innovative institutions, and the individuals behind them, who are changing the face of healthcare in Michigan.
‘Integrative’ was the word of choice as we took a closer look at what was happening in healthcare throughout our state. Most professionals we spoke to use that term rather than ‘alternative’ or ‘complementary.’ “Integrative medicine uses the best of conventional medicine and the best of the alternatives,” cites Dr. Sara Warber, Co-Director, Michigan Integrative Medicine, University of Michigan Health System. She shares her enthusiasm about the very real changes she is seeing in institutional healthcare throughout the nation and particularly at U of M. “A true sense of openness has been displayed at the highest levels of the organization about integrative healthcare and we have seen some real changes and I’m confident we’ll continue to see more.” U of M has been in the forefront as a national leader the past six years, not only with modeling their own integrative health center, but in conducting research on holistic healing and educating others, especially other academic institutions, on how important integrative medicine is. “Our personal vision here,” Dr. Warber continues, “is that integrative healthcare would be available to everyone who comes to the institution (U of M Hospitals), not just our clinic.”
As we surveyed the state, we found this mission to be the primary one held by most of the institutions who currently offer integrative medicine. Some have specific clinics for holistic services. Most are attempting to bring holistic therapies and approaches into the hospital at large.
Dr. Michael Seidman, Medical Director, Center for Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, concurs. Patients can come directly to the Center in Northville for a more holistic health regimen, but what may be even more significant is that integrative practices find their way throughout a variety of departments in the hospital so everyone can experience whole person healing. At Henry Ford this is happening in the surgical arena, by request, with nutrition counseling, hypnotherapy and acupuncture, and regularly in Intensive Care with music therapy. “For me, anyone who has major surgery should be able to have added support of mind and spirit, to help them heal and recover, and this is critical and grossly underestimated in conventional medicine.”
“If there is one thing I would really like to emphasize,” says Dr. Seidman, an allopathic trained physician,” it is that we must have a paradigm shift. We’ve learned how to take care of you when you’re sick, but we still don’t do a lot about preventative medicine. We don’t maintain anyone’s health; we take care of you once you are broken. We must learn to prevent illness and promote wellness and health. I believe we are trying to do that here.”
Unfortunately, it often comes down to dollars and cents with hospital-based holistic care. Most alternative therapies are not covered by health insurance, so patients must pay out of pocket for these services. Institutions who sponsor integrative medicine clinics are still emphasizing that they must be profitable and self-sustaining, and that is a challenge. Some centers are struggling financially and feel pressure from ‘the powers that be’ to produce revenues. National statistics show, however, that 4 in 10 Americans use complementary medicine each year and the numbers are growing. This does mean, in time, that such holistic clinics can be profitable.
The expansion of hospitals into alternative medicine is being driven, in large part, by consumer demand. Clients want holistic services and they want them from reputable, trustworthy institutions. Because of this, many of the centers we spoke with are conducting research of their own on the usefulness and success of integrative practices. Proving their success may result in additional funding and lengthened timelines in demonstrating financial solvency. Most are also involved in educating the community on holistic therapies, bringing more potential clients through the door. That turns into the dollars and cents that are needed to keep operating.
The face of healthcare in Michigan is indeed changing. We have chosen to showcase a number of the innovators here, and in doing so, encourage you to support their mission of providing exceptional care—body, mind and spirit—for everyone.
Knowing that each person is a unique being—body, mind and spirit—is the core of Munson Healthcare in Traverse City. This medical center offers an impressive array of innovative programs: from community wellness classes (NIA, T’ai Chi, Yoga, Massage) to a 10 week Living with Cancer program called “Into the Heart of Healing” (support group, art therapy, nutrition, massage, healing touch, spiritual care, bedside musical care, stress management and meditation). While undergoing surgery, patients are encouraged to request holistic services to support them—guided imagery, music, spiritual care, even use of a bedside wooden labyrinth for meditation.
Reaching out into the general community, Munson sponsors an integrative medicine speaker series and a traveling labyrinth for other organizations to use. What seems most impressive (and innovative) however, are two internal programs: “Care of the Self,” a holistic wellness program for hospital employees, and specific efforts to educate staff physicians about complementary therapies. This center’s approach seems to be one of the most truly harmonious we’ve come across because they have taken the word ‘integration’ literally: holistic care for staff, community and patients, a truly win-win situation for all. Munson Integrative Medicine: (231) 935-9255.
Wege Institute: Mind, Body & Spirit in Grand Rapids was founded as a laboratory for new ideas and therapies. As part of the Peter M. Wege Center for Health and Learning at Saint Mary’s Mercy Medical Center, a member of Trinity Health, the Wege Institute has been hailed as one of the nation’s top ten innovative health facilities. A typical new client may begin with a holistic health assessment, a 90 minute consultation with a nurse practitioner, followed by a 30 minute consult on how to pursue an integrated treatment program. Suggestions for therapeutic services might be herbal medicine, massage therapy (including Thai massage), manual therapy (including physical therapy and Feldenkrais), traditional Chinese medicine (including acupuncture), Healing Touch/Reiki, mental wellness services, neurofeedback, and reflexology, all provided onsite. Off site services (acupuncture and massage) are available at two additional locations, Rivertown Center and Cascade.
Spiritual support is also key to the services and mission of the Wege Institute, with an emphasis on empowering people to find wholeness and meaning in their lives. Through meditation, guided imagery, support groups, dream work, individual counseling and prayer, one can explore personal concerns, hopes and dreams in relationship to God (higher power).
The Wege Institute offers and participates in a number of community-based, educational programs for improving well-being. From yoga to partner massage to treating headaches naturally, there are many options to choose from. (616) 752-6923; www.wegeinstitute.org
The Center for Health, Humanities and Well-Being at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing is a collaborative effort between Sparrow Health System, Michigan State University and healthcare professionals in mid-Michigan. Focused primarily in education efforts, the Center offers programs and activities that increase awareness of the humanities and spirituality in healing. Morning meditation (M-F 7:00 a.m.), “a time of peace and silence,” can begin one’s week, and through a wide array of classes you can fill the rest of the week with awareness-expanding opportunities. One glance at a schedule shows ‘Healing through Movement and Dance,’ ‘Insight Meditation,’ and ‘Creating Peace’; continuing courses in yoga, Qigong, Reiki, acupressure, Feldenkrais, and hypnosis, as well as special interest areas (shamanism) and guest speakers. Its Healing Garden offers a unique green, growing space with flowers, benches and a fountain for quiet contemplation. Sparrow also provided the first hospital-based labyrinth which is located behind the Garden for walking meditation. (517) 364-2706; www.sparrow.com/wellbeing
Borgess Integrative Medicine, Kalamazoo (part of Borgess Medical Center), has, until now, been recognized for its traditional cardiac, orthopedic and neurological care. Now it’s providing exceptional holistic care as well. The Integrative Medicine Program is located within Borgess’ state of the art Health & Fitness Center. On site are practitioners in acupuncture and massage, therapeutic bodywork and hypnotherapy. Unique to this center is naturopathy, combining herbal medicine and nutritional therapy; herbal skin care services, including facials and herbal masks, facial massage, lymphatic drainage, home skin care training, all through a customized program using natural products. A distinct labyrinth program with a facilitator is also offered.
The Health & Fitness Center promotes “living whole: a new fitness concept,” which offers medically based fitness and wellness services to meet individual needs—body, mind and spirit—including health screenings, nutrition counseling and classes (therapeutic writing, yoga, meditation, sound healing, natural pain management and more). Child care is available onsite for members and the Light Hearted Living Café serves up healthy food items. Step outside to stroll the “Bow in the Clouds” nature trails courtesy of the Sisters of St. Joseph; slow down and enjoy a moment of connecting with “all of God’s creation.”
Holistic strains can also be found in other areas of the hospital including the Women’s Heart Program, Borgess Heart Institute and West Michigan Spine. Call (269) 552-2282 for details. www.borgess.com
The I M Well Center, (The Integrative Medicine Wellness Center) located within the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, offers the community a link between alternative and conventional care. Clients receive consultations in the areas of general well-being (for adults) as well as Anthroposophic medicine, herbal medicine, holistic women’s health care and holistic nutrition. Three MDs, a holistic nurse and a holistic nutritionist staff the center, creating an integrative medicine plan for each person individually with their unique whole person approach: mind, body, heart and spirit. Options are discussed and services recommended. Currently, the center offers nutritional services only, but hopes in the near future to have acupuncture and massage therapy onsite. Working with a patient’s primary physician is also key. The clinic is open three days a week. (734) 998-6649 for hours and appointments. www.med.umich.edu/imwell
Michigan Integrative Medicine is also dedicated to conducting innovative and rigorous research on healing, alternative modalities and relationship-centered care, and publishing this information in scientific literature. Current studies, funded by many foundations and grants, include effects of Qigong on recovery from cardiac surgery, Reiki for diabetic neuropathy, Ginger for chemotherapy, and many more.
Education is central to the mission of MIM as they educate students, faculty, health professionals and the public about integrative healthcare; develop educational programs; distribute curriculum materials, and more. The University of Michigan Hospitals are rated as one of the ten best hospitals in America, according to U.S. News and World Report and continue to exemplify leadership on a national level in the area of integrative medicine. Michigan Integrative Medicine: (734) 998-7715.
The Integrative Therapy Center at Cottage Hospital in Grosse Pointe Farms (Bon Secours Cottage Health Services) is dedicated to promoting holistic healing throughout the hospital. As Geri Day, Professional Practice Specialist relates, “We did things a bit backwards here. We began offering integrative therapies in our in-patient arena and then expanded outward from there.” Their “Spa by the Shore” program is for individuals considering joint replacement surgery. This program enhances and stimulates the healing process through individual and group therapy sessions, spa treatments (hydro foot baths, aromatherapy, music therapy, use of relaxation tapes) and therapeutic touch. Similar services are offered in the Birth Center at Cottage Hospital, where holistic practices originated with women’s services. Their holistic outpatient services began last October at the Cottage campus with two rooms (open each day 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.) providing healing touch, Reiki, massage (including infant and prenatal), guided imagery, reflexology and aromatherapy. Internally, nursing staff are trained in holistic modalities and supported through ‘relaxation stations’ and special conferences. (313) 640-2429. www.bonsecourscottage.org
Webber Healing Arts Center, Warren is part of St. John Macomb Hospital (St. John’s Health System) and may be one of the most unique centers we’ve found, offering complementary and alternative therapies and protocols from a wide range of healing modalities. More ‘traditional’ holistic services can be found here: acupuncture, hypnotherapy, reflexology, massage and healing touch. Classes too, like: yoga, T’ai Chi, Reiki, stress relief, Bach flower essences, and essential oils. Yet, some classes offered might surprise even the most progressive folks: herbs and crystals; aura photography; chakra balancing; bio-energetics; sacred card science, dreams, and more. Of course, with so much to offer, the Center maintains people can “integrate these into more standard options and make their own choices regarding health and wellness according to their own belief system.” Thus an enormous array of educational opportunities. The Center’s Boutique provides great shopping for books, gifts and additional tools for self-discovery. Open Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For class information or scheduling an appointment call (586) 573-5792; for the Boutique call (586) 573-5772. Class listings can be found at www.stjohn.org/InnerPage.
St John Health System has three other complementary health centers similar to the Webber Center in the greater Detroit area. They include:
Valade Healing Arts Center in Grosse Pointe Woods, (313) 647-3320
Healing Arts Center in East China, (810) 326-4700
Providence Center for the Healing Arts in Novi, (248) 465-4490
The Wellspring Center (part of St. Joseph Mercy Macomb Hospital, Clinton Township) boasts a rich history in healing and pain relief. Founded by the Sisters of Charity more than a century ago, this hospital was literally built on the curative powers of mineral springs that lay beneath the ground, as well as the Sisters’ belief in healing people—body, mind and spirit. To celebrate St. Joe’s 100th anniversary in 1999, the mineral baths which drew thousands from all over the region (though closed in the 50’s when holistic health went out of vogue), were reopened and the Wellspring Center was birthed. The Center offers a wide variety of services including the famous mineral baths which have provided documented easing of pain, especially for people with arthritis and orthopedic problems. Debbie Burns, manager of Healthier Image Services explains, “Hydrotherapy has a profound effect on the body’s largest organ, the skin.” Therapeutic mineral massage helps stimulate blood flow and removal of toxins from the body, and provides relaxation.” Other services include many varieties of massage, salt glows, Reiki, hypnotherapy, holistic healthcare evaluations, T’ai Chi, yoga, and classes on everything from boosting your immune system to hypnobirthing.
The Cancer Care Center (main campus) is integrative as well, focusing on ways to deal with the emotional aspects of the disease. Support, stress relief, meditation and visioning, massage, and the new, “Heart to Art” program which gives cancer patients the opportunity to explore art in its many different forms.
Integrative healthcare is the goal, cites Debbie Burns, and St. Joe’s is eager to make that happen in other service areas of the hospital as well: pulmonary rehab (T’ai Chi), ob/gyn (massage), and surgery (Reiki before and after). A pilot program is even being run with joint replacement patients and hypnotherapy. Cancer Care Center (586) 263-2230; Wellspring Center (586) 263-2837; www.stjoe-macomb.com.
The Center for Integrative Medicine, Northville, offers complementary therapies to patients inside and outside the Henry Ford Health System. The Center itself focuses on providing a client with a complete healing experience which begins with a comprehensive interview and exam. Recommended therapies offered here include acupuncture and Chinese medicine, Feldenkrais, holistic nutrition, neuromuscular therapy, therapeutic massage and hypnotherapy. Unique to these offerings is a strong presence of chiropractic care. The Center maintains that twice as many people come to chiropractors for back pain than medical doctors, so incorporating chiropractic here is essential. One of the Center’s areas of expertise is treating patients with chronic pain (even if it is long standing or non responsive to other treatments).
CIM’s ReStore, a retail outlet on site, offers natural products and food supplements, essential oils and oil therapies. Classes are also offered in many areas of holistic well-being and are designed for the general public at a cost of $5 each (except for Feldenkrais).
Research is another important aspect of the Center. Effectiveness of therapies is documented and special research projects through funding by the National Institutes of Health are conducted, one current study being the effects of grape seed extract and red wine on aging.
(248)380-6201; www.HenryFord.com/cim |
