What is Integrative Medicine?

General Medicine

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by “band-aid” solutions—treatments that mask symptoms without solving the underlying problem— or rushed, impersonal visits with one of your regular care providers, you’re not alone. This is where the integrative approach comes in.

Live Well Collaborative takes a holistic, integrative view of health, focusing on a whole-person approach with regards to symptoms, illnesses, diseases, and their causes and contributors. We consider how the body’s systems interact with one another and how factors like nutrition, lifestyle, and daily habits impact overall well-being. By using a comprehensive approach, and a blend of evidence based medicine with lifestyle medicine, integrative medicine offers a personalized pathway to healing.

The Traditional Medicine “Band-aid” Approach

Traditional medicine, while essential in acute care and emergencies, often relies on prescription medications to manage symptoms of chronic conditions such as autoimmune disorders, gut issues, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic dysfunctions. While medications can provide relief, they often don’t address the underlying factors causing these issues. Instead, they act as a temporary solution, which may result in dependency on medication, recurring symptoms, and even side effects from long-term drug use.

For example:

  • A prescription for high blood pressure can manage the symptoms, but what if the real issue is chronic inflammation, stress, or a poor diet?
  • Medications for digestive issues may soothe discomfort, but do they address underlying gut imbalances or food intolerances?

The Integrative Approach: Finding and Treating the Root Cause

Our approach to medicine focuses on uncovering and addressing the underlying imbalances in the body. It looks beyond symptoms to understand the why. Instead of using medications as a crutch, this approach encourages natural healing by supporting the body’s ability to repair itself with targeted treatments that include not only prescriptions when indicated, but also food, movement, and other lifestyle factors as medicine.

The Value of Root Cause Medicine

At its core, integrative medicine is about treating the whole person and addressing the underlying cause of disease, rather than just managing symptoms. By digging deeper into the factors contributing to health issues—such as gut imbalances, inflammation, or nutrient deficiencies—our clinic can help patients achieve long-term healing.

Take the First Step Toward True Healing

If you’re ready to move beyond traditional medicine and explore a more holistic approach to your health, we’re here to help. Through personalized consultations, comprehensive testing, and targeted treatment, we’ll work together to identify the underlying contributors to your symptoms and create a customized plan to support your long-term wellness.

Break free from the cycle of treating symptoms and quick fix solutions—book your visit today and start your journey toward better health.

Here’s to living well, Nicole

September 10, 2025

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A Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, Yoga Teacher, & Reiki Practitioner on a mission to help you heal, thrive and live well through her private integrative and lifestyle medicine practice in Boston, MA.

Meet Nicole, FNP, MSCP

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