Has modern medicine has compartmentalized the human body and mind to the extent that it is no longer recognized as the sum of its parts? This segmentation gives us permission to treat one part without concern for the effect it will have on another. Because this mind-set, health, medicine, and diet have become less body-mind oriented and most of us do not realize the impact that something we are doing for one part of our body has on all of the other parts of our body. For example, birth control pills do much more than just control your ability to get pregnant, using antibiotics does much more than just kill a present infection, and taking antidepressants does much more than make you feel happier. These are only a few examples.
The Integrated Approach protocol is based on the theory that Interstitial Cystitis is a multifaceted condition comprised of numerous etiologies (causes) that lead to the condition, over many years, to create a very complex combination of chronic inflammation throughout the body that may often involve symptoms from head to toe. Homeostasis (balanced health) is adversely effected throughout the body and the effects of the condition can include changes in microbial balance, pH imbalance, and functional balances such as digestion and elimination. This is why there are so many accompanying ailments the occur with IC such as IBS, vulvadynia, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, etc…
Correcting these imbalances allows the body to be returned to a state in which it maintains health, instead of promoting disease. Using a combined diagnostic approach of Western and Chinese medicines, the IAIC offers a broader and deeper understanding of the patient's condition that incorporates a whole body approach to “connect the dots” between the (often) multiple types of symptoms the patient is experiencing.
This process involves balancing and clearing out many layers of "un-wellness" to return the body to a place of balance and health. As patients become healthier, the symptoms in the bladder recede as do other problems such as: allergies, poor bowel function, vulvadynia, fibromyalgia, poor digestion, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration, anxiety, etc.
The protocol will be varied as the patient's health improves and, eventually, a minimal and simple protocol for ongoing well-being will be outlined (or no protocol at all depending on individual circumstances). For example, women that are post-menopausal will have different needs than a twenty year-old female. This sustained, minimal protocol, if needed, will maintain the wellness and health achieved in the whole body.
The ICAMA is devoted to educating the public on the importance of the Integrative Approach to Interstitial Cystitis, developed by Matia Brizman, L.Ac., Ph.D. and practiced by her and her husband and partner Boaz Brizman, M.T.O.M., L.Ac.. It is our hope that we can help reshape the ideas that people have about the general concepts of health in today’s world and begin to eliminate the many practices that are contributing to chronic illness.
Most diagnosis, treatment and management of IC, as well as the other diseases mentioned above, reflect the fragmented approach to the human body prevalent in traditional health approaches. From a Western perspective, it is not understood why IC can have an acute or insidious onset or why IC's clinical manifestations can be so varied in its manifestation or responsiveness. The Integrated Approach to Interstitial Cystitis (IAIC) provides great insight into this and many other issues.
Matia Brizman's doctoral dissertation on the IAIC has been completed and will be made available for purchase on this site. It is her hope to spread her work through teaching her techniques to others.
The individual approach to disease will make more individuals healthy!
