Dr. Hannibal Miles 2023: Your Guide to Holistic Wellness and Empowered Living!
Delivery Rank is introducing Dr. Hannibal Miles, a Naturopathic Doctor whose unique blend of experience in both conventional and alternative modalities sets him apart in the realm of holistic healthcare. With a fervent passion for wellness and a wealth of expertise, Dr. Miles is dedicated to guiding individuals on a transformative journey toward optimal health. At the intersection of traditional and alternative medicine, he seamlessly integrates the best of both worlds to provide comprehensive and personalized care. In every appointment, Dr. Miles empowers his patients to reclaim their vitality, helping them live the life they were meant for. Get ready to embark on a wellness adventure with Dr. Hannibal Miles, where vibrant health and a fulfilling life await.
In your practice, how do you seamlessly integrate conventional and alternative modalities to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for your patients?
As a naturopathic physician, we attended our own separate medical school, specifically a naturopathic medical school, as opposed to the traditional medical school. However, within our curriculum, we still cover the same basic sciences that traditional medical schools do, including pharmacology courses. Therefore, we possess knowledge of the conventional side of medicine.
In my case, I also work with a medical doctor. This collaboration allows us to provide a comprehensive approach that incorporates both naturopathic and conventional medicine. Within our practice and my specialization, we have extensively researched and integrated both sides.
I must emphasize the importance of understanding the conventional side of medicine in my role. This knowledge is essential because I often incorporate natural treatments that may interact with or complement conventional medications. This is crucial for patients who may already be on specific medications for their diagnosis.
Your bio emphasizes your passion for empowering individuals to achieve great health. Can you elaborate on how your holistic approach goes beyond just treating symptoms, focusing on the overall well-being of your patients?
Right. So, for most patients who come to me, they have already undergone the conventional process. However, it often appears to have failed, particularly in cases of chronic diseases such as Lyme disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension—conditions usually managed symptomatically with conventional medications. While these medications may alleviate symptoms, they do not address the underlying causes, preventing the achievement of long-term goals and holistic solutions.
I prefer to view our approach as holistic treatment, where we consider the interconnectedness of everything. Often, patients may have hormonal and thyroid issues simultaneously. Conventional doctors tend to treat these issues separately, missing the interplay between them. Through extensive functional medicine testing, we identify the interconnections and potential factors like mineral deficiencies that may influence thyroid or hormone pathways.
This holistic approach extends beyond the physical aspect to include the emotional component. Many diseases are influenced by stress and emotions, so we examine the physical, mental, and emotional components, aiming for a more comprehensive treatment.
In terms of empowering patients, it aligns with naturopathic teachings, emphasizing the role of doctors as teachers. Our goal is to teach patients to change their lifestyle and diet, foundational aspects of good health. While many doctors may prefer patients to rely on frequent visits, my approach is different. I aim to empower patients so that they can make their own informed decisions. I act as a guide when needed, but the patient becomes the one driving the train to their health by understanding what works and what doesn't.
In what ways do you actively involve your patients in their healthcare journey, and how do you empower them to take charge of their well-being beyond the confines of your clinic?
So, for instance, if their nutrition, following the standard American diet, is causing problems with their illness, I recommend actions like keeping a diet diary. Although I routinely inquire about their diet during appointments, people often don't realize the full extent of their eating habits until they document it. Therefore, I instruct them to maintain a diet diary for three to five days. Upon their return, we review the diary together, and they may discover patterns like consuming more than expected in a specific food category. This process brings awareness to their conscious mind.
Many habits and illnesses are unconscious, and this exercise helps make these patterns conscious. By doing so, individuals are better equipped to make changes on their own, realizing the need for adjustments in their lifestyle or dietary choices.
Every individual has unique health needs. How do you go about creating personalized health plans for your patients, considering both their conventional medical history and alternative health preferences?
This is where many functional medicine tests come into play, addressing aspects such as food sensitivities that are not covered in the conventional field. For instance, patients may be sensitive to gluten and dairy, with gluten having a direct connection to the thyroid. Additionally, I consider the emotional component, recognizing the role stress plays in someone's health.
With functional medicine tests, we gain a holistic view of the patient's symptoms and lab work, revealing how various factors come into play. However, even with conventional testing, some doctors may not delve as deeply, providing only a partial picture during a typical appointment. In contrast, our naturopathic appointments usually last 60 to 90 minutes, allowing for a comprehensive exploration.
We start by examining the patient's history from birth, considering factors such as whether they were born through vaginal birth or C-section. This information is crucial, as those born via C-section may not have passed through their mother's flora, potentially impacting their immune system. Environmental factors are also considered, including living conditions, exposure to mold, consumption of mercury-laden foods like sushi, and use of toxic chemicals in products such as hair and makeup. Parasite history is also examined. All these environmental aspects play a significant role in someone's health, often overlooked in conventional medicine.
It's important to note that we don't substitute this information for conventional practices; instead, we consider everything to ensure the overall improvement of the patient's health. Our focus is on long-term goals and comprehensive changes. However, we understand the need for immediate relief and don't hesitate to integrate conventional treatments when necessary, aiming for a seamless integration of various approaches to benefit the patient.
Given the constant evolution in both conventional and alternative healthcare, how do you stay informed about the latest developments and ensure that your practice remains at the forefront of advancements in health and wellness?
I regularly attend conferences after medical school. This year alone, I have attended about 3 or 4 medical conferences, consistently staying updated on the latest clinical developments, clinical studies, and interactions with authors of new books. One aspect often overlooked is that many of these conferences feature exhibit halls filled with supplement companies, emerging labs, and various new therapies like peptide therapy IV. These companies are typically the first to introduce these innovations as they aim to market them. Consequently, attendees can engage in one-on-one conversations with representatives and even access a separate medical side offering comprehensive courses akin to those found in medical school. These courses are backed by clinical studies, providing evidence-based information.
Navigating around misconceptions is essential, especially in the alternative health field where some may perceive practices as too unconventional or lacking scientific basis. However, delving into these areas reveals a strong foundation in scientific principles. Personally, I keep abreast of these advancements by attending conferences, interacting with experts, and staying informed about the latest research and studies. This approach allows me to explore scientifically based alternatives and address any skepticism surrounding alternative health practices.
If you would like to find out more about Dr. Hannibal Miles, visit https://www.drhannibalmiles.com/
