Women's healthcare: integrating conventional and complementary medicine

According to leading gynaecologist Michael Dooley, simple steps – including gentle complementary therapies – can be of positive help in treating problems such as infertility, pre-menstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms.

We all know that improving our diet, giving up smoking and taking moderate exercise are good for us. All these can have a substantial impact on common gynaecological problems. The trouble is, most of us are too busy, too wound up and too stressed out to stick to good resolutions – even when our doctors tell us that would improve our health.

What’s more, stress itself can cause these miserable conditions. So stress leads to the very problems we get stressed about. It’s Catch 22.

At the Poundbury Clinic, where he is Medical Director, Mr Dooley offers his patients a combination of conventional medical care, self-help and complementary therapies.

Once a diagnosis is reached, he and his team review all the possible options for treatment with the patient. These might include aromatherapy, reflexology or yoga to improve relaxation and reduce stress. Hypnotherapy can have a positive effect on reducing smoking.

Acupuncture has been demonstrated to improve endometrial circulation – a factor in infertility – while supplements such as vitamin B6, magnesium and gamma-linolenic acid can have a positive effect on PMS. Techniques like yoga, meditation and visualisation can even help prevent the typical hot flushes suffered by many women going through the menopause.

Amazingly, 30% of his patients go on to get pregnant with no further treatment.

Mr Dooley explained:

'Complementary therapies like these have several benefits.

'Of themselves, they can improve general fitness and well-being. They also make it easier for patients to do the hard things, like change their diet, give up coffee or alcohol, and stop smoking.

'What’s more, some, such as acupuncture, may directly effect how well conventional treatments are going to work.

'I am convinced that the way forward for women’s healthcare is an integrated approach, looking after the whole person instead of relying on modern technological medicine to do its magic on a totally passive patient. How many women want to be passive anyway?”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.     The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health was founded by the Prince of Wales in 1993. Its principal aim is to make sure that all patients can access good integrated healthcare. That means treating patients as whole human beings – paying attention to body, mind and soul. It may include access to proven complementary therapies, but the Foundation does not suggest that is necessarily the best course of action for all conditions and all patients. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.fih.org.uk

2.     Mr Michael Dooley is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Dorset County Hospital, and Medical Director of the Poundbury Clinic. A former Director of Sports Medicine for the British Equestrian Federation, he now also works as a gynaecologist at the Olympic Medical Institute. A life-long supporter of integrated health, Mr Dooley has studied yoga, Yunani medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy and Ayruvedic medicine. He is a Fellow of the Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health.

3.     Putting People First is the fifth national Integrated Health conference organised by The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health. It will be held at the King’s Fund, London 13th – 14th May.

4.     Media enquires, contact Pat Goodall, 01246 410707, 07789 871234 or pat.goodall@fih.org.uk

5.     All other enquiries to contactus@fih.org.uk or call 020 7024 5755.