With an increasing number of people turning to alternative therapies that focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues, the healthcare landscape in the United States is undergoing a significant transformation. This shift, often referred to as “root cause medicine,” signifies a move away from traditional passive medical practices towards preventive and holistic approaches. This movement is expected to continue expanding in 2025.
According to a study titled “NIH analysis reveals a significant rise in use of complementary health approaches, especially for pain management” published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on 1/31/2024, 37% of adults seek alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, and specialized diagnostic testing, compared to only 19% two decades ago. This trend is increasingly popular across all age groups, especially among patients over 55 years old who aim to age gracefully and optimize long-term health.
A study published in the Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine journal on 6/6/2023, titled “Disclosure of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study,” revealed that more Americans aged 55 and above are turning to holistic or alternative medical therapies, often without informing their primary care physicians.
Dr. Mitchell Ghen, an integrative health physician in Florida, has observed this shift over the past few decades but believes that the numbers do not fully represent the prevalence of alternative medicine usage. He stated, “I am somewhat surprised that only one-third of people are using alternative therapies; I thought it would be closer to 50%. Over time, people have realized that without addressing underlying and potential biochemical issues, problems cannot be resolved.”
Experts attribute this shift to an increased awareness of holistic health among the public. Adam El-Hosseiny, Chief Operating Officer of Access Medical Labs based in Florida, explained, “People want to age healthily, not just treat symptoms when they arise. They are choosing preventive care instead of passive solutions.”
Social media has played a key role in educating individuals about alternative options. Influencers and healthcare professionals on platforms like Instagram and TikTok share unique insights on how diet, mindfulness, and personalized diagnostics can help tackle chronic issues. However, as Dr. Mitch, with over forty years of experience, pointed out, this trend also reflects growing dissatisfaction with traditional medicine. “Patients are tired of rushed appointments and prescriptions without understanding the root cause of the problem. Many are seeking answers that traditional medicine may not always provide.”
The global COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated interest in holistic health as many Americans become highly concerned about their physical and mental well-being. Persistent health issues post-COVID and increased stress have led patients to seek a deeper understanding of their health. The pandemic has served as a wake-up call for prioritizing preventive care and exploring alternative therapies to boost immunity, energy levels, and overall resilience.
Traditional medicine often relies on a “symptom-treatment” model: if there’s a symptom, a medication is prescribed. While effective for acute conditions, this approach has clear limitations. “Nutrients, vitamins, and minerals drive the body’s energy cycle. Medications are not part of the energy cycle; they treat symptoms but not the root cause,” Dr. Mitch stated.
This narrow focus forces patients to seek more comprehensive solutions. “Without delving into an individual’s biochemistry, it’s nearly impossible to fully understand what’s happening,” Dr. Mitch explained. For instance, common complaints like fatigue and brain fog in patients are often overlooked in routine check-ups. Standard blood tests may not detect deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that could explain these symptoms.
Moreover, the structure of traditional healthcare often hinders doctors from conducting thorough, personalized appointments. “Most physicians have only 10 to 15 minutes per patient,” Dr. Mitch noted, “which is not enough time to ask the right questions, let alone uncover deeper issues.” This time constraint often leads to trial-and-error treatments, leaving patients frustrated and seeking alternative solutions.
Fortunately, institutions like Access Medical Labs offer a fresh perspective by combining advanced diagnostic technologies with a focus on overall health. Their testing goes beyond standard bloodwork to analyze various aspects, from hormones and food sensitivities to heavy metals and thyroid function. These tests aim to identify the root causes of common ailments such as fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues.
“When people discover that everyday foods they consume can lead to fatigue or bloating, they are often shocked. Avoiding these foods can often lead to more energy and mental clarity,” El-Hosseiny pointed out. Comprehensive testing can extend to assessing environmental allergens, nutritional levels, and even autonomic nervous system function, providing patients with a detailed health roadmap.
Root cause medicine also emphasizes preventive care. For individuals over 55, this means undergoing a comprehensive health assessment, much like examining every component of a vintage car. “You wouldn’t just check the engine; you’d inspect the entire vehicle to ensure it runs at its optimal condition,” El-Hosseiny explained. “You can’t reverse your age, but you can age in optimal condition. People want longer-lasting beauty, better vitality, and ultimately, longevity.”
Advocates of holistic health stress that their approach is not meant to replace traditional medicine but to complement it. By broadening perspectives and addressing blind spots in traditional healthcare, root cause medicine empowers patients to take control of their health and longevity. “This isn’t about negating traditional medicine,” clarified Dr. Mitch. “It’s about enhancing it and elevating healthcare to a new level.”
Advanced laboratory technologies play a crucial role in improving the accessibility and efficiency of root cause medicine. Some labs, like Access Medical Labs, utilize automation to ensure faster turnaround times and minimize human errors. “Our automation not only speeds up testing – compared to the industry average of 7 to 10 days for test results, we can provide results within 24 hours – but also enhances accuracy by reducing chances of errors,” shared El-Hosseiny.
These advancements reduce the invasiveness of comprehensive testing, making it more patient-friendly. Compared to traditional methods, the blood volume required by Access Medical Labs has been reduced by 50%, a convenience well-received by both patients and physicians. El-Hosseiny elaborated, “If people have to be pricked in the arm, they want it done as quickly and painlessly as possible.” Consequently, Access Medical Labs had to expand its infrastructure to meet the testing demand.
As holistic therapy becomes increasingly mainstream, the healthcare system needs to evolve to integrate the strengths of traditional medicine with the preventive and personalized care of root cause medicine. “People are starting to realize that health is not just about treating symptoms,” Dr. Mitch emphasized, “but about understanding the body holistically, addressing the root issues, and living healthier, longer lives.”