“It really struck me that either it’s all about medicines or it’s all about complementary therapies is not helpful.
We need a bigger toolbox.”
-Delia Chiaramonte
Bump In The Road:
Delia Chiaramonte-Integrative Medicine To Heal
Delia Chiaramonte, MD is a physician whose life took an unexpected turn when her twelve year old daughter, Katrina, suffered a severe brain injury. Delia believed she understood the challenges faced by caregivers—until she became one herself.
Katrina’s, and Delia’s, journey began with a riding accident. Despite following medical advice to rest her brain, Katerina’s condition worsened. She suffered from excruciating headaches, cognitive impairments, and a complete personality shift. The conventional medical approach offered little relief, and Delia found herself navigating a maze of specialists and treatments with no clear solution in sight.
It wasn’t until Delia combined her medical knowledge with complementary therapies that they began to see progress. They incorporated a variety of treatments, including neurofeedback, vision therapy, guided imagery, and even surgery. Delia emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach, stating,
“We need a bigger toolbox where we pull the best things that this person needs.”
This integrative approach not only helped Katrina recover but also transformed Delia’s perspective on medicine. She now advocates for integrative palliative care, which combines conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies to address both the physical and emotional needs of patients and their families.
Delia’s journey underscores the critical role of caregivers and the need for a holistic approach to medicine. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing is not just about treating symptoms but about addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
Whether you’re a caregiver, a medical professional, or someone interested in holistic healing, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in now and discover the power of integrative medicine and palliative care.
Delia Chiaramonte on Caregiving and Integrative Medicine
“I thought that I understood what it was like to be a caregiver just because I had taken care of a lot of people who were caring for ill people. And then I had my own experience.”
“It really struck me that this kind of either-or feeling of either it’s all about medicines or it’s all about complementary therapies is not helpful. We need a bigger toolbox.”
“Toxic positivity shows up when people are trying to manage a difficult situation, particularly in someone that they care about, and it really can make things worse instead of better.”
“The mind and the body are so connected, not only does it maybe make you more stressed out, but it also makes your headaches worse, makes your jaw pain worse, makes your sleep worse, makes your chronic pain worse, makes your gut worse.”
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