| An Integrative Approach to Anti-ageing | ||||
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 Getting older may be beyond our control but how we age is not, says Dr Michael Zacharia, Past-President of the Australasian Academy of Anti-ageing Medicine (A5M).
As experts in aesthetics, doctors, aesthetic nurses, paramedical aestheticians and beauty therapists all play a critical role in the future of their clients' overall health. Aesthetic practices which rely solely on aesthetic techniques are fast becoming a thing of the past. Integration of internal wellness protocols (through advanced practitioner learning or partnering with experts in those fields) with aesthetics is becoming the benchmark of responsible aesthetic practice. Enabling clients to maximise their health potential is our duty, by guiding them on how to incorporate subtle changes into their life that will help them look better, feel better and help slow down the ageing process. Let's take a few steps back to 1992. Enter the anti-ageing revolution, a preventative health approach to medicine. This was the brainchild of world-renowned physician Dr Bob Goldman, Chairman of the World Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine (www.waaam.net) and the AustralAsian Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine (www.a5m.net). Dr Goldman together with Dr Ron Klatz changed the course of preventative medicine. Recognising that scientific research was quickly making discoveries to identify the mechanisms of deterioration and vulnerability to age-related diseases, Drs Goldman and Klatz proposed a new definition of ageing itself. In this new perspective, the frailties and physical and mental failures associated with normal ageing are caused by physiological dysfunctions that in many cases, can be altered by appropriate medical interventions. As an extension of this redefinition, they describe an innovative model for healthcare that focused on the application of advanced scientific and medical technologies for the early detection, prevention, treatment and reversal of age-related dysfunction, disorders and diseases. And so, anti-ageing medicine was born. Anti-ageing is more than skin deep and as practitioners we need to understand that in order to deliver effective and responsible service to our clients, we need to integrate internal health protocols (diet, exercise, supplementation) with aesthetic protocols. Integrating the latest anti-ageing and integrative medicine protocols into your practice presents benefits for you and your patients. Integrative medicine allows patients to gain the very best from all modes of healthcare available. You may choose to incorporate Eastern and Western medicine, the latest anti-ageing medicine protocols and traditional, complementary and alternative medicines. Whichever path you choose, integrative medicine can widen your business horizons and improve patient care. Visit www.worldhealth.net, the world's largest online site for wellness information. Nutrition We all know that a balanced diet in proper proportions is crucial to good health, but we need help getting there. When your client next comes in for a treatment feeling tired and worn out, ask him or her how it is going with their eating - what, how much and how often. Consider issues relating to gluten, soy and sugar. Understand the role that sugar plays in health - it leads to fat gain, degeneration of muscles, dysfunction of the immune system, cardiovascular problems, arteriosclerosis and premature ageing, as well as diabetes and hypoglycemia. Sugar is damaging to collagen, which leads to wrinkling. Understand the brain-gut connection. If digestion is not good, it affects a myriad of health functions leading to poor skin condition. Equip yourself with the knowledge but secure the services of a consulting nutritionist to support you in your business. Supplements We all know antioxidants play a beneficial role in fighting free radicals. We use cosmeceuticals which contain potent antioxidants to help reverse the signs of ageing. To support this, our clients should be taking good quality supplements to promote internal health. There are many supplements on the market today in addition to natural sources such as blueberries, red and green tea and red wine. Some supplements known to have anti-ageing benefits include:
Hormones Understand the role that hormones play in overall wellbeing and ageing. Educate yourself by reading books (try Hormone Harmony by Alicia Stanton MD, Vera Tweed). DHEA, oestrogen, testosterone,and androstenedione are hormones produced in women and men, youthful levels of which are associated with supple skin. By the time age-related changes in skin are noticed hormonal declines have already affected other functions in the body. Exercise During your consults, try to find out as much information from your client as you can, to assist them in achieving overall wellness. Exercise is key to good health and is a pillar of anti-ageing medicine. Exercising increases human growth hormone levels, gives skin optimum conditions for making collagen, supports a healthy immune system and helps us fight against the signs of ageing. Lifestyle factors: stress & sleep Be sensitive to your clients' demeanour. Assess if they are stressed or lacking in sleep. These lifestyle factors play havoc with hormones and digestion. Adrenal fatigue (a term coined by James L Wilson ND DC PhD), is the 21st Century Stress Syndrome and affects the adrenal glands, cortisol levels and other hormones severely affecting energy, immune resistance, vitality and an overall zest for life. Help patients control stress by recommending they consult an anti-ageing physician who can do a full battery of tests and make medical recommendations. Discuss relaxation techniques. Make sure your treatment sessions are very relaxed, peaceful and calming. csbm References available on request. |
