Integrative health and wellness: Whole person health

UW Health's integrative health and wellness team is focused on the whole individual — body, mind and spirit. You have access to a team of health care professionals who work in concert to bring out the best possible you.

UW Health offers a variety of integrative health and wellness services to help you focus on your well-being.

Integrative health is healing-oriented medicine that honors the whole person, including a person’s values, lifestyle and relationships. The goal is to use the most appropriate therapies and approaches to activate the bodies natural abilities to heal. It is informed by the most current medical research and draws from both conventional and complementary therapies.

One to three visits are recommended, depending on a person’s symptoms, conditions and health needs. A team approach is encouraged with communication and follow up with your referring provider.

A clinician referral is required to schedule an appointment.

Patients should contact their insurance provider for benefit information prior to scheduling their first appointment.

Please note: Primary care services are not available at Integrative Health and Wellness clinics.

In these 60-minute appointments a physician or advanced practice provider works with a patient to assess and explore the patient’s current health and desired outcomes. A personalized lifestyle plan is developed to encourage self-care practices to improve and optimize health. Follow up visits are scheduled to assist in the achievement of improved health and lifestyle changes

Please note that a wellness consultation and any additional follow up appointments support your medical care provided by your primary care provider. Wellness consultations are not a substitute for seeing your primary care provider for your health care.

Patients should contact their insurance provider for benefit information prior to scheduling their first appointment.

To schedule: Call (608) 440-6600

Integrative Health Oncology (IHO) is a field of cancer care that combines conventional cancer treatment and complementary approaches such as mind-body practices, lifestyle strategies and natural products. The goal of IHO is to optimize patient health and quality of life through the different phases of cancer care.

A clinician referral is required to schedule an appointment.

We offer a variety of group and individual exercise options for all fitness levels on land and in the pool. Programming will vary at each of our facilities.

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People of all ages, from newborns to senior adults can benefit from osteopathic manipulative treatment. OMT is performed by a physician – typically a DO or an MD with additional training. The idea behind OMT is that pain or decreased function develops because the body has fallen into a pattern. Through hands-on therapy, the body's ability to move and function can be improved while decreasing pain. The techniques used are similar to those found in physical therapy, chiropractic and massage therapy.

Common reasons patients seek or are referred for OMT include muscle pain, neck pain, back pain, joint pain (shoulder, hip, knee, etc.), sciatica, injury related pain, migraines/headaches, jaw pain, fibromyalgia, post-concussive syndrome, chronic pain and pregnancy-related issues. People typically feel improved after their treatment but may be sore for 1-2 days following, it also may take a few treatments to see how your body will respond.

A clinician referral is required to schedule an appointment.

Patients should contact their insurance provider for benefit information prior to scheduling their first appointment.

Group medical visits offer an innovative and interactive approach to meeting your health care needs. Patients with common health care needs are brought together and led by one or more health care providers in a supportive environment.

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Mindfulness is the art of living in the moment, paying attention and listening to your heart. It can lead to decreased stress and a greater sense of peace. We offer retreats and classes on mindfulness for adults and young people.

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Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A staple of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture can help boost the overall function of the body and provide several benefits for those experiencing acute and chronic illness, especially pain management.

Acupuncture is often used to relieve discomfort with a variety of diseases and conditions, such as:

  • Pain management (headaches, lower back, neck, postpartum pain etc.)

  • Nausea/vomiting caused by chemotherapy or anesthesia

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Menstrual cramps and other women’s health issues

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Immune system and energy enhancement

How it works

Your first visit to an acupuncturist usually begins with a review of your medical history. It includes a physical exam with a detailed analysis or your pulse and tongue as well as any presenting signs and symptoms.

Once the acupuncturist has a working diagnosis, your treatment begins. Acupuncture needles are inserted in various energetic pathways of the body, depending on the condition being treated. Several treatments may be needed for a cumulative effect.

A clinician referral is required to schedule an appointment.

A common misconception about massage is that it is only for those who want to pamper themselves. While there is nothing wrong with pampering, massage can also play an essential role in reducing pain and improving emotional well-being.

Benefits of massage therapy include:

  • Relieving symptoms of chronic pain

  • Reducing muscle tension and stiffness

  • Lowering stress in the mind and body

  • Improving circulation

  • Improving quality of sleep

  • Enhancing the responsiveness of your immune system

You may want to consider signing up for massage therapy if you are dealing with any of these conditions:

  • Anxiety/stress

  • Back and neck pain

  • Cancer

  • Chronic pain

  • Depression

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Headaches

  • Soft tissue strains and injuries

  • Sports injuries

A clinician referral is required to schedule an appointment.

Our certified health and wellness coaches provide support and encouragement every step of the way, helping you connect with strengths, rise above barriers and make lasting changes. Our health coaching program helps you reach your health goals and make positive changes in your life.

Our coaches will help you connect with your personal strengths, overcome barriers and make lasting changes in this goal-oriented approach to health coaching, that benefit your physical, emotional and mental health.

Coaching sessions are offered in-person or by phone. To register for a session call (608) 440-6600.

  • 60-minute session
    Work with a health coach to create a plan that you can follow on your own.
    Cost: $80

  • Three-month session
    During the first 60-minute visit, you'll work with a health coach to create a plan. Then you'll have 30-minute follow-up visits to check in on progress toward your goals.
    Cost: $325

The fitness center is open to the public and offers a wide range of land-based and aquatic exercise and physical activity programs.

Learn more
  • Science Dr Medical Center Integrative Health Clinic
    • 621 Science Dr / Madison, WI
    • (608) 262-9355
  • East Madison Hospital Integrative Health Clinic
    • 4602 Eastpark Blvd / Madison, WI
    • (608) 262-9355
  • N Bell School Rd Medical Center Integrative Health Clinic
    • 3505 N Bell School Rd / Rockford, IL
    • (779) 696-0300
  • East Madison Hospital Center for Wellness
    • 4602 Eastpark Blvd / Madison, WI
    • (608) 440-6600
  • Science Dr Medical Center Fitness Center
    • 621 Science Dr / Madison, WI
    • (608) 263-7936

Joining them are health psychologists, acupuncturists and massage therapists. Practitioners who specialize in mindfulness are also on the team. They work with you and your other providers to help you receive the highest quality care.

Self-care is the choices we make every day. Take stock of where you are now and consider where you would like to be. Often, the hardest step is the first one. But you don't have to make a lot of changes at once. Choose one or two areas and start with small changes. Soon you'll find it easier to maintain healthy habits to support your goals.

Includes movement and activities like walking, dancing, gardening, sports, lifting weights, yoga, cycling, swimming and working out in a gym.

Getting enough rest, relaxation and sleep.

Eating healthy, balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables each day. Drinking enough water and limiting sodas, sweetened drinks and alcohol.

Learning and growing. Developing abilities and talents. Balancing responsibilities where you live, volunteer and work.

Feeling listened to and connected to people you love and care about. The quality of your communication with family, friends and people you work with.

Having a sense of purpose and meaning in your life. Feeling connected to something larger than yourself. Finding strength in difficult times.

Feeling safe. Having comfortable, healthy spaces where you work and live. The quality of the lighting, color, air and water. Decreasing unpleasant clutter, noises and smells.

Tapping into the power of your mind to heal and cope. Using mind-body techniques like relaxation, breathing or guided imagery.

Understand your health concerns and preventive care, care options, treatment plan and role in your health.

  • Acupuncture

  • Massage

  • Stress management