What’s New in 2026 ? - A New Practice - Lifestyle and Integrative Rheumatology
by Beth Biggee, MD
“A human being is part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space.”
What is Lifestyle and Integrative Rheumatology ?
I created Lifestyle and Integrative Rheumatology, a brand new holistic practice model that integrates the least invasive traditional Western medicine with complementary, and lifestyle approaches to health. This practice is a refuge for those who crave a comprehensive, holistic, and human centered approach to care. As a board certified Lifestyle medicine, Integrative Medicine, and Rheumatology physician, I aim to serve those not only with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, but those who would like to further optimize mind, body, spirit health. This practice is also a haven for those who experience symptoms that have not been fully explained or addressed in the conventional medical system. I provide a rooted, holistic, comprehensive, and supported treatment approach. This practice is a direct specialty care model. This provides direct access, direct communication, direct transparent pricing, and direct customized personalized care plans not limited by insurance or other third parties.
What is Lifestyle Medicine?
Lifestyle Medicine uses evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as a whole-food, plant-based diet, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections to prevent, treat, and often reverse chronic diseases. These interventions are collectively known as the “Pillars of Health.” Unfortunately, most physicians and healthcare professionals receive minimal education on these pillars and often lack the time to address them during routine visits. A Certified Lifestyle Medicine provider has mastered the science of preventing, treating, and reversing chronic disease through evidence-based behavioral techniques to optimize the pillars of health. At Lifestyle and Integrative Rheumatology, a comprehensive Lifestyle Medicine Assessment is performed for new patients which allows for a personalized comprehensive pillar of health plan to be devised.
What is Integrative Medicine?
Andrew Weil, MD, my mentor and founder of Integrative Medicine, addresses this field as a healing-oriented approach that focuses on the whole person (body, mind, spirit). This branch of medicine combines the best of conventional and complementary medicine while applying lifestyle medicine. Through empathy, compassion, inclusion, deep listening, empowerment, and evidence-based practices, Integrative Medicine physicians aim not only to free individuals and communities from disease but also to prevent illness and promote thriving. Since 2014, Integrative Medicine formed its own board certification. A Board certified Integrative Medicine Physician not only completed an additional residency/fellowship but has mastered the concepts of both conventional as well as complementary forms of medicine. At Lifestyle and Integrative Rheumatology, a whole host of complementary techniques are utilized if indicated; herbal medicine, integrative nutrition, gut microbiome health, auricular acupuncture, +Heartmath, mindfulness based stress reduction therapies, Ayurveda dosha balancing, and Reiki
What is Rheumatology and an Integrative Rheumatologist?
Rheumatology is a field of Internal Medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing over 100 types of inflammatory, autoimmune, or musculoskeletal diseases. Such diseases can affect the joints, muscle, or bones, however any organ can be affected since the underlying issues are primarily inflammation and immune system dysregulation. Therefore a rheumatologist investigates the whole person, examining everything from your eyeballs to toenails, looking for signs of inflammation or immune dysregulation. A board certified rheumatologist is often called the detective of medicine, because they investigate the subtle hidden symptoms and causes of inflammatory and immune dysregulation. An Integrative Rheumatologist takes this further by investigating not only physical signs, symptoms, or causes, but mind spirit symptoms and causes as well. The integrative rheumatologist understands all systems are linked and interdependent, so metabolic, gut microbiome, environmental, cardiovascular, and mood health all affect the immune system and systems cannot be separated. The systems are truly integrated. An integrative rheumatologist treats the human as a whole.
For more information about Lifestyle and Integrative Rheumatology read more on the website. Accepting new patients now. Contact Us.
Be Well,
Beth Biggee, MD ABIM, ABOIM, DipABLM