January 2005 | Whole Health
Uncommon Healer
Who: Carlos M. Reynes, M.D., a board certified internal medicine physician who believes that offering his patients both alternative and traditional prevention, diagnosis and treatment options is the right approach for this time.
Quick Take: Reynes works with his patients to find the best combinations of treatments, which may include the use of nutritional supplements, herbs, IV vitamins, homeopathy, bio-identical hormones, pulsed electromagnetic therapy, infrared therapy or, if needed, prescription medications. He also incorporates other alternative therapies at his clinic, including massage, acupuncture, Reiki, medical hypnosis, medical intuition, reflexology, flower essence and energy work.
Old vs. New: A large percentage of Reynes’ patients aren’t “sick,” by the classic definition. They simply know that they ought to feel better than they do. Most of these patients are people who have been trying for years to find a doctor who will really listen; they know something’s not right, and no doctor has been willing to take the time to help them sort it out. Many have done their own research and have tried different “remedies” without finding the “right strategy.” Reynes helps patients explore the avenues to wellness: “Optimal health is a state of balance and harmony in the body, mind and spirit. This well-being can be found as we embrace holistic lifestyle principles.”
Knowing the Difference: Reynes knows well the uniqueness of each individual. For that reason, he has developed individualized wellness programs for patients who suffer from chronic diseases such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis and obesity.
Biggest Myth: Reynes believes that in today’s stressful, polluted society a simple prescription to relieve symptoms is not the answer. He strives to diagnose and treat the underlying imbalances that may be causing the symptoms.
Case Study: A “30-something” woman came to see Reynes, complaining of fatigue, irritability and memory loss. She had seen several doctors and was told her physical exam and blood tests were normal. She was offered antidepressants. It was apparent to Reynes during the review of her history that the symptoms had really started years earlier after a trip to Mexico. Her periods had become irregular and she had gained weight. Her lab tests showed her thyroid function was not optimal, her hormones were not balanced and she had an imbalance in gut bacteria. Her treatments included diet changes, stress-reduction techniques and a small dose of thyroid and progesterone cream.
Personal File: Living a busy and balanced life, married with four children, Reynes completed the Chicago Marathon, the 100-mile Santa Fe bike ride, and Avon’s three-day Walk for Breast Cancer. He hopes to begin training for triathalons this spring when his schedule permits. Reynes graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1988, completed his internal medicine training at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, where he served as chief resident his last year in 1991, then worked for Gottlieb Community Health until 2001. He has been a clinical professor in medicine at the University of Illinois since 1997 and has spent the past seven years studying and incorporating alternative therapies into his practice. In 2001 he founded the Integrative Therapies Medical Center in Oak Park, Ill. Since 2001 he has worked with chiropractor Allyne Rosenthal at her clinic in downtown Chicago.
Integrative Therapies Medical Center is located at 1140 Westgate St., Oak Park, Ill. Call 708-358-0111 or visit www.integrativetherapies.medem.com.
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