Dr. Manso has been practicing "holistic alternative medicine" since the early 1980's. Instead of treating symptoms, he finds the root of the problem and treats with natural remedies whenever possible. As a licensed MD, he occasionally uses prescription medicines, but he prefers, and mainly utilizes, herbs, vitamins, minerals, nutrition and life style changes to facilitate the body's own inherent healing. He considers and treats the whole person, mind, body, and spirit.
The term "Alternative Medicine" is often used to refer to medical techniques which are not known or accepted by the majority "conventional" or "allopathic" medical practitioners (usually MD's). Such techniques include noninvasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques such as Medical Herbalism, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, and others. The terms Holistic Healing and Holistic Medicine are much more stable and all-encompassing and are therefore preferable.
The term "Complementary Medicine" is often used by "conventional" medical practitioners to refer to non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques used as a complement to "conventional" medical treatments such as drugs and surgery. The term implies that "conventional" medicine is used as a primary tool and the noninvasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques are used as a supplement when needed. In many cases, properly chosen non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical healing techniques plus properly chosen lifestyle changes can completely and safely heal both acute and chronic illnesses. In other cases, "conventional" medicine is only needed in emergencies or when the safer noninvasive, non-pharmaceutical methods fail. In some cases "conventional" medicine will be a major part of a Holistic Healing Plan, but in some cases it is not needed at all.
Integrative Medicine seeks to combine the best of both conventional and complementary medicine to address the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of health and illness. Integrative Medicine physicians are medical doctors who are trained in both conventional and alternative therapies who value the principles of integrative medicine and will professionally guide patients through the various health care systems and treatment options.