Integrative Health Care of Winona is a medical clinic providing both Allopathic and Holistic Health Care, to help people overcome chronic illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome (CFIDS) and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), Chronic Lyme Disease and hormonal imbalances. Up to 80% of chronic illnesses are lifestyle-related. Dr. Vrchota also provides preventative healthcare such as inhalant and food allergy evaluations, functional nutritional assessments and stress reduction techniques.

Karen Vrchota M.D. is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Holistic Medicine. After graduating from University of Minnesota School of Medicine and completing a residency in Family Practice at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), she accomplished a two year fellowship in Acupuncture and Pain Management at HCMC, Department of Neurology.

She practiced traditional western medicine for 20 years before embracing integrative medicine. She found looking for multiple contributing factors and modifying the “total load” of stress on the body as being much more powerful than treating just the symptoms. Total load may include diet, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, chemical exposure, physical and psychological stress.

Evaluation and Treatment

Evaluation includes a complete health history, physical exam and an array of laboratory tests that look to uncover the cause of the illness. An individual treatment plan, based on the above findings, is developed. This may include food as medicine, supplements as needed, restoration of normal sleep, treatment of allergies and infections, and balancing of thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones. Acupuncture is available. Stress reduction is accomplished with a variety of interventions including breathwork, biofeedback, relaxation and visualization techniques. Patients will be encouraged to adjust their lifestyle to provide time and resources for optimal health.