Wholistic Wellness by Pankti Patel, MD

03/15/2026

Rethinking Psychiatry: When Medication Is Essential, and When It Isn’t

This topic might spark controversy among colleagues in psychiatry whom I deeply respect. My stance comes from my own experience as a patient and from listening to countless trauma stories. Medications can save lives and are an essential tool in psychiatry, but they are not a substitute for addressing root causes. When triggers and stressors in personal and professional surroundings remain unchanged, adding 2–3 medications often won’t move the needle. In my clinical experience, that pattern repeats itself again and again.

14 reflective questions I ask before labeling someone with high GAD or PHQ scores
These questions are not a checklist to “prove” someone is OK without meds, but a lens to understand the full context of their life and what interventions might be most effective. They are designed to prompt conversation, not to judge.

1. Surroundings and changeability
- What is your personal and professional environment like? Is there something that can be changed to support mental health, or is the environment largely fixed?

2. Engagement with hobbies
- How often do you practice hobbies you’ve enjoyed since childhood? Do these activities still bring joy, relaxation, or a sense of mastery?

3. Frequency of belly laughter
- How often do you experience genuine, joyful laughter? Laughter is a powerful mood modulator and resilience booster.

4. Mood cycles and context (for women)
- If mood swings are present, what day of your cycle are you on? (Trying not to touch perimenopausal and menopausal mood swings are often misdiagnosed as anxiety and bipolar..) How do hormonal fluctuations interact with mood symptoms?

5. Partner and relationship patterns
- What kind of personality does your partner have, and how does that interact with yours? Do the dynamics support or undermine your well-being?
-Are you dating or married to someone who aligns with your personality and needs? If you value solitude, is your living situation (where word “space” is not valued) compatible with that need?

6. Personality and environment
- What is your personality type? Do you identify as highly sensitive, and are you surrounded by critical people who constantly want to change you?

7.Adverse childhood experiences
-Do unresolved childhood traumas stored in your limbic system trigger you when you see similar patterns in your adulthood?

8. Profession and fit
- Is your profession a good fit for your personality type and strengths? Does work stress contribute to or alleviate your symptoms? Can you do something about it with a bit of courage?

9. Purpose and meaning
- Do you have a sense of purpose and meaning in life? How anchored do you feel in goals that matter to you?

10. Attitude toward rest and play
- Do you take breaks, practice “chill” moments, or tend toward constant seriousness? Is there room for lighter, joyful experiences?

11. Value alignment
- Do your core values align with your professional space, your career, and your partner’s family? Misalignment can be a quiet driver of distress.

12. Movement and joy
- Are you intentionally engaging in joyful movement or pushing yourself to gym unhappily? (e.g., dancing with your kids or partner, playing, hiking)? What’s your relationship with physical activity?

13. Gratitude versus comparison
- Do you practice proactive gratitude for what you have (especially when you compare to underserved where people struggle for basics like water and food), or do you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to others who have more?

14. Acute Grief
-Since when masking grief with medication has become normalized?Why don’t we, as a society, allow someone—and ourselves—to cry during acute grief after losing a loved one (a parent or partner)?

Closing thoughts
- If meds are part of your treatment, they should be integrated thoughtfully with strategies that address the root causes: environment, relationships, meaning, and lifestyle.
- If root causes are being addressed, some patients may experience reduced symptoms and, in some cases, a lighter pharmacological plan over time.
- The goal is a personalized plan that respects patient values, preferences, and lived experience.

03/08/2026

02/14/2026

Why do I care about these phytonutrients?

Because these compounds are nature’s tiny healers—supporting detox, immunity, and balanced inflammation while you nourish your body from the inside out.

Each bite is a collaboration between food and medicine.
Phytonutrients work together to optimize gut, brain, and skin health.
They help you feel steadier, more resilient, and more vibrant daily.

Isoflavones (phytoestrogens)— Support healthy hormone balance and antioxidant defense.

Flavonoids— Wide-ranging anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions; supports vascular and metabolic health.

Carotenoids: Brighten skin, protect eyes, reinforce immunity.

Lycopene: Potent cardio-protective antioxidant.

Lutein: Shields eyes, supports clear vision with age.

Luteolin: helps calm mast cell activity, supporting fewer allergic-like flare-ups while delivering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Zeaxanthin: Filters blue light; anti-oxidative eye guardian.

Flavonoids: Calm inflammation; support blood vessel health.

Integrative takeaway:
Aim for a colorful plate daily to cover multiple phytonutrient pathways.
Pair phytonutrients with healthy fats to enhance absorption.
Listen to your body: some compounds can be potent—start slow if you’re new to spicy or concentrated sources.

02/08/2026

AI has produced a remarkably true-to-life portrait of me.

02/07/2026

A new study looked at how much acupuncture might help older adults with chronic back pain.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! In 2026, May we all allow ourselves to make space for joy, playfulness, absolute nonjudgment of others, and acceptance of ourselves as we are.

10/17/2025

Are you looking for a doctor who is trained in western medicine and has evidence based knowledge in eastern medicine, considers spiritual, mind body aspects of health and nutrition as therapy, provides root cause assessment and customized plan tailored to your unique needs, treat you as whole person rather than just a case and can provide guidance on supplements safety and quality and has open mind to cutting edge functional medicine modalities? Link in bio to book a session.

10/10/2025

Here are key takeaways from my betrayal list! 1. Expressing true self fuels holistic wellbeing, while internalizing your thoughts, opinions, and ideas is a recipe for chronic disease.
2. Choose clean, nourishing products over quick fixes for photo-perfect beauty.
3. Challenge societal norms and rules made years ago that do not fit in today’s era.
4. Strength lives beyond looks; Use an intangible lens when you look at someone—their true self beyond their outer appearance.
5. Protect your focus; your boundary is your power.
6. Consult with a trusted wellness expert accelerates lasting wellness.
7. Nature recharges body, mind, and spirit—an underrated and inexpensive “pill.”
8. Centuries-old wellness practices like yoga and Ayurveda have worked for many and cannot be undermined by lack of evidence alone.
9. Reactive meds, not root causes—address root causes to sustain true healing.
10. Having an open mind about anything outside the box helps you grow; for example, energy medicine modalities—ask questions, test outcomes, and follow evidence that resonates.

09/25/2025

Lycopene is a natural part of tomatoes. Some studies suggest it might affect a marker in the body (IGF) that’s related to how colon cancer behaves. One finding says higher levels of a protein called IGFBP-3 are linked to better chances of surviving and slower disease. Foods like cherry tomatoes and tomato paste have real amounts of lycopene (2/3 cup of Cherry tomatoes: 0.7–12 mg/100 g; tomato paste: ~15 mg per tablespoon), so they can help in simple, tasty ways. (Sources: Vrieling 2007; Guercio 2021; Walfisch 2007; Wang 2016)

09/19/2025

Dedication to our mission and vision for wellness for all, we’re thrilled to launch a philanthropic wing of wholistic wellness—a pro bono integrative medicine initiative to provide compassionate, evidence-informed wellness care to central michigan community members in need. Will expand this to other communities in future.

Link in below and also in bio to fill out eligibility application form and book appointment.

Health is a right, not a privilege.
https://l.bttr.to/6luO0

09/05/2025

Garba is a traditional folk dance from Gujarat (my place of origin), performed during the festival of Navratri. It involves lively circular movements, rhythmic clapping, and singing, celebrating goddess Shakti and fostering community spirit.

Why am I mentioning this as an Integrative Medicine Physician?
Because cultural ceremonies from around the world have been recognized for centuries as sources of healing, and Garba is a vibrant way to connect culturally, spiritually, and physically.

Here are a few wellness takeaways:

- 💞Garba as Family & Couple Therapy: Families and couples come together, promoting unity and harmony before resentment takes hold.
- 🏃‍♂️ Night-long Group Garba: The ultimate cardio workout, enjoyed for hours.
- 🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness & Meditation: Staying present in the moment with rhythmic clapping and circular movements, which encourages mindfulness and emotional release.
- 🙏 Spiritual Connection: Honoring goddess Amba/Shakti for strength and healing.
- 🎵 Rhythmic Drum Music: Using garba as drum music therapy can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and boost mood. The steady beat helps regulate breathing and heart rate, creating a calming effect on the mind and body.

Please share a cultural ceremony from your place of origin in the comments, or tell us about a recent cultural ceremony you attended.

08/15/2025

Are you the next-generation patient tired of a one-size-fits-all approach? Seeking an individualized plan tailored to your health needs and backed by research? Then you’ve come to the right place. Virtual Integrative Medicine consultations are available for Michigan, California, and Illinois patients.