RealTalk MS – Episode 419: "A Whole-Person Health Approach to MS Care with Dr. Lynne Shinto"

Date: September 8, 2025
Host: Jon Strum
Guest: Dr. Lynne Shinto, Professor of Neurology and MS Specialist in Integrative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jon Strum explores the "whole-person" approach to managing multiple sclerosis (MS) with guest Dr. Lynne Shinto, a leader in integrative medicine for MS care. They break down definitions around complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine, examine common therapies and myths, and discuss how holistic approaches can reshape the MS journey. The episode’s goal is to empower people with MS and their care teams to embrace a broad toolbox of options for mind and body wellness beyond just conventional medicine.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. MS Treatment Approaches: Traditional, Holistic, and Integrative

(00:18)

• Some patients follow strictly conventional Western medicine; others favor holistic, non-traditional therapies.
• Dr. Shinto advocates for blending both – supporting mind and body – for optimal outcomes.

2. Listener Advocacy and Recent MS News

(01:26)

• Advocacy is crucial in protecting MS research funding and healthcare infrastructure.
• Encouraging news: Proposed $20B NIH budget cut was rejected, though other healthcare budget cuts remain concerning.
• Jon urges listeners' involvement:
  "Science and medical research are under attack in this country… If you're ever going to engage in advocacy, this is certainly the year to do it." — Jon Strum (03:21)

3. New MS Research: Cognitive Deficit Subtype and Online Assessment

(04:15)

• New MS subtype identified: Significant cognitive deficits, minimal physical disability.
• Traditional measures like EDSS often miss cognitive impairment.
• Online tool "Cognitron" validated for cognitive assessment in MS, making tracking deficits more accessible.

4. Spotlight on Women’s Health in MS

(08:27)

• Dr. Kristin Crisco wins the Rachel Horn Prize for advancements in women's health and MS research.

5. MS Society Resources Highlight

(09:53)

• National MS Society’s "New to MS: Navigating Your Journey" – a recurring coaching and support program.
• Emphasis on Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) as a starting point, with recognition that holistic strategies also matter.

Featured Interview: Dr. Lynne Shinto (12:04 onward)

What is Integrative Medicine?

(12:46-14:15)

• Complementary: Adds to standard care (e.g., acupuncture + medication).

• Alternative: Replaces standard care (e.g., using only supplements instead of DMTs).

• Integrative: Uses both conventional and non-conventional approaches, coordinated.

  “Complementary means you’re doing, maybe, a traditional therapy like acupuncture or some dietary supplements with conventional medicine. Alternative is you’re not doing the conventional medicine.”
  — Dr. Shinto (13:10)

How Does Complementary Medicine Differ from Conventional Care?

(14:20)

• Conventional = FDA-approved, researched DMTs.

• Complementary = Adds lifestyle, diets, outpatient therapies, mindfulness, etc.

  "Complementary offers a lot more choices … so you can expand your armamentarium."
  — Dr. Shinto (16:04)

Benefits of a Whole-Person Approach

(16:13)

• Looks at emotional, physical, and social well-being—not just the disease.

• Focuses on resilience, restoration, and health—not disease state alone.

  "We are all connected. We are not just our disease or that pain or that left arm that has numbness.”
  — Dr. Shinto (16:47)

Cannabis & Cannabinoids in MS Management

(17:15)

• Cannabis: The whole plant; contains many cannabinoids (not just THC/CBD).

• THC: Can help with pain/spasticity but may cause cognitive/motor side effects, anxiety.

• CBD: Fewer side effects, mainly grogginess, used for sleep.

  "THC can really affect thinking ability ... it can cause vertigo ... in really high doses it can be anxiety-producing."
  — Dr. Shinto (18:29)

Natural Sleep Optimization in MS

(19:39)

• Mindfulness exercises (e.g., guided meditations using apps like Headspace, UCLA Mindful).

• Physical exercise (not right before bed) helps.

• Supplements: Magnesium glycinate (200–400mg at bedtime).

  “There is good scientific evidence for magnesium glycinate for sleep.”
  — Dr. Shinto (21:14)

Mindfulness and its Effects

(21:26)

• Mindfulness = Present-moment awareness (‘be here, be now’).

• Practical technique: Body scan meditation for relaxation and sleep.

  “You don’t have to fix it; all you have to do is be here and notice. And in doing that, it kind of is a release, it’s relaxing.”
  — Dr. Shinto (22:43)

Integrative Therapies for Mood and Depression

(23:25)

• Complex: Some people truly need antidepressants.

• Integrative providers can coordinate safe tapering and complementary strategies with conventional care.

  “The best strategy … is to have the integrative provider work with the conventional provider … figuring out what the best treatment is.”
  — Dr. Shinto (25:00)

Myths and Misconceptions about Integrative Medicine

(25:27)

• Myth: Integrative medicine = alternative medicine (it's not).

• Myth: Supplements are always safe (they can interact dangerously with medications, e.g., St. John’s Wort and birth control).

  “Dietary supplements are still biologics … many are safe, but some … will have effects.”
  — Dr. Shinto (26:51)

What to Expect When Seeing an Integrative Specialist

(27:55)

• Expect a long (60–90 minutes) visit, focused on personal goals and lifestyle (diet, activity, emotional health, sleep, coping).

• No judgment—assessment is information-gathering to build personal strategies.

  “I always like to know what someone’s goals are … lifestyle is really the cornerstone.”
  — Dr. Shinto (29:27)

How to Learn More / Find Providers

(30:49)

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: www.nccih.gov
• Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health: imconsortium.org

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “We are not just our disease … everything’s in there together.”
  — Dr. Shinto (16:47)

• “It’s nice to have choices.”
  — Dr. Shinto on expanding treatment options (16:04)

• “You don’t have to fix it, you don’t have to do anything. All you have to do is be here and notice.”
  — Dr. Shinto, on mindfulness (22:43)

• “Advocacy is as important now as it’s ever been … science and medical research are under attack in this country.”
  — Jon Strum (03:21)

Useful Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:15 – MS cognitive subtype research & online assessment
• 12:46 – Defining complementary, alternative, integrative medicine
• 16:13 – Whole-person approach overview
• 17:43 – Cannabis & cannabinoids explained
• 19:57 – Natural sleep strategies
• 21:37 – Mindfulness explained
• 24:12 – Integrative therapies for depression/mood
• 25:35 – Common myths about integrative medicine
• 27:55 – What to expect at an integrative medicine appointment
• 30:49 – Resources to learn more/find providers

Conclusion

Jon closes by reiterating the episode’s core message: managing MS isn’t just about prescription drugs or medical appointments—it’s about whole-person health. Assess your choices, advocate for better policies and research, and explore complementary therapies alongside your medical team. Dr. Shinto’s guidance offers hope and practical strategies for anyone impacted by MS to broaden their care and live more fully.

For links and resources referenced in this episode, check the show notes on the RealTalk MS website or the National MS Society’s resources.