Integrative medicine

Integrative Medicine is a medical discipline that combines both conventional and alternative medicine approaches to patient care. It emphasizes a holistic, patient-focused approach to healthcare and wellness—often including mental, emotional, functional, spiritual, social, and community aspects.

Definition

Integrative Medicine is defined as healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies.

History

The concept of Integrative Medicine began to gain traction in the late 20th century as a response to the increasing interest in alternative medicine and the recognition of the limitations of a strictly conventional medicine approach. The term "Integrative Medicine" was first used in the 1990s, and the field has grown significantly since then.

Principles

The principles of Integrative Medicine are based on a combination of scientific evidence and clinical experience. They include:

• A partnership between patient and practitioner in the healing process
• Appropriate use of conventional and alternative methods to facilitate the body's innate healing response
• Consideration of all factors that influence health, wellness, and disease, including mind, spirit, and community
• A philosophy that neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically
• Recognition that good medicine should be based in good science, be inquiry-driven, and be open to new paradigms

Practices

Integrative Medicine practices can include a wide range of therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, nutrition therapy, mind-body therapies, and physical therapies. The specific therapies used are tailored to the individual patient's needs and preferences.

Criticism

Critics of Integrative Medicine argue that it is an attempt to integrate pseudoscience with science, that it wastes resources on unproven therapies, and that it can lead to harmful or ineffective patient care.

See also

• Alternative medicine
• Conventional medicine
• Holistic health
• Complementary and alternative medicine