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 INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Integrative medicine utilizes physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of a person’s wellbeing to promote healing.  Both standard medical and alternative modalities of healing are considered to provide an optimum treatment plan.

What is it used for?
MODALITIES INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE MAY INCLUDE
- Health and/or life coaching
- Mindful eating and nutrition
- Massage, chiropractic and bodywork therapies
- Acupuncture and other energy therapies
- Ayurveda and other complementary healing therapies
- Tai Chi, yoga and other movement therapies
- Hypnosis
- Biofeedback
- Meditation and other stress reduction techniques
- Exercise and fitness
- Sleep therapy
- Guided imagery, spiritual counseling
- Individual or family counseling

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
"Alternative" or "complementary" medicine has always coexisted with mainstream medicine in the U.S.  The concept of formally integrating alternative therapies within conventional medical realms emerged after a landmark study published in 1993 in the New England Journal of Medicine.  "Unconventional Medicine in the United States -- Prevalence, Costs, and Patterns of Use," it opened the eyes of the medical community to what the public at large probably already knew – that huge numbers of people were already combining conventional and alternative therapies in their personal healthcare.

In fact, one in three Americans surveyed had used alternative therapies for conditions such as anxiety, back problems and chronic pain.  Their choices were based primarily on the congruence with their own values, beliefs, and philosophical orientations toward health and life offered by alternative therapies.

Integrative medicine became a way for the existing medical system to pick, scientifically validated therapies from both conventional and Complementary/Alternative medical (CAM) systems.

In the past decade, integrative medicine centers have opened across the country. In addition, the American Hospital Association reported that almost 20% of hospitals were offering complementary treatments in 2004.  Although patients are often required to pay directly for such services, insurance companies have begun to reimburse for many of these offerings.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Conventional medicine is commonly understood to use synthetic drugs, technology and surgery to treat injuries, emergencies and illness. This is the kind of medicine most Americans encounter in hospitals and clinics.

Alternative medicine is the practice of using holistic therapies instead of conventional medicine.  This catch-all term includes hundreds of old and new practices such as acupuncture, hypnotism, aromatherapy, Tai Chi, etc. Generally alternative therapies are thought to be closer to nature, cheaper and less invasive than conventional therapies.  An alternative medicine practice that is used in conjunction with a conventional one is known as "integrative medicine."

The principles of integrative medicine are reported to include:

- Active engagement between the patient and practitioner as partners in the therapeutic process
- Emphasis on the body’s natural healing mechanisms and the use of appropriate therapies designed to activate and support these systems
- A holistic evaluation of the influences in the patient’s life that may be affecting his health
- The belief that responsible medical practices are rooted in science and improvement and discovery is ongoing
- The utilization of natural therapies with lower invasive potential
- A focus on the encouragement of healthy living practices and the prevention of physical maladies through proactive wellness
- The responsibility of practitioners to display healthy living through their own actions and remain committed to personal and professional growth

How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE IS LIKE
Doctors at an integrative medical practice may be primary care physicians, chiropractors, naturopaths, osteopaths, etc., or may consult with the patient's primary care physician or referring specialist to complement conventional care with integrative health approaches.

Private or group practice physicians who are also personally trained in alternative specialties such as acupuncture, bio-identical hormone therapy or homeopathy are called "Integrative Physicians."  They are often specialized, and assess and work with patients one-on-one and oversee their ongoing care. 

"Integrative Medicine Centers" can be affiliated with large hospitals and offer a team "one stop" approach that includes numerous medical and alternative practitioners working in concert.

Generally, when visiting an integrative practice for the first time, patients will undergo an in-depth and comprehensive health assessment.  This is taken to understand who they are and why they have sought services.  The history is meant to look not only at any diagnosis of the patient, but all related aspects of the patient's life including personal and family medical history, medications, as well as stress, sleep habits, fitness, diet, emotions, coping and support, work and family life, adaptability, life priorities, etc.  Lab tests also may be required to understand the best course of treatment.

Integrative medical practices seek to improve functioning, prevent illness, and to optimize overall health and sense of well-being. They may offer clinical therapies, wellness and self-care, classes, supplements and herbs and other health information resources.

Depending upon the severity of the condition being treated, medical management with an integrative physician is usually the basis of care. This may include ongoing exploration, counseling, lab testing, referrals and oversight of treatment. Medical management is supported by the alternative therapies offered at the particular facility. Common therapies include stress management, dietary guidance, yoga or tai chi, art therapy, meditation, and several other body/mind practices. Most patients will also learn self-care to learn key skills to improve coping and support recovery. Progress in a few identified areas (e.g., nutrition, improved sleep, daily stress reduction techniques, walking or simple exercises) may facilitate getting better.

Who does it?
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS
Integrative facilities and medical practitioners are a result of practitioners training in alternative or complementary techniques.  United States medical schools have increased their educational offerings in alternative medicine.  Over half of traditional medical colleges, 85% of nursing schools, and almost all osteopathic medical training programs offer some form of training in alternative or complementary medicines.  Naturopathic educational institutes are also becoming more prevalent in the United States and Canada.