Welcome to Fullscripts integrative medicine education series. Discover how integrative medicine improves patient outcomes and why its being adopted by forward-thinking practitioners across North America.
One of the key tenets of integrative medicine is that good medicine is based on good science, which is inquiry-driven and open to new paradigms. (22) Integrative medicine is good medicine and so much more.
In this article, youll learn what integrative medicine is, the benefits of it, and more.
Integrative medicine can be described and defined in different ways. But for the most comprehensive description, it helps to refer to the Father of Integrative Medicine, Dr. Andrew Weil.
The Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine describes integrative medicine as healing-oriented medicine that considers the whole person within the context of a collaborative therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient. It is informed by scientific evidence, uses all appropriate integrative therapies, and is guided by the defining principles outlined in the graphic below.
In addition to treating the physical body, integrative medicine treats patients via emotional, environmental, mental, and spiritual means by integrating mind and body with a holistic approach. (5)
Other keywords often used to define integrative medicine include empowering, evidence-based, individualized, interprofessional, and patient-centered. (17) According to a 2009 paper on the topic of integrative medicine and patient-centered care, the authors explain that patient-centered care is a core component of integrative medicine and has a movement all its own, which is rooted in customized treatments and decision-making based on the patients beliefs and preferences. (8)
Download our free clinical guide for evidence-based education on supplement basics, drug-nutrient depletions, protocol development, and more medically-reviewed by real practitioners.
Many people wonder how integrative medicine relates to conventional or Western medicine. Integrative medicine is an approach to health and wellness that combines:
Many licensed healthcare practitioners provide integrative care to their patients. Examples of practitioners and doctors who may practice integrative care include:
Individuals of all ages and those with varying health conditions may benefit from integrative medicine. Integrative medicine can help promote overall health and well-being and aid in chronic disease management and prevention. (11)
Dietary supplements are the most commonly used integrative modality; however, other popular approaches include therapeutic breathing techniques, diet therapy, and yoga. (10) Integrative medicine further incorporates a variety of integrative therapies including acupuncture, Ayurveda, chiropractic, homeopathic, naturopathic, and traditional Chinese medicine alongside conventional medicine. (20)
Examples of complementary therapies include:
How does integrative medicine differ from alternative, complementary, and conventional medicine?
When a provider or medical facility utilizes both complementary and conventional medical care, it is considered integrative medicine. (12)
There are significant events that have taken place over the past 50 years that have helped form integrative medicine as we know it is today. Here is a timeline illustrating some of those key events. (1)(9)(13)(17)(19)
Today its estimated that more than one third of Americans use some form of complementary or integrative health approach. (10) Within cancer care that percentage skyrockets, with some estimates as high as 95% and most surveys at around 50%. (7) Among people with chronic illness, surveys indicate that 70 to 90% use an integrative approach. (3)
Based on a 2020 systematic review, the number one reason people use integrative medicine worldwide is because of the expected benefits, and the second reason is that they are dissatisfied with conventional medicine. (21)
Obviously, for something to be sustainably popular, the user needs to get some benefit. Based on a 2018 review, the scientifically validated benefits of integrative medicine are many and varied, including:
Integrative medicine also excels when it comes to addressing gastrointestinal disorders, (6) musculoskeletal conditions, (4) cardiovascular disease, (25) and stroke. (15)
Perhaps the most well-known randomized controlled clinical trials showing that an integrative approach using diet and lifestyle could reverse cardiovascular disease was conducted by Dean Ornish et al in 1998. (14) Acupuncture, another key integrative treatment modality, has been backed by a significant amount of scientific research. According to a 2019 review, clinical evidence suggests that acupuncture may help treat 96 different health problems including cancer-related symptoms, a variety of different types of pain, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. (2)
As with all types of medicine, there are some risks to consider when receiving integrative medicine therapies. Its important to note that some therapies may have side effects or cause adverse effects or injuries, and not all natural therapies are inherently safe. (24) When considering or seeking integrative health care, its important to:
My hope for the future is that integrative medicine will be taught to all health professionals and payment incentives will be revised to support its practice, said Victoria Maizes, MD, the Executive Director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine.
integrative medicine is here to stay and nations who ignore its precious resources would do so at their own economic and health costs, concluded the authors of a 2021 paper on the future of medicine. The authors conclude that integrative medicine must be integrated into medical research, education, and policy. (18) While its true that integrative medicine is here to stay, some would argue that its always been here and we just needed to rediscover it.
In the coming years, there will likely continue to be an increase in usage and an increase in the number of integrative medicine programs offered throughout North America. This is good news for both integrative medicine practitioners and their patients.
If you are interested in exploring integrative medicine, consider consulting with an integrative healthcare practitioner.
Join 70,000 practitioners who rely on Fullscript to dispense top-quality supplements to their patients.
References
Read the original post:
Integrative Medicine: What Is It, Types & Benefits | Fullscript
- Turmeric and Amla Health Remedies [Last Updated On: April 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- Turmeric and Amla Health Remedies [Last Updated On: April 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2010]
- Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2010]
- Weak Kidneys Cause Weak Bones [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2010]
- Weak Kidneys Cause Weak Bones [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2010]
- High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- Beetroot Juice May Boost Stamina [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2010]
- Beetroot Juice May Boost Stamina [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2010]
- Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2010]
- Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2010]
- Baking soda can clean your teeth, clear your complexion [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2010]
- Baking soda can clean your teeth, clear your complexion [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2010]
- Preventing Heart Disease [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2010]
- Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Neurological and Immune Reactive Conditions Affecting Kids [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Sweet and Natural? [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- A not so rare but frequently disregarded Metabolic Disorder - Pyrroluria [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Acupuncture May Trigger Natural Painkiller [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- McDonald's threatened with lawsuit over toys in Happy Meals [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Sweet and Natural? [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Neurological and Immune Reactive Conditions Affecting Kids [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Acupuncture May Trigger Natural Painkiller [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- A not so rare but frequently disregarded Metabolic Disorder - Pyrroluria [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- McDonald's threatened with lawsuit over toys in Happy Meals [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Brown rice and other whole grains can prevent type 2 diabetes [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2010]
- Brown rice and other whole grains can prevent type 2 diabetes [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2010]
- GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- Molecule Discovery Might Help ALS Patients [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2010]
- Molecule Discovery Might Help ALS Patients [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2010]
- Hydrogen Peroxide Cures Disease [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2010]
- Hydrogen Peroxide Cures Disease [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2010]
- Eating meat may cause severe allergic reactions in some people [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Positive Brain Changes Seen After Body-Mind Meditation [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Colloidal silver to boost immunity and overall health [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Bacteria May Predict Chances of Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Herbs Help Treat Diabetes: Bilberry, Gymnema, Ginkgo and Salt Bush [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- How People With Type 2 Diabetes Can Lose Weight, Keep It Off: Study [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2010]
- Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2010]
- Experimental Treatment Could Fight Muscular Dystrophy [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2010]
- Western medicine teams up.. [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2010]
- Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Amino acids are latest in growing list of nutrients shown to extend life span [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2010]
- Malpractice Fears Can Influence Medical Practice [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2010]
- Vitamins and Good Sense [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2010]
- Liver diseases identified as Europes silent killers [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2010]
- Dangerous Fungus Now Endemic in Pacific Northwest: CDC [Last Updated On: December 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 20th, 2010]
- Dying cancer patients subjected to expensive, meaningless cancer screening tests [Last Updated On: December 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 20th, 2010]
- Tobacco firms bypass marketing restrictions with clever web campaigns [Last Updated On: December 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 20th, 2010]
- Vitamin B6 Cuts Colon Cancer Risk [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2010]
- Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Alcohol more dangerous than cocaine or heroin [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Woman finds cancer cure in dairy-free diet based on anti-cancer plants [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- The downfall of science and the rise of intellectual tyranny [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Toxic chemical carcinogen found in water supplies nationwide [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- The downfall of science and the rise of intellectual tyranny [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Woman finds cancer cure in dairy-free diet based on anti-cancer plants [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Alcohol more dangerous than cocaine or heroin [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Toxic chemical carcinogen found in water supplies nationwide [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Salt increases heart attack and stroke risk, even if blood pressure is normal [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2011]
- Salt increases heart attack and stroke risk, even if blood pressure is normal [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2011]
- Exercise Prevents Acidic Prostate Treatment Bone Loss [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2011]
- Exercise Prevents Acidic Prostate Treatment Bone Loss [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2011]
- Fixodent denture cream can cause nerve damage, says report [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2011]
- Fixodent denture cream can cause nerve damage, says report [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2011]
- Being just overweight, not obese, still shortens lifespan [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2011]