Integrative Medicine defined
“Integrative Medicine is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.” (Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine, https://www.imconsortium.org/about/)
Integrative medicine is a type of healthcare that combines conventional Western medicine with traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches. It is focused on the whole person, taking into account their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. The goal of integrative medicine is to provide the best possible care for the patient by considering all available options and using the most appropriate treatments for the individual. It always integrates mental health into its approach.
Defining the Terms: integrative, complementary, and alternative
At GWCIM, integrative, complementary, and alternative modalities differ from Western, conventional, or allopathic medicine, as many are rooted in Eastern philosophy and a different understanding of illness, healing, and body mechanics. “Integrative” and “complementary” refer to combining alternative modalities with conventional treatments to maximize healing while also enhancing the body’s natural capacity to heal. “Alternative” points to a choice among equally effective treatments, where one may be preferred based on specific factors, but both are considered valid.
Importantly, at GWCIM, alternative does not imply rejecting or dismissing the value of conventional medicine. We utilize all methods as long as they are supported by strong evidence and have been proven to be effective and safe.
Integrative medicine practices:
- Functional and Naturopathic medicine
- Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
- Biofeedback
- Herbal Medicine
- Medical Cannabis
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course
- Mind-Body medicine
- Integrative Mental Health
- Nutritional Counseling
- Physical and Occupationsl Therapy
- Bodywork: various forms
- Therapeutic Yoga Consultation
- Ayurvedic medicine
- Reiki, QiGong, CranioSacral, and other energy practices
It may also involve the use of conventional Western medicine, such as prescription medications and surgical procedures.
Integrative medicine practitioners may collaborate with a patient’s primary care physician or other healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan. Integrative Medicine practitioners may also provide guidance on lifestyle changes.
Defining the Terms: integrative, complementary, and alternative
At GWCIM, integrative, complementary, and alternative modalities differ from Western, conventional, or allopathic medicine, as many are rooted in Eastern philosophy and a different understanding of illness, healing, and body mechanics. “Integrative” and “complementary” refer to combining alternative modalities with conventional treatments to maximize healing while also enhancing the body’s natural capacity to heal. “Alternative” points to a choice among equally effective treatments, where one may be preferred based on specific factors, but both are considered valid.
Importantly, at GWCIM, alternative does not imply rejecting or dismissing the value of conventional medicine. We utilize all methods as long as they are supported by strong evidence and have been proven to be effective and safe.
Our view of patients and their treatments:
Unique Individual
The pathway to healing is unique to each patient. Our role is to guide every patient along his or her own path.
Mind-Body-Spirit-Whole
Each patient is viewed and assessed in the areas of mind, body and spirit. Every patient is a person, beyond the confines of any disease, and our treatments care for the whole person.
Empowerment and Partnership
The patient-practitioner relationship is a partnership among equals. The patient’s participation and insights are essential to choosing the healing path and to achieving optimal health.
Safety and Choice
Patients are given the choice of healing modalities as long as those modalities are medically safe and practiced under appropriate supervision. Our professional role is to evaluate the effectiveness of modalities, seek validation in supporting research data, and recommend a combination and sequence of modalities based on each individual’s particular case.
Model of Wellness
While the concept of wellness is usually not a part of conventional medicine, it is important to most of us. We believe our role is to help patients re-establish wellness in their lives. We often begin motivating patients to take slow steps towards wellness at the first visit. In our work, we follow the Wellness Wheel Model accepted by the National Wellness Institute in 2000.
Many researchers and wellness experts suggest that since wellness is a personal choice for living a healthy lifestyle, the wellness wheel can change frequently throughout a person’s life. It serves as a tool for reflection rather than something to follow exactly. Personal responsibility is a key part of wellness, even if it’s not always shown on wellness wheels. For some, the rays extending from the center of the wheel represent this responsibility.
In summary, what makes Integrative Medicine the smart healthcare approach?
- Holistic approach: Focuses on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
- Evidence-based: Combines traditional and complementary medicine based on research.
- Personalized care: Tailors and coordinates treatments to each patient’s unique needs.
- Patient-practitioners partnership: Encourages active patient involvement.
- Mental health integration: Mental wellness is central to treatment plans.
- Multiple therapies: Incorporates a range of coordinated healing practices and lifestyle adjustments.
- Collaborative care: Works with all healthcare providers for comprehensive care.
- Prevention-focused: Encourages proactive health measures to prevent illness.
- Focus on wellness: Aims to restore and maintain long-term well-being.
