Often, integrative medicine focuses on managing symptoms of anxiety or depression, chronic pain, fatigue and other health conditions. These therapies, which are very safe with minimal risk, can help improve overall well-being. However, integrative treatments aren’t meant to replace regular care from your primary care physician and specialty doctors. Rather, they should be used together to treat the whole you. It’s important to keep open communication with all of your healthcare providers and always discuss new therapies with them.
Integrative Medicine practitioners include medical doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, naturopaths, doctors of osteopathic medicine, chiropractors, psychologists, mind-body specialists and massage therapists. These professionals are specially trained in these therapies and adhere to a code of ethics.
Several clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of some integrative approaches, including mindfulness-based stress reduction, acupuncture, and various nutritional supplements. In one study, patients with cancer reported a significant decrease in fatigue and discomfort when receiving acupuncture, along with other complementary practices.
Harmony in Healthcare: Understanding the Essence of Integrative Medicine
These practices aren’t just “alternative”; they’re a part of our rich history of healing. In fact, many of us use integrative techniques without realizing it — adding honey to tea for a cold, taking an omega-3 supplement or rubbing peppermint oil on a headache are simple examples. These are all complementary therapies that are part of integrative medicine. Many of these are also available over the counter and in grocery stores, such as elderberry to support immune function, magnesium to reduce fatigue and a wide variety of nutritional supplements.