Integrative medicine is defined as “healing-oriented medicine” that takes into account the whole person in the context of a collaborative therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, according to the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. It is based on scientific evidence, incorporates all available integrative therapies, and is driven by the defining concepts described in the diagram below.

Integrative medicine, in addition to treating the physical body, uses a holistic approach to treat patients’ emotional, environmental, mental, and spiritual well-being. (5)

“Evidence-based,” “individualized,” “interprofessional,” and “patient-centered” are some other terms used to describe integrative medicine. (17) According to the authors of a 2009 paper on integrative medicine and patient-centered care, patient-centered care is a major component of integrative medicine and has its own movement, based on individualized therapies and decision-making based on the patient’s beliefs and

Many individuals are curious about the relationship between integrative medicine and traditional or Western medicine. Integrative medicine is a health and wellness strategy that combines:

What types of providers deliver integrative medicine?

• Acupuncturists
• Ayurvedic practitioners
• Chiropractors
• Conventional medical doctors
• Dietitians and nutritionists
• Doctors of oriental medicine
• Homeopathic doctors
• ​​Massage therapists
• Naturopathic doctors
• Nurses
• Nurse practitioners
• Osteopathic doctors

Who is integrative medicine for?

Integrative medicine can help people of all ages and with a variety of health conditions. Integrative medicine can contribute in the management and prevention of chronic diseases while also promoting overall health and well-being. (11)

What types of complementary and alternative therapies are available?

The most prevalent integrative modality is dietary supplements; however, therapeutic breathing techniques, food therapy, and yoga are other prominent approaches. Acupuncture, Ayurveda, chiropractic, homeopathy, naturopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine are some of the integrative therapies used in integrative medicine. (20)

• • Nutritional: Therapeutic diets, supplements, medicinal herbs, and microbial-based therapies (e.g., probiotics)
  • Psychological: Meditation and other relaxation therapies
  • Physical: Acupuncture, massage, and spinal manipulation
  • Combinations of nutritional, psychological, and physical therapies: Yoga, tai chi, art therapy, mindful eating (10)

  Comparing conventional medicine, integrative medicine, complementary, and alternative medicine

• What is the difference between integrative medicine and alternative, complementary, and traditional medicine?

• • Alternative medicine is when a non-conventional treatment is used in place of conventional medicine. (12)
  • Complementary medicine refers to treatments used as adjuncts to conventional treatments and is not a synonym for integrative medicine because integrative medicine is broader and utilizes evidence-based techniques to encourage health and healing rather than focusing on disease and treatment.
  • Conventional medicine is steeped in technologies focused on diagnosis, complex treatments, and interventions that may overlook more simple tools such as diet and lifestyle.

  When a provider or medical facility utilizes both complementary and conventional medical care, it is considered integrative medicine.

What are the benefits of integrative medicine?

People choose integrative medicine for two reasons, according to a 2020 systematic review: first, because of the projected benefits, and second, because they are unsatisfied with conventional care. (21)

Obviously, for something to be popular in the long run, the user must benefit. The scientifically verified benefits of integrative medicine are numerous and varied, according to a 2018 review, including:

• Enhanced treatment outcomes
• Improved emotional and mental well-being
• Increased patient satisfaction
• Improved symptoms, especially in the area of oncology with improvement reported for appetite, cognition, fatigue, pain, and sleep

The future of integrative medicine

“My aim for the future is that all health professionals will be taught integrated medicine, and payment incentives will be updated to favor its implementation,” stated Victoria Maizes, MD, Executive Director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine.”…integrative medicine is here to stay, and governments who disregard its valuable resources do so at their own economic and health costs,” wrote the authors of a paper on the future of medicine published in 2021. Integrative medicine must be integrated into medical research, teaching, and policy, the authors conclude. (18) While integrative medicine is undoubtedly here to stay, some say that it has always existed and that we only needed to find it.

In the future years, there will most certainly be an increase in both utilization and the quantity of integrative medicine programs available across North America. Both integrative medicine practitioners and their patients will benefit from this.

Consult an integrated healthcare practitioner if you’re interested in learning more about integrative medicine.