What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine is an approach to wellness that combines:

• Conventional (traditional Western) medicine, which includes medications, surgery and lifestyle changes.
• Complementary medicine, i.e., therapies that are not part of traditional Western medicine. Care may include chiropractic therapy, yoga, meditation and more.

What type of provider delivers integrative medicine?

You receive care from an individual practitioner or a team of providers, representing:

Traditional Western medicine: Providers who have completed formal medical training deliver conventional therapies. This approach focuses on evidence-based care. You may receive services from:

• Medical doctors (MD).
• Doctors of osteopathy (DO).
• Physician assistants (PA).
• Nurse practitioners (NP).

Complementary medicine: Healers may come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are board-certified in integrative medicine, meaning they passed rigorous exams. Others are licensed therapists.

They may be:

• Doctors of chiropractic or naturopathic medicine.
• Massage therapists.
• Energy healers.
• Acupuncturists.

How can integrative medicine help me?

Integrative medicine uses a variety of techniques to deliver whole-person care. Complementary therapies work with traditional treatments to heal your mind, body and spirit.

Complementary therapies do not replace conventional treatments. They help you cope with symptoms, complications or side effects.

Who is integrative medicine for?

Many patients can benefit from integrative medicine. People with long-lasting (chronic) or complex medical conditions are particularly likely to benefit from these approaches. They may be living with:

Physical ailments

• Asthma.
• Cancer.
• Chronic pain.
• Diabetes.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Headaches.
• Infertility.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Joint pain.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Nausea.
• Neck pain.
• Sciatica.

Mental illness

• Addiction.
• Anxiety disorders.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Depression.
• Insomnia.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).