Integrative medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that combines conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies, forming a part of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM). The goal is to bridge Western and traditional medicine to provide optimal health outcomes for clients. Key principles of integrative medicine include:
-Patient-Centred Care: Emphasizing a partnership between the patient and the healthcare provider, considering the patient’s unique needs, preferences, and values.
-Holistic Approach: Addressing all aspects of a person's life, including physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental influences.
-Evidence-Based: Combining the best available evidence from conventional medicine and complementary therapies to optimize patient care.
-Focus on Prevention and Wellness: Prioritizing preventive measures and promoting overall wellness rather than merely treating diseases.
-Use of Multiple Therapies: Incorporating a variety of therapeutic approaches such as:
- Conventional medical treatments (e.g., pharmaceuticals, surgery)
- Lifestyle interventions (e.g., nutrition, exercise, stress management)
- Mind-body practices (e.g., meditation, yoga)
- Natural and alternative therapies (e.g., herbal medicine, acupuncture)
-Collaborative Care: Involving a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care tailored to the individual patient.
A critical aspect of integrative medicine is accurate diagnosis, relying heavily on modern medical science to derive this. Recognizing that ‘one size fits all’ is not applicable, integrative medicine offers many Eastern and traditional medicine treatments beyond what modern medicine provides. It aims to educate clients about their treatment options, emphasizing those with low risk, low side effects, and low dependence while ensuring sustained health improvements and recovery. This empowers patients to take an active role in their health and healing processes, fostering a sense of well-being and improving quality of life.
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