Integrative medicine for a better quality of life

Integrative medicine is a new term that emphasizes the combination of both conventional and complementary approaches to address the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of health and illness.

It emphasizes respect for the human capacity for healing, the importance of the relationship between the practitioner and the patient, a collaborative approach to patient care among practitioners, and the practice of conventional and complementary health care that is evidence-based

In treating disease, complementary therapies are not substitutes for mainstream medical care. They are used in concert with medical treatment to help alleviate stress, reduce pain and anxiety, manage symptoms, and promote a feeling of well-being.

Integrative medicine is an approach to treatment and prevention that intentionally uses conventional medical treatments alongside other practices such as nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, massage, acupuncture and energy work for maximum benefit and a higher quality of life.

The terms complementary medicine and alternative medicine are often used synonymously but in fact there are very important distinctions between the two. Complementary medicine is always evidence-based.