Integrative medicine seeks to incorporate the knowledge of various disciplines in order to promote an individual’s overall well-being. It is based on the notion that a person should be healthy in mind, body, and spirit in order to function well in society. The goal of this type of medical services is to improve the quality of life of the individual and to reduce the chances of illness, disease, or injury.
Types And Uses Of Integrative Medicine
In some cases, traditional medicine and integrative medicine may be used in the same clinic. This practice is known as complementary medicine. These practices make use of traditional therapies and techniques and combine them with the use of alternative medicines and procedures. The goal of these practices is to help individuals recover from medical conditions and injuries without relying on conventional treatments. Below are some types and its uses of integrative medicine:
In some cases, traditional medicine and integrative medicine may be used in the same clinic. This practice is known as complementary medicine. These practices make use of traditional therapies and techniques and combine them with the use of alternative medicines and procedures. The goal of these practices is to help individuals recover from medical conditions and injuries without relying on conventional treatments. Below are some types and its uses of integrative medicine:
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- Acupuncture – This ancient Chinese practice may help relieve nausea and vomiting. It also may help ease cancer pain and hot flashes.
- Aromatherapy – This treatment uses fragrant oils to improve health or mood. It also may help ease pain, nausea, stress, and depression. Although generally safe, these oils can cause allergic reactions, headaches, and nausea in some people.
- Massage therapy – This type of bodywork may help relieve anxiety, nausea, pain, and depression. Before you have massage therapy, ask your provider if the therapist should avoid any areas of your body.
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- Meditation – Practicing meditation has been shown to ease anxiety, fatigue, stress, and sleep problems.
- Ginger – This herb may help ease the nausea of cancer treatment when it is used with standard anti-nausea medicines.
- Yoga – This ancient mind-body practice may help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. Before doing yoga, be sure to check with your provider to see if there are any poses or kinds of classes you should avoid.
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- Biofeedback – This therapy may help ease the pain of cancer. It also may help with sleeping problems.
- Nutritional supplements – Certain foods and nutrients can be used in supplements for certain illnesses and diseases, such as Vitamin C and Zinc for the immune system, and herbs for chronic illnesses
Holistic health – Holistic health care may include vitamin supplements and herbal dietary supplements, as well as part of the treatment process.
Health Care Models For Integrative Health
Choose Your Practitioner Wisely
This approach to treating health problems is also beneficial to individuals who have recently undergone medical procedures, such as plastic surgery or radiation treatment. Many physicians today believe that it is important to use the entire system of traditional medicine in order to improve the patient’s overall health and wellness. They believe that most diseases and illnesses can be treated successfully with a combination of conventional and alternative approaches. Here are some tips on choosing integrative health practitioners:
- Talk with your doctor. Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations. He or she can also be a sounding board for advice you get from integrative health practitioners.
- Ask questions. Ask practitioners about their education, training, licenses, and certifications. Ask if they specialize in particular diseases or conditions and whether they frequently treat people with problems like yours. Also, ask what treatment costs and find out whether your health insurance will cover it.
- Call your local health department. Ask about state or local certifying, licensing, or accreditation bodies for the practice you’re considering.
- Contact a local hospital or medical school. They often keep lists of integrative medicine practitioners in the area. Some have their own practitioners on staff.
- Check the national association. Find the professional organization that represents the field you’re considering. That group may have helpful information on training, licensing, and certification requirements.
Don’t Assume That Natural Means Safe
Herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements are often marketed as natural products, but that doesn’t guarantee that they’re safe. These products can have serious side effects. Even some vitamins and minerals can cause problems when taken in large amounts.
The Bottom Line
There are many other alternatives to traditional and alternative medicine, including acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic care, and homeopathy. But you should be careful when choosing your integrative medicine practitioner. Alternative medicine has many advantages for those who wish to try out different treatment options for their health problems. The main focus of these practices is to encourage good health and well-being, without the reliance on traditional medications or prescription drugs. These practices not only offer relief from acute conditions, but they can also be used to strengthen the immune system and help improve overall health.
