Integrative medicine is a type of treatment that combines conventional medical care with complementary therapies to treat the whole person. It emphasizes the importance of a patient’s overall wellness and uses evidence-based practices to improve your health. It is increasingly popular in cancer treatment centers. Here are some important things to know about integrative medicine.
Integrative medicine is based on a model of health and wellness
Integrative medicine is a health care model that uses a variety of alternative approaches to treat health problems. It complements existing medical treatment and encourages patient responsibility. Often, integrative physicians work in tandem with other medical professionals to create a customized care plan.
Integrative medicine focuses on the whole person rather than treating symptoms or disease. The holistic approach takes into account the patient’s emotional, psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence their well-being. Using a variety of natural and less-invasive treatments, integrative doctors strive to make each patient feel healthy.
It combines conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies
Integrative medicine is a growing field that uses a combination of traditional and complementary treatments to treat a patient’s health issues. Using a patient-centered approach, integrative medicine focuses on the whole person and encourages a compassionate relationship between the patient and the care providers. Conventional medicine involves the use of prescription medications and procedures carried out by medical doctors and allied health professionals. This is the type of care that most people in the United States are familiar with.
Patients suffering from cancer may be referred to a complementary health practitioner by their oncologist or by a cancer center. These practitioners may be certified by a state regulatory agency or affiliated with a professional organization. They can also be found through recommendations from family members or friends. Be sure to ask if the practitioner is certified and licensed and whether he or she has experience treating cancer patients.
It focuses on the whole person
Integrative medicine is a branch of modern medicine that focuses on the whole person, rather than treating specific symptoms or diseases. It aims to prevent and treat illness by incorporating lifestyle changes, mind-body medicine, and comprehensive patient education. Integrative practitioners evaluate a patient’s entire health, incorporating the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs into a unique health equation.
Integrative medicine focuses on the whole person, incorporating a range of evidence-based therapies, as well as lifestyle changes. It encourages people to be more aware of their health and to take responsibility for their own health. It also emphasizes the importance of good relationships between the patient and his or her health care provider. This relationship is critical in the healing process, so patients should be open and honest with their providers.
It is growing in cancer centers
In addition to standard treatment, integrative therapies can help patients feel more energetic, relieve symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. Increasingly, oncology providers are aware of integrative therapies and are willing to recommend them safely. They can guide patients toward these therapies, or refer patients to a practitioner who specializes in these techniques.
Integrative medicine can include any therapy that is based on research and peer-reviewed evidence. It can include yoga, meditation, dietary supplements, and herbs. Many cancer centers offer these therapies. Many of these centers are in academic health systems. Although the field of integrative medicine is still new, many cancer centers are incorporating it into their care.
It is a form of complementary medicine
Integrative medicine is an approach to health care that incorporates complementary and alternative medicine. The approach is not a replacement for conventional medicine but can be an important part of it. Acupuncture, for instance, has been used in the treatment of cancer patients because it can lessen side effects associated with chemo and cancer drugs. In addition to acupuncture, complementary medicine includes yoga, tai chi/qigong, massage, homeopathy, and natural products.
The benefits of integrative medicine include better overall health and less stress. The approach also encourages better self-care by encouraging patients to make lifestyle changes that support their health. By incorporating complementary medicine into a patient’s treatment regimen, they can regain control of their health and well-being.
It is a form of integrative medicine at Mount Sinai
The integrative medicine program at Mount Sinai includes clinical and community-based care. This program is a part of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, which has 32 community health centers serving the Mid-Hudson Valley. It is committed to serving all people and promoting a culture of inclusion. It also focuses on stress management and nutrition planning.
Integrative therapies include acupuncture, yoga, and mind-body approaches. They can be a substitute for conventional medical treatments and can help patients cope with physical and emotional challenges. Mount Sinai‘s geriatrics program offers a comprehensive array of integrative therapies, including yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction. It also offers a nutrition program that encourages patients to stay active.