“What is the difference between Integrative Medicine and Alternative Medicine?”
Alternative Medicine is a term used to describe over 100 healing therapies not traditionally taught in medical school. Integrative Medicine, on the other hand, is a rapidly expanding field with the primary mission to restore the soul of medicine.
Whether you are pregnant, scheduled for heart surgery, experiencing depression, or have diabetes, Integrative Medicine couples the best of conventional scientific medicine with a broader perspective on the nature of illness, healing, and well-being.
When receiving Integrative care, you will work with a provider who is focused on healing the whole person and actively encourages you to participate in improving your health. In addition to being trained in conventional scientific medicine, they are open-minded and knowledgeable about:
- Alternative therapies or health systems such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, chiropractics, yoga, massage, meditation or other mind-body practices
- Appropriate use of dietary supplements including herbs and vitamins
- Healthy aging practices such as fitness, movement therapy, stress management practices, healthy eating and smoking cessation
- Activating the body’s innate healing response
- The healing potential of meaningful patient-provider relationships
- The importance of empowering patients and helping them navigate through the maze of therapies available today
- Serving as role models and guides to their patients