What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine is a new patient-focused medical approach and philosophy that prioritises the well-being of patients suffering from chronic or acute health conditions through a combined use of medicine and evidence-based therapies. In simpler terms, integrative medicine is a personalised, holistic, and healing-oriented process that sees the patient's needs fully met by the health practitioner, who treats the patient as their equal, ensuring that they are receiving all of the appropriate treatments and therapies that the patient might need. 

What is the main aim of integrative medicine?

The main aim of integrative medicine is to provide patients with safe, effective, and evidence-based health care whilst addressing the physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental factors that greatly influence an individual's overall health. 

What are the main conditions treated by integrative medicine?

The integrative medicine therapeutic approach treats numerous amounts of health conditions. The main ones are as follows: 

• anxiety
• arthritis
• infertility
• heart disease
• irritable bowel syndrome
• menopause
• multiple sclerosis
• PTSD
• diabetes
• depression
• high blood pressure
• chronic pain
• depression
• cancer
• headaches and migraines
• fibromyalgia

What are the main therapies used in integrative medicine?

There are many complementary and alternative medicine therapies that are used in combination with more conventional medical care. These include the following: 

• mindfulness
• yoga
• natural supplements
• functional medicine
• acupuncture
• hypnotherapy
• therapeutic massage

What can I expect from my first visit with an integrative medicine practitioner?

During a patient's first visit with an integrative medicine practitioner, their medical history will be thoroughly examined. Once the causes of the patient's illness have been identified, the integrative medicine practitioner and patient will outline and agree on a personalised long-term wellness plan. 

Which medical professionals are integrative medicine practitioners?

Interestingly, there is a wide range of medical professionals who fall into the category of integrative medicine. Psychologists, psychiatrists, massage therapists, chiropractors, osteopathic medicine specialists, nurses, general practitioners, as well as acupuncture practitioners are all integrative medicine healthcare professionals.