Nowadays, integrative medicine is in great demand due to its many benefits. In particular, it brings together the treatments of conventional medicine with those offered by natural medicine, in order to provide a more complete approach to chronic diseases. It’s even recognized for its role in increasing quality of life and favorable prognoses.
In other words, it’s a therapeutic modality that doesn’t ignore the beneficial effects of many natural treatments, without neglecting the relevant role played by Western medicine. In other words, both complement each other and this favors the success of the applied treatments. Would you like to find out more about it?
Benefits and Uses of Integrative Medicine
Integrative medicine is considered an approach to wellness due to its effectiveness. It encompasses many different factors that affect patient health, such as their physiological, psychological, nutritional, and even social condition.
What it tries to do is implement natural and minimally invasive options, such as spiritual, emotional, environmental, and nutritional therapies, but without detracting from the importance of medical treatment. Let’s have a detailed look at its main uses and benefits.
1. Chronic diseases
Undoubtedly, the people who benefit most from integrative medicine practices are those suffering from chronic diseases. As stated in a publication in Frontiers of Medicine, it’s an appropriate application for human health, as it considers the body as a holistic entity.
It involves a global analysis of the causes of diseases, which allows the choice of more effective therapies. That said, it can be applied in the following conditions:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Infertility
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Joint pain
- Multiple sclerosis
- Sciatica
Likewise, it’s used in mental disorders, such as the following:
- Addictions
- Anxiety disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
2. Quality of life
Of course, one of the main purposes of integrative medicine is to promote patients’ quality of life, independently of any improvements at a physical level. In this regard, a study reported in Cancer Management and Research concluded that this modality of medicine can improve health-related quality of life in cancer patients.
This is largely explained by its fundamental basis:
- Treating the patient as a whole being.
- Focusing on addressing the root causes, beyond the symptoms.
- Not neglecting the psychological and nutritional aspects.
- Adopting a personalized approach.
- Strengthening the doctor-patient relationship.
- Considering the environment in which the patient lives.
3. Prevention of diseases and complications
Apart from being used in diagnosed diseases, integrative medicine has gained importance as an ally for prevention. Research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine highlights the potential of integrative care to increase the likelihood of success in the stages prior to pathology.
According to the publication, at a primary prevention level, this modality contributes to health promotion through dietary counseling, lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques, and the use of natural products.
As for secondary prevention, approaches such as stress management and lifestyle changes are relevant. Finally, as regards tertiary prevention, the simultaneous use of complementary and conventional therapies prevents complications, while having a positive impact on the management of symptoms.
Types of therapies in integrative medicine
When we speak of integrative medicine, it’s necessary to start with a consultation with a physician or specialist. The professional will be, in the first instance, responsible for determining the best approach for the disease, based on conventional options.
Once this is done, they can evaluate complementary therapies that are suitable to mitigate symptoms and reduce complications or side effects. Some of the more prominent ones are as follows:
- Dietary or nutritional therapy
- Herbal supplements
- Probiotics
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
- Biofeedback
- Hypnotherapy
- Meditation
- Reiki (energy healing)
- Yoga and tai chi
- Acupuncture
- Therapeutic massages
- Aromatherapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Reflexology
Possible risks
In the first instance, it’s essential to be clear that the therapies proposed with integrative medicine don’t replace medical treatments. Rather, they’re complementary. However, even though they’re usually of natural origin, they aren’t always the most recommended.
So, before choosing one option or another, you need to enquire about their contraindications or possible side effects. Some practices aren’t suitable for certain diseases, as they increase the risk of complications or interactions with medications.
To clarify any doubts, it’s a good idea to consult the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. It’s also a good idea to tell your doctor about your intention to use complementary methods. It’s advisable to have supervision, not only for safety, but also to ensure success.
Summary – Integrative medicine
It’s no coincidence that the methods proposed by integrative medicine are a success. There’s growing evidence of the benefits of integrative therapies in addressing different chronic conditions. However, this doesn’t take away the need to maintain conventional treatment.
In the first place, you should seek medical advice, especially in the case of serious diseases with a tendency to become more chronic over time. Once the approach has been defined, other options can be considered to complement it.
