Integrative Medicine is the intersection between "conventional" medicine and the "Complimentary-Alternative Medicine (CAM)" that comprises the medical mainstream in most of the world. In the last century CAM's growing interest and practice in the west inspired the creation of NCCAM (the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine); the federal government's lead agency tasked with the exploration and evaluation of CAM practices against high scientific standards, and providing professionals and the public with timely, authorative information.
According to the NCCAM, CAM practices cannot become Integrative Medicine until they have demonstrated some high quality scientific evidence for their safety and efficacy. In this sense, Integrative Medicine's techniques and treatments have earned a kind of endorsement from the conventional medical establishment. This draws our attention to that body of "un-endorsed" Complimentary and Alternative Medical Practices: systems of theory and practice originating in other cultures, (traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Native American), or in Western traditions, such as homeopathy and naturopathy. Un-endorsed however does not necessarily mean un-recognized. In fact NCCAM recognizes that while "not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine...some scientific evidence exists regarding some CAM therapies ... and a large part of NCCAM's mission is the study and further evaluation of this huge body of medical practices.
According to the NCCAM, CAM practices cannot become Integrative Medicine until they have demonstrated some high quality scientific evidence for their safety and efficacy. In this sense, Integrative Medicine's techniques and treatments have earned a kind of endorsement from the conventional medical establishment. This draws our attention to that body of "un-endorsed" Complimentary and Alternative Medical Practices: systems of theory and practice originating in other cultures, (traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Native American), or in Western traditions, such as homeopathy and naturopathy. Un-endorsed however does not necessarily mean un-recognized. In fact NCCAM recognizes that while "not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine...some scientific evidence exists regarding some CAM therapies ... and a large part of NCCAM's mission is the study and further evaluation of this huge body of medical practices.
Using Integrative Medicine to Augment and Enhance "Traditional" Medical Care
Doctor Terlinsky prescribes Integrative Medicine-based therapies when they are appropriate and desired by patients. IM therapies share an important distinction compared to many other "Complimentary-Alternative" (CAM) therapies: in a greater degree of supporting science either by clinical trial or other supporting data. Nevertheless, we may consider other CAM therapies when they meet the following criteria:
- The body's natural healing ability
- Emphasising prevention over treatment
- Doctors and patients as "partners" working toward a common goal.
- "Conventional" and "alternative" medicine working together toward the common goal.
- Using natural, less invasive interventions whenever possible
Relationship and patient-centered care:
Another important IM concept is "self care". Integrative physicians strive to not only provide health care, but also to educate - teaching patients to practice preventative measures in day-to-day living. We also practice what we preach. (- or try. In other words, if you see our waistlines bulging you can call us on the carpet!)Preventative Medicine.
Focusing on the root causes, rather than the symptoms of an illness prevents the cascading effect to promote long term total wellness.