Integrative Medicine: Combining Conventional and Alternative Therapies

Introduction

The new trend of integrative medicine is the vehicle of conventional medicine and alternative medical therapies, thus both whole person and holistic healing are its goal Specifically, it seeks to take the rules of action as an important part health care system which they are not just for our physical but also our entire mental totality Integrative medicine combines the strengths of both conventional and alternative therapies to create a well-balanced, whole health approach for patients.

The Basis of Integrative Medicine

The basic idea of integrative medicine is that patients are at the center of their own healing process Illness may have its roots in any aspect of life for an indi- vidual, social as well as environmental, psychological and thus integrative medicine treats not just symptoms but root causes as well to support the body natural healing the best possible While conventional medicine is essential for probing and treating acute illnesses, infections and emergencies, with these chronic diseases it often must be supplemented by unconventional cures.

The Function of Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies range from acupuncture to herbal medicine, from chiropractic to yoga and meditation, as well as dietary advice In the West they have been used for thousands of years, and scientific evidence is now backing their increasingly widespread practice They aim to enhance wellness and to prevent disease Second, they also treat the body’s own chronic conditions before natural healing starts.

Yet, when the cure doesnt work there are no guarantees of success Once again this integrative medicine characteristic: alternative therapies are a supplement to but not replacement for conventional treatment. If acupuncture might be combined with painkillers to alleviate Chronic Pain, then it is a beneficial eye of meditation that is recommended in order to lower stresses in our living affairs and also makes for calmness of mind.It is a feature of integrative medicine that patient care is individualized. Every human being is unique, what works for one will not necessary be effective with someone else. Therefore, one thing integrative medicine does is spend time fully outlining their health profile for each person.How the patient’s illness history is viewed: from the variants of the disease and any pre-existing conditions involved, to his dietary provisions or liking for beverages such as tea or coffee, integrative medicine professionals scrutinize every aspect of a patient’s lifestyle and preferences. Instead, they collaborate with patients to produce customized therapy programs that draw on both conventional science and its complementary treatments.For example, a patient with recurring migraine might undergo conventional treatment in the form of medicine and neurological evaluation, but also take on such alternative therapies as biofeedback, forms of stress management or diet changes. Such a tailor-made approach brings all sides of a patient’s health together and as such provides naturally for better overall results.

Scientific Proof, Popular Acceptance

The convergence of conventional and alternative medicine is meeting with widespread approval in the medical establishment. In response to more and more evidence emerging to show that some alternative therapies actually work, researchers at major Western institutes of medical science such as Stanford have followed suit and begun to take them seriously.Showing how things like mindfulness meditation, yoga, qi gong, and acupuncture can enhance quality-of life; alleviate symptoms from chronic diseases such as diabetes or arthritis and also make conventional treatments more successful. According to Professor Angelea Spees of the department of nursing at the University of Kentucky, “the most effective means or treatments for diabetes are those designed to benefit the whole person-not just one part”.Studies have now shown that mindfulness meditation works. As people’s blood pressure falls and they start to sleep better with it (among other things), their depression disappears effortlessly as well.Similarly, tests utilizing meridians in acupuncture at three Chinese hospitals have found that a wide range of indications (pain relief, help to digestion and strengthen the immune system) are involved. The more research like this has been done on commonly-used therapeutic measures such as these- to prove their role in human health- so they have increasingly found acceptance within mainstream medical practice.

Problems and New Views It is interesting to note that combined medicine is not without its problems. Traditional health-care professionals (as well as being the target of a certain amount of stubborn opposition) have been concerned with the lack of control over, and standardization for alternative medicine therapies.

Patients and healthcare providers need to work together to ensure that every therapy is both safe and evidence-based, and that it suits the needs of that individual.

Education and communication However, the main barrier moving forward is to overcome. For example patients will need educate physician about the alternative medicine therapies they are using. And practitioners must stay informed both about new research findings in this field as well as what works best for integrated healthcare.

Summary Integrative medicine is not ‘I am the way you are’ approach bring personalized quality care and concept ‘holistic’ together in consultation. It is a common practice universal folk industrial to take advantage of modern medical resources and combined with natural healing methods, we can come up effective way towards all aspects of health restoration and maintenance. As this integration matures and takes root- promises to revolutionise health care in ways never before dreamed of-l will provide patients with treatments that are safe and effective tools for them on their journey towards wellness.