Integrative medicine refers to the blending of conventional and evidence based complementary medicines and therapies with the aim of using the most appropriate of either or both modalities to care for the patient as a whole. Integrative medicine, like general practice, embraces and encourages a holistic approach to practice that incorporates patient involvement in self healthcare, prevention and lifestyle interventions.
Complementary and the Alternative Medicine classifies the complementary and alternative therapies, regardless of any supporting evidence base, into five categories or domains.
Alternative medical systems
Alternative medical systems are built on the complete systems of theory and practice. Examples of alternative medical systems have developed in the Western cultures include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine. Examples of systems include traditional Chinese medicine, and the Ayurveda.
Mind-body interventions
Mind-body medicine uses range of techniques designed to enhance mind’s capacity to affect the bodily function and the symptoms. Some techniques, which were considered complementary and alternative therapies in past, have become mainstream (eg. patient support groups and the cognitive behavioural therapy). Meditation, prayer, mental healing, and the therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music or dance are considered as complementary and alternative therapies.
Biologically based therapies
Biologically based therapies in the complementary and alternative therapies use substances found in the nature such as herbs, foods, and the vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements and herbal products. Some uses of dietary supplements have been incorporated into the conventional medicine, for example, folic acid for prevention of neural tube defects and cholecalciferol when serum vitamin D levels are below normal for the prevention of osteoporosis.
Manipulative and body based methods
Manipulative and body based methods in the complementary and alternative therapies are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation and massage.
Energy therapies
Energy therapies involve the use of energy fields. They are of two types.
Biofield therapies involve the existence of energy fields that have not been scientifically proven. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate the biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating body by placing hands in, or through, these fields. Examples include qi gong, Reiki and therapeutic touch.
Bioelectromagnetic based therapies involve unconventional use of electromagnetic fields such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating current or direct current fields.