Integrated medicine (or integrative medicine as it is referred to in the United States) is practising medicine in a way that selectively incorporates elements of complementary and alternative medicine into comprehensive treatment plans alongside solidly orthodox methods of diagnosis and treatment.
Integrated medicine is not simply a synonym for complementary medicine. Complementary medicine refers to treatments that may be used as adjuncts to conventional treatment and are not usually taught in medical schools. Integrated medicine has a larger meaning and mission, its focus being on health and healing rather than disease and treatment. It views patients as whole people with minds and spirits as well as bodies and includes these dimensions into diagnosis and treatment. It also involves patients and doctors working to maintain health by paying attention to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and quality of rest.
Integrated Medicine Lead Bodies
For more information, please select Lead Body 1 – The British Society of Integrated Medicine or Lead Body 2 – The National Center for Complementary Health and Integrative Health in Resources on the left, to be redirected to the British Society of Integrated Medicine.
Other Evidence Sources:
NIH Research Results
View Principles and Practice of IM Evidence Source 1 – NNCCIH Research Results to learn about the results of research funded or administered by NCCIH, as well as wider information about scientific studies on complementary health practices.