Differences Between Complementary And Integrative Health Care
Integrative Health Care
In recent years, integrative health has become one of the most popular terms used to describe a variety of modalities, practices, and theories regarding wellness. Many people feel a general sense of wellbeing and wellness when they practice integrative health techniques, practices, or treatments. What exactly is this type of holistic health?
Integrative Health Care
Traditionally, the word integrative health is defined as the merging of alternative and conventional medicine (CAM). However, many prefer to use the term non-traditional or integrative health care when describing the practice. For example, if someone is interested in receiving treatment for chronic pain from a traditional CAM type physician, and also wants to take an herbal supplement to relieve pain related to depression, then they would be described as using integrative health care. On the other hand, if the person wants to pursue CAM alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, Reiki, or massage therapy, then this individual would not be described as suffering from non-traditional or integrative health problems. In this way, this term is used to describe a non-conventional approach to healthcare, which is becoming more prevalent in modern medicine as well.
Benefits Of Integrative Health Care
In order to restore the natural balance of the body to achieve wellness, it encourages the synthesis of mind, body, and spirit. The five most important benefits cited by patients and practitioners of integrative medicine include:
- Healing-oriented: It starts with the presumption that there is a broken physiological equilibrium that contributes to illness and disease manifestations.
- Focus on the mind, body, and spirit: The emphasis is on restoring equilibrium and recognizing variables that may influence the willingness of the patient to comply with guidelines such as cultural dietary restrictions or the failure to comply with an exercise regimen due to work commitments.
- Emphasizing the therapeutic relationship: There is a greater chance of completion in the approved medication when overcoming challenges to dietary improvements and care adherence.
- Personalized medicine: From air exposure to intimate relationships, patients are asked for everything.
- Using all appropriate therapies: The plurality of integrative providers recommend clinical research-enabled treatments.
Types Of Integrative Health Care
By reducing weakness, discomfort, and anxiety, integrative therapy may help patients with cancer, persistent pain, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and many other disorders to better control their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Here are some types of integrative medicine:
- Acupuncture
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Dietary Supplements
- Massage Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Meditation
Complementary Health Care
Complementary health care is a health and well-being approach that uses techniques that are not considered to be part of conventional Western medicine practices. As the name says, supplementary health services should be used alongside the primary care given by the doctor, not in lieu of it. With exception of alternative medicine, complementary medicine is distinct. Alternative medicine, whereas alternative medicine is used along with traditional medicine, is used outside of conventional medicine. The use of a special diet to cure cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy prescribed by a doctor is an example of an alternative treatment.
Benefits of Complementary Health Care
No research exists to indicate that cancer is avoided or treated by some form of complementary therapy. There is still also little research data for certain treatments that suggest that they help with such symptoms. Here are some benefits of complementary:
- Using therapies to help you feel better: Complementary treatments are also used by patients to make them sleep better and deal with cancer and recovery. The way you cope, how you feel plays a role.
- Reducing symptoms or side effects: There is growing evidence that such alternative treatments can help manage certain cancer symptoms and side effects of treatment.
- Feeling more control: It can also feel as though the doctor made all of the medical
- decisions. It can sound like you have no influence on what's going to happen to you.
- Natural Healing Therapies: Many patients like the idea to be healed by natural and nontoxic medication.
- Staying positive: For certain patients, maintaining a good attitude is a vital aspect of dealing with cancer. Wanting and wishing for a solution is natural, even though the doctor says that this may be impossible.
Integrative Health Institutions
There are several schools of thought about integrative health care. Some experts believe that it is not a reaction against traditional Western medicine, but rather a re-education process that helps individuals to become more educated about the value of balancing mind, body, and spirit. Others believe that many of the difficulties faced by people today can be attributed to the lack of balance in their lifestyles.
Practitioners
Some practitioners also teach patients how to incorporate all of the natural healing approaches in their everyday lives. They teach patients to eat better, take vitamins and supplements, get more exercise, reduce stress, and incorporate meditation and relaxation techniques into their daily routine. Many integrative health approaches are based on scientific evidence. While these modalities are considered alternative forms of medicine, some traditional doctors and medical services practitioners have adopted them as part of the mainstream treatment approach. For example, integrative psychotherapy is sometimes used in conjunction with standard treatments. A licensed mental health professional could provide cognitive behavior therapy in addition to standard psychotherapy, for instance.
Conclusion
When it comes to preventive care, there is no substitute for testing for infections before they develop into full-blown illnesses. Some of these medications have even been linked to organ damage. Integrative medicine proposes that the best approach is to utilize all-natural products and avoid using conventional medical services and products unless they are absolutely necessary. While it's true that there are many commonalities between integrative and complementary alternative medicine practices, their differences also exist. It's important to discuss any changes in your health regimen with your primary care physician and ask him or her about the different approaches, conventional medicine may be able to offer you. Your health deserves the same importance that it was given during the time of Hippocrates. The key is to recognize what works for you and do it!
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