Bridging the Gap: Integrative Medicine in Modern Clinical Practice

This is an excerpt of a larger article that can be found via the link below.

As a health professional, do you incorporate integrative approaches into your clinical practice? A recent report from Harvard Health indicates that about two-thirds of Americans aged 50 to 80 now use some form of integrative medicine for their health and well-being.1

Integrative medicine first emerged in the U.S. in the 1930s through the efforts of medical practitioners called “drugless healers.” These practitioners, including naturopaths, chiropractors, midwives, herbalists, shamans, indigenous medicine practitioners, and others, were marginalized after the 1910 Flexner Report, which called for the standardization of medical education and led to the exclusion of many alternative practices.2

In this article, we will explore the historical origins, modern definitions, clinical uses, community support, guiding principles, and challenges and opportunities of integrative medicine.

Origins and Evolution of Integrative Medicine

The term “drugless healers” is historically associated with a 19th-century Germanic philosophy centered around a “nature cure” that embraced the body’s inherent drive to maintain health. This drive was regarded as an intelligent “vital force,” considered divine by some, permeating every atom, molecule, and cell. The philosophy emphasized natural remedies and holistic approaches, contrasting sharply with the emerging pharmaceutical and surgical practices of the time. This vital force was seen as capable of re-establishing homeostatic conditions to promote healing.3

Fast forward to the present, the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine defines integrative medicine (IM) as “healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies.”4

To further elaborate on this modern approach, the Center outlines eight defining principles. These principles include openness to new paradigms founded in good science and the prioritization of illness prevention and health promotion. Uniquely and critically, the last principle states, “Practitioners of integrative medicine should exemplify its principles and commit themselves to self-exploration and self-development.”

Integrative Medicine in Clinical Practice

As a health professional who has incorporated integrative medicine into my practice, I was inspired to do so through self-exploration and engaging in contemplative practices. These practices can take many forms, both ancient and modern, and often involve mindful movement followed by being still, which helps calm the mind.

Regularly practicing these activities can draw our attention to our inner experiences. Some people even describe becoming more aware of their internal sensations or vital energy, while others experience spontaneous insights, inspirations, or a boost in creativity.

The integration of these practices into clinical settings can be highly beneficial:

Incorporating acupuncture and mindfulness practices for pain management.

Utilizing yoga therapy to support all aspects of a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to self-care for individuals with chronic conditions.

Employing contemplative practices featuring mindful movement to assist with nervous system self-regulation to reduce stress and enhance patient outcomes.

Evidence-based research supports these approaches, showing significant benefits in various health conditions. For instance, acupuncture can effectively reduce chronic pain, yoga therapy can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and mindfulness meditation can enhance mental health and reduce stress.
For the entire article visit /https://www.medbridge.com/blog/2024/07/bridging-the-gap-integrative-medicine-in-modern-clinical-practice/