What is Integrative Medicine

WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE?

The term Integrative Medicine (IM) refers to the blending of conventional and natural/complementary medicines and/or therapies along with lifestyle interventions and a holistic approach – taking into account the physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing of the person – with the aim of using the most appropriate, safe and evidence-based modality(ies) available.
(AIMA joint working party/RACGP : ‘Best Practice’ document)

 

Integrative Medicine is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.
Developed and Adopted by The Consortium, May 2004 Edited May 2009 and November 2009

 

 COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES AND THERAPIES (CAM)

AIMA supports the definition of Complementary Medicines and Therapies (CAM) by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) which states that:

Complementary and alternative medicine, as defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM),is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.[1]
 
NCCAM classifies natural, complementary and alternative medicines into five categories, or domains:
 

1. Alternative Medical Systems- Alternative medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice such as homeopathic and naturopathic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.

2. Mind-Body Interventions - These interventions include patient support groups, meditation, prayer, spiritual healing, and therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music, or dance.

3. Biologically Based Therapies- These therapies include the use of herbs, foods, vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements

4. Manipulative and Body-Based Methods- These methods include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, and massage.

5. Energy Therapies- Energy therapies involve the use of energy fields. They are of two types:

Biofield therapies such as qi gong, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch, and bioenergetic therapies involving the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating-current and/or alternating and direct-current fields.

[1] National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), 2002. What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?, May 2002, USA. Last Modified: 21 October 2002. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/