Integrative Medicine: A Health Paradigm of the Future

Abstract

Integrative medicine is a medical approach for health and healing which integrates mainstream therapies (conventional), with traditional, complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). It is intended to support those therapies with defined procedures with safety and efficacy so it is considered evidenced-based, but with a holistic and preventive approach. Since late 20th century the interaction of therapists and techniques lead to the recognition of this integrative concept. It is classified into five categories or domains: Alternative medical systems (Ayurveda, Chinese, Kempo), natural products or biological therapies (phytotherapy, trophotherapy, aromatherapy, zootherapy), main-body medicine (yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy), body manipulation practices (chiropractic, massage, shiatzu, lymphatic drainage) and movement-energy therapies (qui gong, reiki, tai chi quan). This approach is expanding among leading universities and is being articulated with conventional medicine for improving public and private health systems worldwide, increasing available therapies from cultural, economic and ecological points of view. It is expected that this concept will lead modern health approach for patients satisfaction, improving health care systems in developing countries and providing fair access to health and beauty by everybody.