Integrative medicine is an alternative to the conventional healthcare model. As the American healthcare system becomes more stressed and patient-centered care becomes more difficult to find, more people are searching for other types of healthcare. The integrative practice focuses on the whole human being — community, spirit, mind, and body, not just organs, bones, and flesh — and is steadily becoming a logical and desirable option for many people.
What is the Integrative Practice?
Integrative methods focus on the entire person and make use of all appropriate disciplines, healthcare professionals, and therapeutic approaches in order to achieve optimal healing and health. It combines conventional, state-of-the-art medical treatments with other carefully selected therapies that are shown to be safe and effective. The goal is to unite conventional medicine and the best it has to offer with other healing therapies and systems that are derived from ideas and cultures both new and old. At its core, the integrative approach is based upon a model of wellness and health, as opposed to a model of disease. Whenever possible, the integrative approach favors the use of low-cost, low-tech interventions.
Who Should Consider the Integrative Approach?
Although there are a number of reasons why people might turn to the integrative approach, studies show that the majority do so because they consider integrative medicine to be more aligned with their philosophies, beliefs, and values about life and health than a strictly traditional medical approach is. Some people believe that it is only logical to incorporate strategies from many different proven methods. Others prefer the personal, customized care that comes with the integrative approach’s whole-person perspective. Patients feel that an integrative approach can help them maintain or achieve the best health possible.
What Types of Therapies Are Included?
There are hundreds of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that can be used simultaneously with conventional treatments. However, the key to getting the most out of the integrative approach is to utilize only those therapies that are proven to be effective, safe, and appropriate for each individual patient’s health condition and status. CAM therapies that are based on evidence and typically used in conjunction with traditional medical care include certain biofield therapies, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, guided imagery, mindfulness techniques, and yoga.
Does Insurance Pay for Integrative Approaches?
Many health insurance providers do not offer coverage for the alternative and complementary therapies that are typically used in integrative approaches. However, some companies do select certain treatments such as acupuncture and several mind-body therapies. Before pursuing these treatments, patients are encouraged to speak with their insurance companies and to be clear about the exact CAM treatments they wish to pursue as part of the integrative approach. In addition, patients whose insurance policies do not offer coverage for CAM therapies may consider discussing self-payment options with the caregivers and providers with whom they will be seeking treatment. Keep in mind that patients with healthcare reimbursement programs through their employers may be covered for integrative therapies.
The integrative approach is a type of medical care that focuses on healing and takes one’s entire self into consideration, including all aspects of his or her lifestyle. This practice is informed by evidence, focuses on the therapeutic relationship between patient and practitioner, and makes use of all appropriate therapies. Those who are looking to go beyond the standard treatment methods may consider integrative medicine approaches such as acupuncture, yoga, hypnotherapy, and other mindfulness techniques to help them move along in the healing process.
