Previously, the common terminology was “complementary and alternative medicine,” and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other academic groups have shifted toward the use of “integrative” and “complementary health” approaches and therapies instead. “To be safe, it’s best if you can coordinate your care with a doctor who is trained in conventional medicine techniques and is also very knowledgeable about other therapies, or works with someone who is,” Dr. Gaylord says. It’s important to have a primary care provider or internal medicine doctor who can aid in diagnosis and watch for things like side effects and medication interactions. Remember that “natural” doesn’t always equal safe or free of harm, which is why it’s so important to see someone who carries the required certifications or licenses in your state.
Potential Benefits
Each therapy has its own set of potential benefits versus risks, like every conventional therapy and medicine. For example, according to Parker, “meditation or acupuncture can help patients better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life by reducing fatigue, pain, and anxiety.” By using therapies that “support the body’s healing,” she says, people may have fewer side effects. If you’re interested in complementary and alternative health approaches, speak with your primary care physician about your goals for treatment or general well-being, and the therapies that you’d like to incorporate into your care. They can talk to you about the benefits (or help you research these) or refer you to someone who can (like a board-certified integrative medicine practitioner).
Safety
To ensure the safety of whatever therapy you choose to pursue, make sure to consult your primary care physician first. Then find certified and licensed practitioners in the treatment you choose.
Philosophy
The word to remember with integrative health approaches is “inclusive,” says Guerrera. Traditionally, we may have thought about medicine as only the practice of seeing your doctor. However, an integrative approach brings together doctors, nurses, pharmacists, as well as complementary and alternative medicine practitioners in their various specialties to collaborate on the approaches to health and healing that might be right for an individual patient, she says.
Potential Benefits
Parker notes that a good resource is the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine’s Find a Provider tool. The University of Arizona’s Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine also has a directory to find trained integrative healthcare practitioners who have gone through its programs, as well as another directory to find a certified integrative health or wellness coach. Interested in learning more about chiropractic care, evening primrose oil, massage, omega 3 fatty acids, and a whole lot more? Check out this A to Z guide, which covers a range of health conditions and alternative treatments. National Center for Integrative Primary Healthcare Download free patient education materials — available in English and Spanish — on a number of conditions, including diabetes, constipation, back pain, menopause, and more, and learn about the lifestyle changes and integrative therapies that may be appropriate. This site also includes patient handouts on some of the more common complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and aromatherapy, and their potential benefits and side effects.
Favorite Podcast for Integrative Health
Body of Wonder Hosts Andrew Weil and Victoria Maizes, both from the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, do deep dives into the latest evidence behind a variety of integrative therapies with experts in their field, including the use of psychedelics in mental health, mind-body approaches to chronic pain, a low FODMAP diet, medical cannabis, and more.
Favorite Books
Integrative Medicine Author David Rakel, MD, is the chair of the department of family medicine and community health at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison. His book is a go-to for physicians who are interested in learning about the safety and efficacy of specific integrative medicine approaches, says Guerrera. While it gets into the nitty-gritty and is designed for clinicians, the good news is that you can use it, too. The Integrative Guide to Good Health For a more consumer-friendly and less clinical book, The Integrative Guide to Good Health published by the Mayo Clinic features home remedies and alternative therapies that you can safely use at home to manage and prevent illness.
Favorite Magazine
Townsend Letter Parker recommends this monthly publication, which is fully focused on alternative medicine news, so you can stay up to date on the latest. Digital and print subscriptions are available.
Favorite App
My Wellness Coach Another resource from the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, this app uses an integrative whole-health model that encompasses mind, body, and spirit; helps you set health goals; gives you actionable steps to get there; and incorporates integrative health information into your care.
