Integrative Medicine- A New and Emerging Discipline in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Integrative medicine is the need of the hour. It focuses on a holistic approach to the treatment of a disease. Here
conventional medical treatment is done along with customized integrative modalities. The aim is not to replace standard
treatment but to integrate well-researched safe intervention of complementary treatment with regular therapies. We need
more research on the symbiosis of the modern western allopathic system of medicine with complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) for curing diseases with the mental and emotional wellness of patients. CAM use is common in
individuals with chronic health problems in USA; 70-90% of patients with arthritis and 50% with irritable bowel syndrome
use CAM. Push and pull factors explain this phenomenon. Push factors include the perceived failure and adverse effects of
conventional medicine and dissatisfaction with its reliance on technology. Pull factors include the perceived effectiveness of
CAM and belief that CAM offers a holistic and patient-centred approach.