By Bonnie Crosier, RMT, IARP and Susan Kirk, RMT, Energy Therapies Alliance of Central Illinois
Twenty years ago holistic modalities were called “alternative” medicine, then they were called “complementary” medicine, and now they are known as “integrative” medicine. The evolution of the name tells a great deal of how many therapies were once seen as outside conventional medicine and are now being woven into it as an integral part of the healing process. The term “integrative medicine” was popularized by, among others, the well-respected advocates Deepak Chopra and Andrew Weil.
What is integrative medicine? The Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine defines integrative medicine as:
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.
The Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine was founded in 1999 and has grown to 57 members in 2014. The Consortium’s goal is to advance the practice of integrative medicine by bringing together medical colleges that include integrative medicine in their medical education. Some of the more well-known members are Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, and Mayo Clinic.
Mayo Clinic physicians conduct dozens of clinical studies every year to learn which complementary and alternative medicine treatments work best. They share that information with their patients and can then use these as a complement to their traditional medical practices. The integrative medicine program at MD Anderson Cancer Center engages patients and their families to become active participants in improving their physical, psycho-spiritual, and social health. Their goals are to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes through personalized evidence-based clinical care including research and education.
Some of the more common integrative practices are:
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Biofeedback
- Chinese Medicine
- Chiropractic
- Energy Therapy such as Reiki
- Herbal
- Homeopathy
- Hypnotherapy
- Massage Therapy
- Meditation
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition Consultation
- Relaxation Techniques
- Spiritual Healing
- Yoga
The American Board of Physician Specialties announced in June 2013, that in 2014 it will begin accrediting doctors in integrative medicine. Board certification is the educational gold standard for physicians to attain in their particular area of study and practice. While medical licensure sets the minimum competency requirements to diagnose and treat patients, it is not specialty specific. Medical specialty certification in the United States is a voluntary process. Board certification demonstrates a physician’s expertise in a particular specialty and/or subspecialty of medical practice. This board now awards board certification to medical doctors in the U.S. in integrative medicine.
The type of integrative healing modality needed by the patient is as individual as that person. And as with other health care therapies, you may need to try more than one therapy to find one that helps you the most. Most integrative modalities are non-invasive, do not use pharmaceuticals, and yet can have profound effects for consumers. But use caution as integrative treatments should never be used in place of traditional medicine. The integrative practitioner should work with the patient’s primary physicians and should keep that physician informed when treatment options are changed.
As the popularity of integrative medicine grows, so does the number of people performing those services. Good integrative practitioners can be found locally, and ultimately, it is up to each person to find the best practitioner for their needs. There are several indicators of a good practitioner including level of education, background, length of service, and reputation. Many of these healing modalities have national and international organizations that provide current information on their members, so you can do your research too.
Considering integrative medicine for your health care needs may help you find relief and a better quality of life, especially now that integrative medicine is being embraced by both the patient and the traditional medical world.
If you are experiencing pain or a challenging medical situation and would like to see how Integrative Therapies can work for you, call Bonnie Crosier or Dr. Janine Maere at Energy Therapies Alliance of Central Illinois at 309-268-9304. Their office is located at 211 Landmark Dr. Site E1 in Normal. You may contact Susan Kirk at 309-824-960.0 For more information, visit their website:, www.eta-ci.com or www.SusanKirkReiki.com.
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