In case you are not familiar with the differences between conventional, traditional, alternative, integrative, and complimentary type medicine, I have listed below some points describing their differences and similarities:
Integrative Medicine
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Andrew Weil, MD, is the world's largest proponent of integrative medicine.
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The National Center for CAM at National Institutes of Health (NIH) definition:
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Combines the best conventional and CAM therapies that have some high-quality of scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness [evidence-based practice].
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Uses healing-care that takes into account the whole person, an holistic approach to care of the mind, body, and spirit while addressing lifestyle, which I interpret as physical activity, nutritional state, and the emotional-spiritual-mental health of Being known as the Triad of Wellness.
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Chooses the very best evidence-based therapies from conventional and CAM therapies, and emphasizes their relationship.
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Integrative medicine is balanced living where the overall philosophy is to get the patient better.
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Integrative medicine uses Conventional, Alternative, and Complimentary methods to treat the whole person - not just the disease.
Conventional/Traditional Medicine
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Uses synthetic drugs, surgery which are usually expensive and invasive
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Has its place. Some therapies are validated, some not.
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Uses therapies that are exluded from conventional medicine such as acupuncture, naturopathy (herbs, supplements), homeopathy (very different from naturopathy).
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Therapies used are closer to nature, usually cheaper and less invasive.
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Has its place. Some therapies are validated, some not.
Complementary Medicine
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An alternative therapy used in combination with a conventional therapy.
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This practice is known as CAM (complementary alternative medicine).
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Example: ginger syrup (naturopathy) to prevent nausea during chemotherapy (conventional medicine).
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Approaches to Healing
