About Integrative Medicine

Integrated medicine, also known as integrative medicine, is a policy of combining traditional medicine with supplemental care that also treats the mind and soul going beyond mere treatment of the health concern. This type of medicine can even work in improving a person's social connections to promote their well-being. Integrated medicine treats the entire person and can involve holistic care such as acupuncture as well as requiring changes in behavior and teaching new skills. These practices can empower a patient who is going through a difficult time. Our staff at The Balanced Atlas in San Francisco wants you to know how integrative medicine can help you.

Unlike traditional medicine, where a patient may not always have a close relationship with their doctor, integrated medicine requires the doctor and patient to work closely together to determine the best course of action and create a personalized plan of care. Integrated medicine often incorporates noninvasive and natural procedures such as herbal supplements when possible. This type of medicine incorporates treatments that have been proven to be effective at treating health concerns such as cancer as well as symptoms such as pain. In order to do so, you must look at a person's home and lifestyle to paint a complete picture of a patient's needs and abilities.

Unlike some alternative medicines, integrative medicine takes an evidence-based approach to the treatments that are used. A health and wellness center that purports to use integrated medicine without looking for evidence that an approach is effective may mislead patients. Integrated medicine is used in combination with traditional medicine and not in place of it.

Integrated medicine may be suitable for both adult and minor patients. 

Integrated Cancer Treatment

Integrated medicine is often employed when a patient has cancer. In this instance, it may be known as integrative oncology (oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with cancer). While a doctor might rely on traditional medical practices such as chemotherapy to treat the cancer, practices such as yoga, acupuncture (treats nausea and pain), chiropractic care, massage (reduces pain, stress, anxiety, and nausea), hypnotherapy (treats nausea, anxiety, and pain) meditation (decreases anxiety), exercise, and nutrition counseling are integrated into the patient's life. This can decrease stress and boost their sense of well-being over the long-term and not just treat their health in the short term.

Find Out if Integrated Medicine Is Right for You

To determine if integrated medicine is right for you and which treatment options may be the most beneficial, you should speak to your doctor. The Balanced Atlas in San Francisco is a chiropractic family practice that offers integrative care to its patients. Call (415) 242-1472 today for more information or to schedule an appointment.