Integral Healthcare: The Benefits and Challenges of Integrating Complementary and Alternative Medicine with a Conventional Healthcare Practice
2009
The Benefits and Challenges of Integrating Complementary and Alternative Medicine with Conventional Healthcare
Commentary
Author Information
Author(s): Christina L. Ross
Primary Institution: Akamai University
Hypothesis
How can we effectively integrate complementary and alternative medicine with conventional healthcare practices?
Conclusion
An integral healthcare system that includes mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects alongside conventional medicine can improve patient care.
Supporting Evidence
- Integrative medicine recognizes the importance of emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions in healthcare.
- Over two-thirds of medical schools now offer courses in complementary and alternative medicine.
- Many chronic diseases can be managed more effectively with behavioral interventions.
Takeaway
This study talks about how doctors can help patients better by using both traditional medicine and alternative therapies together.
Potential Biases
There are biases towards viewing spirituality as organized religion and doubts about the conscious mind's ability to heal.
Limitations
The commentary discusses biases against alternative practices and the lack of qualified research in the field.
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