Integrative Medicine: the ABCs

Conventional medicine, alternative medicine, complementary medicine, integrative medicine... can you keep all the terms straight in your mind? Canadians today enjoy many choices in seeking health care treatment, but it's not easy to stay informed about all the options.

Conventional medicine (often also referred to as Western medicine) is the approach to health care that Canadians tend to be most familiar with. It is the type of medicine that medical doctors practice, and is well supported by the Canadian health care system.

Alternative medicine is the use of health care approaches to replace conventional medicine. These types of approaches include chiropractic, naturopathy, and homeopathy, among others. For example, this could mean using herbal products instead of prescription drugs, or visiting a homeopath instead of your family MD.

Complementary medicine is the use of non-conventional therapies (such as acupuncture, tai chi, yoga, or aromatherapy) in addition to conventional medicine. An example could be an acupuncture treatment used in addition to taking a pain reliever, or meditation or yoga techniques used in conjunction with anti-anxiety medications.

Integrative medicine is the integrated use of conventional and complementary practices. It makes use of the best available evidence of both approaches to healing. One of its important characteristics is that it considers the mind-body-spirit connection within the patient and regards the patient as a whole.

Mind-body techniques
The connection between the mind and the body is not fully understood, but several techniques that harness the power of the mind over the body have been shown to help people ease their symptoms and rely less on medications. These techniques include:

• biofeedback – a therapy that involves learning to control involuntary body responses such as heart rate, temperature, or blood pressure
• yoga – not just a set of exercises but an entire philosophy of being with the goal of achieving peace of mind and of body (although many people today turn it to for the improved flexibility and reduction of stress it offers)
• meditation – another spiritual practice that many are discovering for the stress reduction its deep focus and breathing offers
• hypnosis – an altered state of consciousness brought about by a trained specialist to help change or differently control behaviour, emotions, or the state of one's physical well-being

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Integrative-Medicine-the-ABCs

Are you keeping your use of complementary health options from your doctor, for fear of disapproval? While you might believe that your doctor may not wish to discuss complementary or integrative medicine, you shouldn't really make any assumptions. Some doctors are open to complementary care, and may even refer you to a practitioner. But do be prepared for some skepticism, because not all treatments are proven, and some may require you to suspend your conventional treatment, or may even cause harm. Talk to your doctor about the options you are considering. He or she can help you to make an informed decision and can give you information about any risks you may not be aware of.

If you do pursue a complementary health therapy, it is in your best interest to keep your doctor informed about all medicinal products you are taking. According to Health Canada,  71% of Canadians have used "natural health products." (Under this term, Health Canada includes vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, and homeopathic medicines.) Be aware that natural health products can have side effects too, and many prescription and over-the-counter medications can interact with "natural" health products, and vice versa. Simply because a product is called "natural" does not mean it will be safe. Also, certain people (such as children, seniors, pregnant or breast-feeding women, or people who are chronically ill) may also be more vulnerable than others to adverse reactions.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Integrative-Medicine-the-ABCs

Seeking out a stream of complementary medicine? Do your homework and make sure you make a safe choice.

When researching different types of complementary medicine, one of the most important things to do is to use your judgment carefully. Run everything you read and hear through a common-sense filter in your head. If something sounds too good to be true, it unfortunately probably is.

Even though the internet provides a wealth of information, not all of it is accurate, substantiated or even current, so be wary. The information you find on the internet could include unproven or misleading claims. This is not to say you should automatically discredit all of what you read, but remember to weigh things out in your mind. Check the source or sponsor of information you read on the internet, and make sure that it is coming from an unbiased, well-reputed source. If the site is trying to sell you something (e.g., a "miracle" cure or an expensive health product), be skeptical. Cross-check information against a variety of sources to assess different standpoints, and double-check with a health care practitioner to be sure.

Once you've established what area of therapy you're interested in, again proceed with caution and get information. Friends, family, and colleagues may be able to provide valuable feedback or referrals based on personal experience. Check to see if there is a relevant national professional association (e.g., The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors) that regulates practitioners and use them to identify an expert or clinic in your area, or to verify the credentials of someone you have in mind. As well, different provinces may have varying licensing regulations – for example, some provinces license naturopaths, and some don't. Find out what requirements exist where you live and ensure that your specialist is properly accredited.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Integrative-Medicine-the-ABCs

In Canada, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) continues to grow. And this is not unique to the adult population, as many parents choose to pursue CAM for their children as well. One of the more popular forms of CAM for children and adolescents is naturopathy. Naturopathy is an approach to health based on preventative care, with a focus on using non-invasive techniques such as heat, light, and massage as treatment. The emphasis is on helping the body heal itself. Herbal products may also be used, with prescription medications prescribed in rare cases (and, of course, only in cases where the naturopath is licensed to do so).

In Canada, naturopaths are licensed to practice in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. In other provinces and territories, there is no licensing board and the profession is not regulated. Find out what the regulations are in your area, and check that your practitioner holds all the required accreditation.

If you are considering integrative medicine for your child, it is key to keep both your medical doctor and complementary health practitioner informed. Despite the growing number of Canadian children being treated with naturopathic medicine, studies have shown that parents often do not disclose all naturopathic therapies to their medical doctor. Keeping the channels of communication open between all involved practitioners is key to the best possible care for your child.

An ongoing concern many medical doctors have about pediatric use of naturopathic medicine involves vaccinations. While some naturopaths support vaccination, others do not, and it remains a contentious issue in the naturopathic community. Research shows that the rate of immunization among those children under CAM care is lower than the Canadian average. As with any important health care matter, it's always a wise idea to seek out more than one expert opinion before making any decisions. This helps ensure you have an awareness of the issues and a balanced understanding of the benefits and risks.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Integrative-Medicine-the-ABCs