What is integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine is alternative therapy used with standard medical care to prevent and treat both acute and chronic health conditions. Integrative medicine may be right for you if you want to focus on preventing illness, or, if you have a health condition that has not improved with standard medical care alone. Also known as complementary therapy, this treatment may include:
- Lifestyle medicine
- Osteopathic medicine
- Therapeutic massage
- Mindfulness and mind-body medicine
- Medical Acupuncture
- Nutritional counseling
How does integrative medicine work?
Many people benefit from integrative medicine medicine. For example, acupuncture may help with pain. Mindfulness meditation may help with sleep problems. Tai chi may help with balance. And, lifestyle medicine may help you manage a chronic condition.
How can I access integrative medicine services?
Talk to your primary care physician if you want to use this type of treatment. Integrative medicine may also be available to you during your MaineHealth hospital stay. Just ask a hospital care team member for more information.
Are there any risks?
- Don't use integrative medicine therapies in place of standard care. You may miss important treatment that could save your life.
- Natural health products like dietary supplements and herbs aren't regulated. This means the label may not be accurate. They may cause side effects or interact with your prescription medications.
- Consider the cost of integrative medicine. Your insurance may not cover this type of treatment.
Talk to your PCP
Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) if you are interested in using alternative medicine.
Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle medicine is a kind of medical care that focuses on positive lifestyle changes to help treat and prevent chronic health conditions.
