Integrative Medicine - A holistic based approach
Integrative Medicine - What is it?
Functional medicine or Integrative Medicine (IM) is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of the person's lifestyle. It combines the best of conventional western medicine with evidence based complementary medicine and therapies.
It is a systems biology based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease.
It determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual.
A new Study published in JAMA has linked Functional Medicine to a better quality of life
The Functional Medicine model is an individualized, patient-centered and science based approach to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal health as well as prevent disease and improve wellness. These practitioners include integrative medical doctors, allied and complimentary health practitioners.
Integrative Medicine focuses on the root cause rather than just symptoms, so in other words healing as opposed to treating the symptoms. Practitioners work through each patient’s genetic and lifestyle factors as well as looking into biochemical issues, nutritional deficiencies, imbalance or the presence of environmental toxins in order to direct personalised treatment plans.
Treatment plans may include lifestyle and dietary changes, removal of toxins from the patients environment and the prescription of supplements such as vitamins and minerals.
The aims of IM
- Disease prevention or reversal
- Find and treat the root causes of disease
- Takes a holistic view of the body
- Uses the latest research and best medical practices
- Individualised treatments - recognising biochemical individuality
- Use nutrition, diet, and exercise to treat and prevent illness
If you are looking for a Integrative Medicine Practitioner or would like to find out more about Integrative medicine please refer to the links below
National Institude of Integrative Medicine
NIIM, is a not for profit organisation conducting research in Integrative Medicine, and facilitating its practice at the NIIM Clinic.
Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine
ACNEM, provide structured training in nutritional and environmental medicine.
Australasian Integrative Medicine Association
AIMA, is the peak medical body representing the doctors and other health care practitioners who practice integrative medicine
Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine
ASLM, is an interdisciplinary society working towards improved prevention, management, and treatment of chronic, complex and lifestyle-related conditions.