Integrative Medicine is healing-oriented medicine that accounts for the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.
It is an individualized philosophy of care emphasizing provider-patient relationships, innate human capacity for healing, and use of holistic approaches. In 2007, according to the National Health InterviewSurvey, 4 out of 10 adults and 1 out of 9 children were reported to use some form of complementary and alternative medicine.
Yoga is one type of treatment modality in Integrative Medicine. Other treatment modalities are, acupuncture, massage, and naturopathic medicine to name a few. It is exciting to think that medicine may be changing. Medical students and residents are showing a growing interest in Integrative Medicine because they see how much Integrative Medicine helps with Wellness and how giving clients more choices gives them more control over their health. They eat better, exercise and are happier!