We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Integrative Medicine Specialist?

Lainie Petersen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,387
Share

An integrative medicine specialist is a health professional who combines the principles of conventional and alternative medicine in his practice. In the United States, the title is not licensed to any particular profession: Physicians,nurses, naturopaths, chiropractors, and massage therapists may call themselves "integrative medicine specialists."

Integrative medicine practices can be found in stand-alone clinics and private doctor's offices, as well as in hospital settings. Doctors who practice integrative medicine often recommend an alternative therapy along with a standard medical treatment. For example, a integrative medical specialist might order chemotherapy for a cancer patient but also suggest that the patient take specific herbs to reduce nausea. A patient with back pain may be prescribed painkillers, but may also be sent to an acupuncturist for further relief.

The philosophies behind the practice of integrative or alternative medicine can differ widely. Because many doctors are reluctant to prescribe alternative therapies that aren't backed by scientific evidence, an integrative medicine specialist might be conservative in his recommendations. Such a physician may place a greater emphasis on the importance of the mind-body connection in health care, rather than on the efficacy of an alternative treatment to cure a particular condition. In doing this, he or she may rely heavily on practitioners who specialize in stress-reduction techniques, such as counselors, meditation experts and massage therapists.

Other physicians may take a different approach, and may themselves study alternative medicine. These doctors may then use the techniques of a particular healing modality in practice. Healthcare consumers should also keep in mind that an integrative medicine specialist may not be a medical doctor at all. These practitioners may have good working relationships with different types of doctors to whom they can refer patients in need of conventional medical care.

Some medical professionals express skepticism about integrative and alternative medicine. They claim that many alternative therapies are not backed up by good science. They also suggest that an integrative medicine specialist may provide alternative therapies primarily as a marketing tactic, rather than an attempt to offer legitimate medical treatment.

Advocates of integrative medicine argue that about one-third of patients have already tried an alternative remedy and it is important that doctors at least be aware of what the patient is doing and, if possible work with the alternative health practitioner to avoid conflicts in treatment. To this end, many of these physicians establish clinics in which several practitioners work together and patients are offered the option of conventional, general medicine as well as holistic therapies from that office's team of practitioners.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Lainie Petersen
By Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen, a talented writer, copywriter, and content creator, brings her diverse skill set to her role as an editor. With a unique educational background, she crafts engaging content and hosts podcasts and radio shows, showcasing her versatility as a media and communication professional. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any media organization.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen, a talented writer, copywriter, and content creator, brings her diverse skill set to her role as an...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-an-integrative-medicine-specialist.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.