Overview of Complementary and Integrative Medicine
NIH.gov (2021) reports that complementary and integrative medicine upholds a holistic approach to patient care. CIM professions offer different types of services. This paper provides an overview of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM). Also, the paper discusses a specific CIM profession, highlights findings from an interview with a CIM practitioner, and provides a self-reflection about my experience.
Complementary and Integrative Medicine
CIM acknowledges the opinions and preferences of patients. Furthermore, it seeks to address patients’ psychosocial, biological, and spiritual needs. To accomplish this, CIM embraces conventional medicine, alternative medicine (AM), and complementary medicine (CM) (Cancer.gov, 2022). The concept of conventional medicine entails using drugs and medical procedures such as surgery or radiotherapy to manage patients (Cancer.gov, 2022). CM is used along with conventional medicine. AM is used to substitute conventional medicine.
Various complementary and alternative medicine forms have been upheld as evidence-based practices in contemporary practice. The first approach is mind-body therapies (MBT). This approach focuses on the patient’s physical and psychological aspects (Cancer.gov, 2022). MBT uses techniques such as imagery, yoga, meditation, use of outlets, hypnosis, yoga, and biofeedback (Cancer.gov, 2022). Yoga uses exercises, regulated breathing patterns, and focused thoughts to establish a state of equilibrium between the mind and body (Cancer.gov, 2022). Meditation uses focused thinking to avert stressful events and thoughts. Biofeedback enables patients to gain control over involuntary bodily processes such as blood pressure. Hypnosis enables individuals to concentrate on a specific behaviour or thought, promoting their well-being (Cancer.gov, 2022). Examples of creative outlets used in MBT include music and dance (Cancer.gov, 2022).
The second approach uses nutritional practices. Biological supplements, vitamins, foods, and botanicals are used to complement or substitute conventional medicine (Cancer.gov, 2022). Herbs, parts of plants, and whole plants constitute botanicals. Examples of botanicals used include turmeric, cannabis, and cinnamon (Cancer.gov, 2022). The other products included in this category are probiotics, mindful dieting, prebiotics, dietary supplements, and phytochemicals.
The third approach uses manipulative body practices. Reflexology, massage, and chiropractic care are examples of manipulative body practices (Cancer.gov, 2022). Chiropractic care involves manipulating the spinal column and other body parts whereas reflexology entails massaging key points of the arms and legs (NIH.gov, 2021). On the other hand, during massage therapy, the provider rubs or kneads the body (NIH.gov, 2021). The manipulative body practices should be chosen based on the patient’s preferences.
The fourth approach embraces whole healing systems. Examples of these approaches include naturopathy, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine (NIH.gov, 2021). Ayurveda entails the use of specific nutrition, botanicals, body-mind therapy, and exercise to provide holistic patient care (NIH.gov, 2021). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) aims to maintain an equilibrium between yin and yang (Cancer.gov, 2022). Acupuncture and herbal therapy are examples of modalities included in TCM. Naturopathy prohibits the use of conventional medicine. It uses treatment modalities such as herbal therapy, aromatherapy, specified nutrition, and acupuncture(NIH.gov, 2021).
Major Concepts
CIM embraces different concepts. To begin with, it emphasizes holistic treatment. Holistic care focuses on the individual and seeks to address an individual’s unique needs in their entirety (Frisch & Rabinowitsch, 2019). For instance, it addresses a person’s physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional needs. As a result, greater optimal patient outcomes and improved patient safety are associated with the holistic ideals of CIM therapy (Gordon, 2019). Secondly, along with treating diseases, CIM emphasizes preventive health. In this context, CIM emphasizes natural and holistic approaches to avert the need for surgical care and other invasive treatments (Frisch & Rabinowitsch, 2019). Thirdly, CIM embraces interdisciplinary collaboration. Interdisciplinary collaboration increases the quality of care by allowing information sharing among various practitioners.
Theoretical Approaches of CIM
The two main theoretical frameworks for CIM practice are the Whole Medical System (WMS) and the Biopsychosocial Model (BPM). In the WMS, a patient’s treatment plan takes into account both the patient as the beneficiary of care and as an important component of their health (Drake & Norman, 2020). As a result, the WMS equips patients with the knowledge and skills to care for themselves. Furthermore, the WMS ensures that all stakeholders involved in patient care are equipped with pertinent knowledge and skills. In contrast, the BPM focuses on the impact of environmental, mental, and social factors on the patient’s well-being. Hennepin et al. (2021) report that mental and social factors impact patients’ biological and psychosocial well-being.
CIM Profession
The selected CIM professional is a naturopathic physician. As earlier stated, naturopathy embraces modalities such as herbal therapy, aromatherapy, specified nutrition, and acupuncture to promote self-healing. Naturopathic physicians uphold patient-centeredness to diagnose, manage and prevent various medical conditions and enable patients to achieve self-healing. Naturopathic physicians are trained to make appropriate referrals when patients require invasive treatment modalities of pharmacotherapy.
History
Societyofnaturopaths.org (n.d.) reports that the concept of naturopathy dates back more than one hundred and fifty years ago. For instance, during the nineteenth century, Bechamp and Bernard’s research revealed that environmental and internal factors should be balanced to achieve optimal health (Societyofnaturopaths.org, n.d.). During the twentieth century, naturopathy emphasized healthy nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, and natural practices to support self-healing. For example, Dr. Allinson advocated for appropriate nutrition, regular exercise, limiting alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco intake, and avoidance of conventional medicine such as vaccination (Societyofnaturopaths.org, n.d.). Benedict Lust, a chiropractor, is credited for his exemplary efforts in furthering the development and growth of naturopathy (Societyofnaturopaths.org, n.d.).
Current Scope of Practice
Currently, naturopathy is offered by naturopathic physicians, traditional naturopaths, and other healthcare providers. Naturopathic physicians are required to attend accredited courses, pass board examinations and become licensed. Naturopathy embraces the advancements in modern medicine and adheres to ancient practices. In contemporary practice, naturopathy embraces practices such as massage, herbal therapy, aromatherapy, specified nutrition, exercise, and acupuncture. Naturopathic physicians and traditional naturopaths are required to collaborate with healthcare providers who offer conventional medicine. This provides an opportunity for making timely referrals.
Economic and Social Impact
Naturopathy impacts the economic and social aspects of the general population. It emphasizes lifestyle changes such as appropriate nutrition and exercise. This helps to prevent lifestyle diseases such as hypertension. By so doing, naturopathy lowers healthcare costs. Also, naturopathy offers cost-effective approaches to healthcare. For instance, massage replaces pharmacotherapy to manage mental health problems and physical problems such as pain. These approaches are cost-effective compared to pharmacotherapy and other conventional treatment modalities. Naturopathy impacts social lives by adopting a holistic care approach. It acknowledges patients’ preferences and actively involves them in the treatment process. By so doing, patients play a key role in making decisions regarding their well-being.
Interview
I interviewed DR. C.J. from Integrative Medicine-Sterling Heights Medical Park. Dr. C.J. plays a key role in promoting CIM at this healthcare facility. We discussed various topics during this interview. Notably, we discussed thematic areas such as experience with CIM, the global landscape of CIM, feedback from his clients, and services offered at Integrative Medicine-Sterling Heights Medical Park.
To begin with, I asked Dr. C.J. about his work experience. He reported he is a licensed naturopathic physician. Before becoming a licensed naturopathic physician, Dr. CJ worked as a conventional physician at a different healthcare facility. He decided to venture into naturopathy and embrace natural healing modalities. According to him, he has worked as a naturopathic physician for 15 years. Currently, he is serving his fourth year at Integrative Medicine-Sterling Heights Medical Park. Also, I inquired about his satisfaction with his job. He indicated that he was contented and happy with practicing naturopathy. He asserted that naturopathy is the best competence of CIM and that more healthcare facilities should adopt it. Thirdly, I sought his view on the global landscape of CIM. According to Dr. C.J., despite dating back to the eighteenth century, CIM has not been fully embraced globally. He reported that Asia was the leading continent with the best CIM services globally. Notably, countries such as China and India have incorporated CIM into their healthcare system. He noted that the remaining continents should make more efforts to incorporate CIM into their contemporary practice. Fourthly, I inquired about the type of feedback Dr. C.J. has received from his clients over the past few years. According to him, clients are usually skeptical during their first visits. However, they always demonstrate high satisfaction levels with the type and effectiveness of services offered; he attributed this to the patient-centered approach of naturopathy. Fifthly, I inquired about the services offered at the facility. He reported that other than naturopathy, the facility offers mind-body therapy, nutritional therapy, energy healing, traditional Chinese medicine, and conventional medicine.
The interview allowed me to witness an acupuncture session. The acupuncture was offered to a patient with a history of back pain and migraine. The pain was allowed to lie on his back. This was succeeded by the insertion of twenty thin, metallic needles into the patient’s skin. After that, the physician applied mild electrical stimulation to the needles. The needles remained intact for twelve minutes to allow the patient to relax. Finally, the physician removed the needles from the patient’s skin. Upon discharge, the physician prescribed topical and systemic analgesics for the patient.
Self-Reflective Component
The practitioner integrated complementary approaches with conventional approaches. To begin with, he used acupuncture to manage suffering from migraine and back pain. Also, the physician prescribed topical and systemic analgesics for the patient. In this context, acupuncture is the complementary approach, whereas analgesics are the conventional medicine. This interaction was a key learning experience for me. I have learned that complementary and alternative medicine should be incorporated into contemporary practice. Also, I learned the various alternative and complementary approaches. I will apply these approaches in my future practice.
I built a respectful relationship with the practitioner by embracing active listening and empathy. Active listening enabled me to observe his verbal and nonverbal communication cues and respond accordingly. In addition, active listening allowed me to avoid unnecessary interruptions, ask objective questions, and summarize or paraphrase feedback. Empathy enabled me to understand and share the practitioner’s feelings. Notably, I embraced empathy when discussing the global landscape of CIM and patient satisfaction levels. I had to resolve a conflict regarding differences of opinion. At the beginning of the interview, I did not acknowledge the importance of CIM to contemporary practice. This conflicted with the practitioner’s opinion.
My ideas about CIM have changed. My interaction allowed me to appreciate the relevance of CIM. Before this interaction, I always emphasized conventional medicine and disregarded complementary and alternative medicine. However, after the interview, I acknowledged that CIM is important and should be applied to contemporary practice. I will apply CIM in my future practice to enable the local community to experience holistic care.
I have learned that CIM can be categorized broadly based on complementary or alternative approaches. Examples of CIM approaches include mind-body therapies, whole healing systems, manipulative body practices, and nutritional practices. These approaches can be used to improve the quality of care when combined with conventional therapy. Furthermore, I have learned that naturopathy is a practice that dates back to the eighteenth century. Naturopathy is relevant because it can be used to improve the well-being of patients based on their preferences. I was surprised by the fact that acupuncture can be used to manage neurological conditions such as migraine and digestive problems such as gastritis.
I feel that practitioners who embrace CIM should research extensively and regularly to maintain their professional competency. They should also collaborate effectively with healthcare providers who practice conventional medicine to improve patient care. CIM practitioners should embrace cultural sensitivity and a holistic care approach. After I interviewed the CIM professional, I believe that CIM practice should be expanded globally to complement conventional medicine. I imagine a future in which all healthcare facilities around the world provide CIM
References
Cancer.gov, 2022). Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam#:~:text=Complementary%20and%20alternative%20medicine%20includes,chi%2C%20and%20drinking%20green%20tea.&text=Integrative%20medicine%20is%20an%20approach,to%20be%20safe%20and%20effective.
Drake, D. F., & Norman, D. K. (2020). Whole Medical Systems the Rehabilitation Setting (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Homeopathy, Naturopathy). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 31(4), 553–561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2020.07.009
Frisch, N. C., & Rabinowitsch, D. (2019). What’s in a definition? Holistic nursing, integrative health care, and integrative nursing: report of an integrated literature review. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 37(3), 260-272. https://doi.org/10.1177/089801011986068
Gordon, J. S. (2019). The Paradigm of Holistic Medicine. Health for the Whole Person, 3–35. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429052088-1
Hennein, R., Mew, E. J., & Lowe, S. R. (2021). Socio-ecological predictors of mental health outcomes among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. PLOS ONE, 16(2), e0246602. https://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0246602
NIH.gov. (2021). Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/complementary-alternative-or-integrative-health-whats-in-a-name
Societyofnaturopaths.org. (n.d.). The History of Naturopathy. https://societyofnaturopaths.org/about-naturopathy/history-of-naturopathy/
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Question 
Overview of Complementary and Integrative Medicine
7- to 10-page paper discussing your research into a CIM profession
Include the research you presented in your Unit 4 Project.
Include history, current scope of practice, and economic and social impact.
Include evidence from two journal articles, using the Purdue Global Library.
Include a section on your interview and in-person observations, including topics discussed, questions asked, and observations made.
Include a self-reflective component, discussing:
How did your practitioner integrate complementary approaches along with conventional techniques?
How has this experience been for you?
How did you build a respectful relationship with the practitioner?
What conflicts did you have to resolve?
Did your ideas about CIM change, and how will this affect your greater community?
What have you learned?
What has surprised you?
Do you have a sense of what it might be like to work in this field?
What are you coming away with from having participated?