What is the Difference Between Alternative, Complementary, Integrated, and Diversified Medicine Practitioners?

At Acupractic Natural Healing Center, patients sometimes ask us this important question. People use the terms integrated, diversified, alternative, and complementary Medicine interchangeably, but many now recognize that the terms represent different approaches and philosophies to healthcare. Each term represents an aspect of healthcare with its unique focus and a distinct opportunity to work within the paradigm of traditional medicine-based healthcare (aka conventional Western Medicine). Dr. Oskardmay’s goal is to provide the best care for each patient, working with medical doctors and other practitioners where necessary and helpful.

What is Alternative Medicine?

The key feature of Alternative Medicine is that it strives to replace mainstream treatments and Medicine. Examples of Alternative Medicine include using Chinese Medicine or other herbal treatments instead of chemotherapy for cancer or choosing homeopathy and massage for cold and flu symptoms. Alternative Medicine does not necessarily attempt to coordinate between provider types or with medical doctors.

What is Complementary Medicine?

The hallmark of Complementary Medicine is that one uses it to enhance or support rather than replace conventional Medicine. Examples of Complimentary Medicine are the use of chiropractic care and physical therapy to improve mobility after back surgery, or the practice of yoga to support relaxation along with sleep medications. While Complementary Medicine may not offer coordinated treatment plans, many people find relief with supportive options.

What is Integrated Medicine?

Integrative or Integrated Medicine is an approach that intentionally combines conventional and evidence-based complementary treatments into a coordinated plan. This type of holistic approach might be the cancer center that offers chemotherapy alongside acupuncture, nutrition counseling, and mind-body techniques or when a doctor trained in general Medicine and Functional Medicine strives to get to the root cause of a problem.

What is Diversified Medicine?

Lastly, Diversified Medicine refers to the use of a variety of healing therapies, disciplines, and medical systems without integration or coordination between them. An example of Diversified Medicine is the patient seeing a medical doctor, an acupuncturist, and a chiropractor independently without a unified treatment plan.

At our office, we appreciate referrals for chiropractic and acupuncture back and forth from local medical doctors and natural medicine providers. We offer alternatives and strive to integrate and complement people’s diverse needs. Call today at (919) 929-1400, email us at schedule@acudocnc.com or visit our website at acudocnc.com anytime to learn more and schedule your appointment.