What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine extends from the philosophy of healthcare with the focus on individual patient care.
It combines the best of current western medical practices with evidence-based traditional and complementary medicines and practices. It reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, health care professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal outcomes for health and healing. Integrative medicine considers the physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing of the person with the aim of using the most appropriate and safe evidence-based treatments available.
“Surely it is my right as the patient to determine, (after being well advised by my Doctor of the options of treatment I have), and to decide after seeking that medical advice and being advised of the pros and cons, what works best for me on the advice of my Doctor, and what I feel comfortable with.”
V. A. - Barrister, Golden Bay