Challenges For The Future Of Complementary And Integrative Care.

Abstract

It is estimated that over 40% of American people integrate one or more of these unconventional health practices, while many individuals worldwide also explore multidimensional approaches as treatment for chronic conditions beyond pharmacological therapies. For example, chronic conditions such as arthritis are among the top 6 conditions for complementary and alternative medicine use [1]. In fact, overwhelming evidence suggests that specific elements of complementary, alternative and integrative medicine, including mind-body approaches and improved lifestyle-modification strategies, may prevent disease, relieve pain, and enhance both physical and psychological health [28]. Individualized treatment that embraces an integrative approach may positively affect the progression of disease while simultaneously decreasing morbidity.