The Benefits of Integrative Medicine in Psychiatry and General Medicine

Introduction

The need for integrative medicine has been recognized for its holistic approach to healthcare. Integrative medicine combines traditional western medicine with alternative approaches to care, such as herbal remedies, use of evidence-based supplements, acupuncture, massage, mindfulness, yoga, biofeedback, stress reduction techniques, and motivational interviewing, among others. Integrative medicine stresses the importance of evidence-informed lifestyle and preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing or worsening existing chronic diseases. Integrative medicine emphasizes treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just focusing on the disease or symptoms.

Why Integrative Medicine is Integral to Psychiatry and General Medicine

Emphasis on prevention and early-stage intervention, whole-person care, personalized medicine, patient-directed motivation and empowerment, addressing root or underlying causes, and filling gaps in conventional medicine are some reasons why integrative medicine is integral to psychiatry and general medicine. Patients are encouraged to take an active role in their health and related decisions with the incorporation of integrative and preventive psychiatric medicine into primary care and behavioral health care settings indirectly expanding behavioral health access by promoting wellness and decreasing the need for psychiatric specialty care referrals.

Movement and Exercise

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Originally Post From https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2024.07.7.52

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