Integrative Medicine

Treatment Method

Doctors employ Complementary and Alternative (CAM) techniques in conjunction with traditional western medicine to treat patients. This is a patient centered approach that believes in the body's ability to heal itself. Using medicinal herbs, nutriceuticals and other CAM disciplines this practice incorporates the best of both worlds, modern medical science along with herbs, body mind spirit, etc. 

Provider's Training

Practitioners holding an MD or DO can apply for a fellowship in integrative medicine through the University of Arizona or other elective rotations in holistic medicine. These courses are taught either on-site or online.  See University of Arizona for more details.

Credentials and Regulation Bodies

The American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine (ABIHM) is the boarding agency and is training, credentialing, and building legitimacy for the field.

Professional Associations

The main association for Integrative Medicine is the American Holistic Medicine Assoc nation (AHMA). It works in conjunction with the American Board Integrative Holistic Medicine (ABHIM).

To learn more about integrative medicine, visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at www.nccam.nih.gov and the AHMA at http://www.holisticmedicine.org/.

Sources:

"What Is CAM." National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Web. 04 June 2010.

<http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/>.