Integrative, complementary and alternative
NCCIH, the federal research center for these approaches, uses three terms:
- Complementary: a non-mainstream approach used together with conventional medicine.
- Alternative: a non-mainstream approach used in place of conventional medicine.
- Integrative: conventional and complementary approaches brought together in a coordinated way, often combining two or more, with well-coordinated care among providers.
What integrative care can include
Cleveland Clinic's integrative program lists therapies like these, used alongside standard medical care:
- Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Culinary medicine and nutrition changes
- Holistic psychotherapy, hypnosis and cognitive behavioral techniques
- Yoga and tai chi
Evidence differs a lot from one therapy to the next. A good integrative clinician tells you what the research shows for your specific concern.
Integrative vs functional medicine
| Integrative medicine | Functional medicine | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | The whole person, using many types of therapy | Finding the underlying cause of a condition |
| Typical tools | Conventional care plus acupuncture, nutrition, mind-body practices, massage | Detailed history, lab testing, diet and lifestyle changes |
In practice, many clinicians do both. Read more about functional medicine.
Who practices integrative medicine
An integrative team may include physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, psychotherapists, nutritionists and yoga or tai chi teachers. Naturopathic doctors also take a whole-person approach; see what a naturopathic doctor is.
Physicians (MD or DO) who complete residency, hold board certification and meet training requirements can become board certified in integrative medicine through the American Board of Integrative Medicine, part of the American Board of Physician Specialties.
Complementary therapies don't replace care from your primary care doctor. Tell every clinician about the therapies and supplements you use, and for an emergency, call 911.
How Gabriel helps
Gabriel finds and books root-cause and holistic practitioners, including naturopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, functional medicine doctors and massage therapists, and files superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. To find someone, see how to find an integrative medicine doctor.
Common questions
What is integrative medicine?
It combines conventional medical care with complementary approaches, such as acupuncture, nutrition or yoga, in one coordinated plan focused on the whole person.
What is the difference between integrative and functional medicine?
Integrative medicine looks at the whole person and uses many types of therapy. Functional medicine focuses on finding the underlying cause of a condition. Many clinicians use both.
Is integrative medicine the same as alternative medicine?
No. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional care; integrative medicine uses complementary approaches alongside it.
Are integrative medicine doctors real doctors?
Many are MDs or DOs, and physicians can be board certified in integrative medicine. Other team members, such as acupuncturists or chiropractors, have their own licenses.
Is integrative medicine covered by insurance?
The conventional parts often are; complementary therapies are covered unevenly. See is integrative medicine covered by insurance.
Sources
- Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What's In a Name? National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH
- Integrative Medicine Cleveland Clinic
- American Board of Integrative Medicine American Board of Physician Specialties
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.