Integrative medicine: A combination of scientific and holistic approaches to health

What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine is a holistic approach to health that combines elements of conventional medicine with complementary therapies. It aims to treat the whole person – body, mind and spirit – rather than focusing on a specific disease or symptom. This approach is based on scientific evidence and emphasizes individualized patient treatment, promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing disease.

Beginning and development

The roots of integrative medicine go back thousands of years , to the practices of traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and herbal therapies used by various peoples. The modern concept of integrative medicine developed in the late 20th century , especially in the United States. Pioneers such as Dr. Andrew Weil began to promote the idea that medicine should not be limited exclusively to pharmacological treatments and surgical procedures, but should also include methods such as meditation, nutrition, acupuncture, and touch therapy. In Europe, integrative medicine developed in parallel with the growing interest in natural and holistic methods of treatment, while in Croatia it has gained more and more adherents in the last twenty years. An increasing number of health institutions and private practices offer an approach that combines classical medicine with complementary therapies.

Differences between classical and integrative medicine

Conventional medicine is based on scientifically based diagnostic and therapeutic methods, such as pharmacotherapy, surgery and physical therapy . It focuses on the disease and its treatment . Integrative medicine , on the other hand, takes into account the broader picture of the patient’s health , including nutrition, emotional state, lifestyle and spiritual aspects. Its goal is not only to treat symptoms but also to identify the causes of the disease and strengthen the body so that it can cope with difficulties on its own. Rather than replacing conventional medicine with alternative approaches , integrative medicine combines them and uses them in synergy to provide patients with the best possible treatment outcomes.

 Integrative medicine therapies

There is a wide range of methods and therapies used in integrative medicine, and among the most common classics are:

• Acupuncture – a traditional Chinese method that stimulates certain points on the body to improve energy balance.
• Homeopathy – a therapy that uses minimal doses of natural substances to encourage the body to heal itself.
• Nutrition and functional medicine – adapting nutrition to the patient’s specific needs.
• Phytotherapy – the use of medicinal plants in treatment.
• Osteopathy and chiropractic – manual therapies to improve mobility and reduce pain.
• Mindfulness and meditation – techniques for reducing stress and improving mental health.
• Hypnotherapy – a method that uses a guided state of deep relaxation and focus (hypnosis) to change negative patterns, behaviors, or emotional states.

The extraordinary development of technology over the last decade has opened the door to new possibilities in the field of integrative medicine. Once reserved for research centers or exclusive clinics, many modern therapies are now available in clinics , where they are regularly used to support the treatment of various conditions and improve overall health. Therapies such as hyperbaric oxygenation (HBOT) , ozone therapy , cryotherapy and photobiomodulation (also known as red and infrared light therapy), which are part of the offer of our clinic, along with many others, have now become accessible to the wider population.

• HBOT uses pure oxygen under elevated pressure to promote tissue regeneration, accelerate healing, and improve overall body function.
• Ozone therapy has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, stimulates the immune system and is used for chronic infections and painful conditions.
• Cryotherapy , exposing the body to extremely low temperatures, is increasingly used not only in sports but also in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
• Photobiomodulation, on the other hand, works at the cellular level, improving circulation, reducing pain, and stimulating tissue regeneration.

These methods are proof that the combination of technology, science, and a holistic approach to health can provide individualized, effective, and comprehensive therapy – precisely what integrative medicine bases its approach on.

What does the first examination with an integrative medicine doctor look like?

The first visit with an integrative medicine doctor takes longer than a standard medical examination because it involves a detailed analysis of the patient’s health history, lifestyle habits, and emotional state . The doctor focuses not only on the patient’s current health condition, but also on factors that may have contributed to the development of the disease. During the examination, the patient can expect:

• A detailed medical history and discussion about lifestyle.
• Analysis of diet and nutritional status.
• Recommendations for laboratory tests that may indicate possible nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances.
• Suggestions for therapies that may include dietary changes, nutritional supplements, stress management techniques, and other integrative methods.

The future of integrative medicine

Interest in integrative medicine is growing, and more and more medical schools are introducing education about complementary therapies into their curricula. Also, given the increase in chronic diseases and the need for personalized medicine, therapies tailored to each individual will increasingly be developed. In conclusion, integrative medicine is not an alternative but a complementary approach to health that has the potential to improve the quality of life and provide holistic care to patients. By combining scientific achievements and ancient healing methods, this medicine opens the door to a healthier and more balanced life. 

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or replace consultation with a professional healthcare professional.