What is Integrative Health?
Integrative health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. Today we know that most illnesses, mental and physical, are influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. The World Health Report 2001 p.4 • What is the focus of the MHCSC? • Advocating for improved health systems through an integrative health model • Mental Health Stigma Reduction through social marketing campaigns designed to: • Help medical providers understand the connection and importance of addressing mental health concerns with their patients. • Encourage people to understand that mental health is a part of their whole health and wellbeing – simply a part of being human and having feelings and emotional needs. • Data Collection & Assessment to learn from the community what their needs are, communicate this information to providers and work together to meet the needs of the community. • Strategic Analysis & Recommendations for Collaborative opportunities to strengthen
Integrative healthcare is the use of both allopathic and alternative forms of medicine to produce a treatment plan that serves not only the physical aspects of disease, but also the mental and emotional. Chiropractic medicine is turning towards a more integrative approach by combining bone adjustments with massage therapy. Reiki, herbalogy, aromatherapy and kiniesiology are becoming valued additions to the treatment of certain types of cancer and chronic disease. Physicians who normally treat only the physical symptoms of disease are finding that alternative therapies can offer benefits on other levels. Bringing body, mind and spirit back into balance, not only facilitates healing, but also eases the mind and reduces stress.
