What is the difference between holistic, alternative, integrated and complementary medicine?
Holistic, alternative, integrated, and complementary medicine titles are confusing. Any technique outside conventional medicine fits under all of these titles. Nutrition and acupuncture could apply to holistic, alternative and complementary. It’s the title’s implied relationship to conventional medicine that differs greatly. As mentioned above, holistic medicine encompasses the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. Alternative refers to all modalities outside of conventional medicine. This term fosters separation between the two approaches with the “instead of” meaning. An integrated approach is akin to Holistic in that cooperation and respect exist between the different health providers. It differs from Holistic because of the assumption of the inclusion of conventional methods. An example of integration is demonstrated at Columbia University Medical School where, before bypass surgery the patient is provided with a variety of relaxation experiences. During bypass surgery a Therapeut
