Enhanced Primary Care with Integrative Medicine
“Integrative Medicine (IM) is a healing-oriented approach that considers the entire person, encompassing all lifestyle aspects. It highlights the therapeutic partnership between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and utilizes all suitable therapies.”
Conventional Medicine and Complementary/Holistic Medicine
Historically, the method of addressing health issues through pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures was known merely as "medicine." Recently, this method has been termed "conventional medicine,".
Despite its challenges, conventional medicine excels in critical situations, such as providing life-saving measures during severe accidents, infections, or strokes. Dr. Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, once remarked, "If I were hit by a bus, I'd want to be taken immediately to a high-tech emergency room."
Conventional medicine is undoubtedly crucial and beneficial but can also be costly, invasive, and often focuses on symptoms rather than the whole person.
Complementary/Holistic medicine encompasses a broad spectrum of healthcare practices employed outside standard medical treatments. These practices are not typically part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine includes various therapies like nutrition, massage therapy, herbal remedies, mindfulness, and movement.
Integrative medicine strives to merge the most appropriate conventional medical practices with complementary/holistic strategies to maximize health and wellness. It neither dismisses conventional medicine nor uncritically accepts complementary therapies, instead relying on science and evidence for guidance and prioritizing preventive measures and health promotion.
Hear from Dr. Andrew Weil, founder of The Andrew Weil Integrative Medicine Center
“Understanding the definition and principles of integrative medicine often leads to the realization that it embodies good medicine. Our aspiration is that the term "integrative" will eventually become redundant, and that whole-person healthcare, with a focus on evidence-based, natural, and less invasive interventions, will simply be recognized as the practice of good medicine.”
-Dr. Andrew Weil
MiddleWay Wellness healthcare providers are uniquely qualified, having completed a rigorous two-year Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at The University of Arizona under Dr. Andrew Weil, equipping them with comprehensive knowledge and skills to integrate conventional and complementary/holistic medicine for the best patient care
