Tool Book
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Tool Book
helloIntegrative Medicine
Integrative Medicine (IM) is healing-oriented and takes into account the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and community as well as all aspects of lifestyle. An integrative medicine practitioner uses all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative, to facilitate the body’s innate healing response. IM emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient. Integrative medicine neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative medicine therapies uncritically.
The field of integrative medicine was established and popularized by Andrew Weil, founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. As the field of integrative medicine continues to grow, leading academic institutions in IM across the US (see the members list of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine) are conducting scientific studies and research, clinical care and educational programs that focus on teaching medical professionals to promote health and wellness, rather than just treating disease. There are now 42 academic medical centers that offer integrative medicine programs, including the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School and Georgetown, Duke and ColumbiaUniversities.
[edit]Defining principles of integrative medicine
- Patient and practitioner are partners in the healing process.
- All factors that influence health, wellness, and disease are taken into consideration, including mind, spirit, and community, as well as the body.
- Appropriate use of both conventional and alternative methods facilitates the body's innate healing response.
- Effective interventions that are natural and less invasive should be used whenever possible.
- Integrative medicine neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically.
- Good medicine is based in good science. It is inquiry-driven and open to new paradigms.
- Alongside the concept of treatment, the broader concepts of health promotion and the prevention of illness are paramount.
- Practitioners of integrative medicine should exemplify its principles and commit themselves to self-exploration and self-development.



The Optional Living Club provides personalized lifestyle plans and heath coaching in order to live a longer and healthier life. The Optimal Living Experience, which covers every aspect of health and lifestyle, is offered online, and in spas across the country.