Integrative medicine: Holistic care for greater well-being

A functional medicine doctor is a health care professional — often an MD (doctor of medicine) or DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) —who specializes in identifying and treating the causes of chronic illness through a personalized approach.

Unlike conventional doctors who may focus primarily on symptom management, functional medicine doctors take time to understand a patient by looking at their:

• Emotional health
• Environment
• Full medical history
• Genetics
• Lifestyle

They create individualized treatment plans using advanced diagnostic tests and holistic strategies such as:

• Nutrition
• Sleep optimization
• Stress management
• Targeted supplements

While some functional medicine practitioners may not be medical doctors, it's important to choose one with proper credentials and licensing to ensure safe, evidence-based care.  

Integrative medicine and lifestyle medicine are closely related but not the same.

Integrative medicine is a holistic approach that combines conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies like acupuncture, yoga, massage and mindfulness to treat the whole person: mind, body and spirit.

It emphasizes the doctor-patient relationship, personalized care and the use of all appropriate healing techniques to support wellness.

Lifestyle medicine, on the other hand, is a medical specialty that focuses on preventing, treating and even reversing chronic diseases like:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Obesity

It does this by concentrating on evidence-based lifestyle factors like:

• Avoiding risky substances
• Nutrition
• Physical activity
• Sleep
• Stress management

Lifestyle medicine is more prescriptive, focusing on behavior change and the formation of healthy habits.

Lifestyle medicine is often considered a foundation for integrative medicine, while integrative medicine is broader and may include lifestyle medicine as one of its tools. Both aim to improve health and well-being, but they differ in scope and strategy.  

People choose integrative medicine because it treats the whole person — mind, body and spirit — rather than just symptoms. It combines conventional treatments with therapies like:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Massage
• Meditation
• Reiki (energy healing)
• Nutrition
• Yoga

Integrative medicine can help manage a wide range of conditions, including:

• Acute and chronic pain
• Autoimmune diseases
• Breathing disorders
• Cancer and cancer-related side effects
• Chronic fatigue
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Digestive disorders
• Headaches and migraines
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Infertility
• Menopausal and menstrual issues
• Mental and emotional health concerns
• Obesity
• Sleep disturbances

Many patients are drawn to integrative medicine because of its focus on prevention, root-cause healing and patient empowerment, especially when conventional medicine feels rushed or symptom-focused.

In addition, patients often feel more heard and supported, and appreciate the collaborative, holistic approach to long-term wellness.  

While functional medicine focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of disease through a science-driven approach, holistic medicine takes a broader view of health by considering the whole person, including:

• Body
• Emotions
• Mind
• Spirit

Holistic medicine stresses the importance of balance and harmony in all aspects of life and often combines conventional treatments with alternative therapies such as:

• Acupuncture
• Herbal remedies
• Massage
• Meditation

The goal is not just to treat illness but to promote overall wellness and prevent future health issues for patients by addressing their:

• Emotional well-being
• Lifestyle
• Spiritual health

Both functional and holistic medicine are patient-centered, but holistic medicine leans more toward natural healing and whole-person care.  

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to restore balance and promote healing. It is widely used to treat:

• Pain
• Stress
• Various chronic conditions

Scientific research suggests that acupuncture may work by stimulating nerves, muscles and connective tissue, which can trigger the release of endorphins (natural painkillers), improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Some studies show clear benefits, especially for conditions like:

• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Lower back pain
• Migraines
  

Other studies, however, suggest that patients may be experiencing a placebo effect. In other words, the patient may feel better because they believe that the treatment worked.

Nonetheless, many patients report significant relief and improved well-being, and when performed by a certified practitioner, acupuncture is generally safe, with minimal side effects.  

Massage therapy is a hands-on technique that involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body — such as muscles, tendons and ligaments — to promote relaxation, relieve pain and support overall wellness. Practitioners are licensed and referred to as massage therapists.

Practiced across cultures for centuries, it ranges from gentle strokes to deep pressure and includes various styles like Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage and shiatsu.

Massage therapy is used to manage symptoms of:

• Anxiety
• Chronic pain
• Muscle tension
• Stress

It has become increasingly included in medical treatment plans for conditions like:

• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Post-surgical recovery

Massage therapy can improve:

• Circulation
• Emotional well-being
• Flexibility
• Sleep quality

All this makes massage therapy a valuable tool in both physical and mental health care.  

Music therapy is a clinical, evidence-based practice that uses music to help individuals reach their therapy goals under the direction of a trained music therapist.

It can involve a range of activities tailored to your emotional, physical, social and cognitive needs, such as:

• Discussing lyrics
• Listening to music
• Playing instruments
• Singing
• Writing songs

Music therapy can benefit people of all ages and is used to manage conditions like:

• Anxiety
• Autism
• Brain injuries
• Chronic pain
• Dementia
• Depression

Unlike simply listening to music for relaxation, music therapy is a guided process that supports healing, self-expression and improved quality of life through personalized musical experiences.  

Reiki is a traditional Japanese energy-healing practice used to:

• Promote relaxation
• Reduce stress
• Support overall well-being

It’s based on the belief that a universal life force energy — called ki — flows through all living things. When this energy is low or blocked, it’s thought to contribute to illness or emotional distress.

During a Reiki session, a trained practitioner uses a technique called “laying on hands” or hovers their hands just above the body to channel this energy to the recipient. The goal is to:

• Balance the body’s energy
• Create a sense of peace.
• Enhance healing

Reiki is considered a complementary therapy, meaning it’s used alongside conventional medical treatments, not as a replacement.