Integrative primary health care (IPHC) is an approach to health care that combines conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies.
IPHC is often used interchangeably with the term “complementary and Integrative Medicine” (CIM). However, CIM is a broader term that includes any health care approach that augments or complements conventional medicine, while IPHC specifically refers to the delivery of health care services that integrate both conventional and CAM therapies.
The goal of IPHC is to provide patients with comprehensive, individualized care that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. This approach recognizes that each person is unique and, as such, may require a different combination of treatments to achieve optimal health and well-being.
Why Is It Important?
It Can Help Address the Root Cause of Disease
Integrative and functional medicine practitioners take a comprehensive approach to health care, which means they look beyond the symptoms of a disease to identify and treat its underlying causes. This is in contrast to conventional medicine, which often focuses on treating the symptoms of disease with medication. By addressing the root cause of disease, integrative and functional medicine can help to prevent the need for medication in the first place.
It Emphasizes Prevention
Conventional medicine has traditionally focused on treating diseases and conditions after they have developed. While this approach is often effective, it can also be costly and may not always address the underlying cause of the problem. In contrast, practitioners of integrative and preventative health care (IPHC) take a proactive approach to health and wellness. Rather than wait for problems to arise, IPHC practitioners work with patients to prevent disease and promote overall health and wellbeing. This may involve lifestyle counseling, such as guidance on diet and exercise, as well as stress management techniques. By taking a preventative approach, IPHC practitioners can help their patients avoid many of the health problems that often lead to doctor’s visits in the first place.
It Integrates the Best of Conventional and CAM Therapies
The integration of conventional and CAM therapies is one of the key features of the IPHC approach to care. By using a combination of therapies, IPHC practitioners can tailor treatment plans to the individual needs of each patient. This customized approach often leads to better outcomes for patients, as it takes into account the unique nature of each person’s condition. The integration of conventional and CAM therapies also allows IPHC practitioners to provide a more comprehensive level of care. By offering both types of therapies, patients can receive the best possible care for their specific needs. This commitment to providing high-quality, individualized care is one of the many things that sets IPHC apart from other healthcare providers.
It Treats the Whole Person
IPHC practitioners view each patient as a unique individual, rather than simply a collection of symptoms. This holistic approach to care recognizes that the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected and that each plays an important role in overall health and wellbeing. By taking the whole person into account, IPHC practitioners can develop treatment plans that address the physical, mental, and emotional needs of their patients. This comprehensive approach often leads to better outcomes, as it helps to address the underlying causes of disease.
It Is Personalized
One of the key features of IPHC is that it is personalized. This means that practitioners take into account the unique needs of each patient when developing a treatment plan. This individualized approach often leads to better outcomes, as it allows practitioners to tailor care to the specific needs of each person. In addition, this personalized approach can also help to build trust and rapport between practitioner and patient. By taking the time to get to know their patients, IPHC practitioners can provide the best possible care.
It Is Evidence-Based
IPHC is an evidence-based approach to health care. This means that practitioners use the latest research to guide their decision-making. By staying up-to-date on the latest developments in the field, IPHC practitioners can ensure that their patients receive the best possible care. In addition, this evidence-based approach also helps to ensure that treatments are safe and effective. By basing their decisions on the latest research, IPHC practitioners can provide their patients with the highest quality of care possible.
The integrative health care approach is holistic, meaning that it takes into account all aspects of a person’s life when diagnosing and treating an illness or disease. This approach is becoming more popular as people are looking for ways to improve their overall health and well-being. If you’re interested in learning more about integrative primary health care or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started on your journey to better health.
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By Stedil – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64014086
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