The more physicians and patients explore the many ways integrative medicine can be used to promote health and healing, the more it has become an integral component of American health care.

“Both physicians and patients just need to have an open mind,” said Dr. Nicole Cotter, a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. “Every patient can benefit from integrative medicine, and every physician can benefit from introducing elements of it into treating patients. In fact, primary care physicians are probably doing it more than their patients realize. Many people aren’t familiar with the name ‘integrative medicine,’ even though they are likely using it in one form or another.”

Surveys show that 40% of Americans participate in some type of integrative medicine. It combines traditional or conventional medical practices with complementary medicine modalities, so patients receive the best of both approaches.

---

---

Examples of complementary medicine include acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, music therapy and nutrition.

According to Cotter, the melding of traditional and complementary treatments is a more individualistic and personalized way to treat patients for their overall wellness, as well as for those who are battling illness and chronic pain.

---

---

“It sees each person as a holistic being,” she said. “It’s good medicine and is based in good science. Every patient would benefit from it.”

So how would a physician use integrative medicine?

Take Cotter as an example. As a rheumatologist practicing traditional Western medicine, she might diagnose a patient and prescribe medication for their inflammation, swelling and joint pain. But with an integrative approach, she would weave in complementary medicine methods that may include talking about the patient’s gut health; discussing nutrition or perhaps the idea of fasting; introducing mind-body meditation; suggesting movement, exercise, massage and physical therapy; investigating the use of botanicals; or studying whether supplements might be beneficial.

Another example might be a primary care physician caring for a patient with hypertension. Along with medication, the plan might include diet, mindful meditation, nutrition guidance, breath work, biofeedback and use of botanicals.

“The more physicians and other health care practitioners are aware what integrated medicine is, the better they can see how useful it can be for their patients,” said Cotter.

She said integrative medicine can work within any medical discipline, and she urges her colleagues to be curious about incorporating it into their practice. She also encourages patients to educate and advocate for themselves when it comes to seeing how it can help them with better daily living or managing a specific illness or disease.

Her advice:

• Partner with your provider about how integrative medicine may help you.
• Educate yourself on ways it can be used to treat your symptoms or condition.
• Advocate for yourself regarding when complementary medicine approaches can be used in tandem with, or instead of, medication.
• Be open minded and ask questions to determine the best health care plan for your situation.

“Integrative medicine just makes sense, as there is more to you than your disease, and there is more to treating illness than pharmaceuticals,” said Cotter.