Integrative medicine recognises the importance of providing individualised and holistic care.  It focuses on the whole person, considering physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health. Integrative medical practitioners acknowledge the uniqueness of the individual and utilise a shared decision-making process that takes individual circumstances, values and cultural beliefs into consideration when tailoring therapies.

In its application, integrative medicine combines conventional medical practices with evidence-based complementary therapies and lifestyle interventions.

• Complementary therapies might include acupuncture, light therapies, and the use of herbs and nutritional supplements to support health and well-being.

• Mind-body therapies might include meditation, yoga and breathing practices to better manage stress and optimise calm.

• Lifestyle interventions emphasise the importance of lifestyle factors such as optimising nutrition, exercise, sunlight exposure and sleep hygiene.   

Ideally, an integrative approach to healthcare will include a team of healthcare professionals working together to provide comprehensive care with a shared common goal. An example of an interdisciplinary team might include a general practitioner (as the main co-ordinator of care), a physiotherapist or/and an osteopath, an acupuncturist, a naturopath and a psychologist.

The ultimate goals of integrative medicine include:

• The identification and treatment of the root cause of disease, rather than simply treating the symptoms

• The optimisation of the health and well-being of the individual. This involves taking proactive measures to maintain health and prevent disease.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is Australia’s largest medical organisation. It represents GPs and sets standards for practice and education. The link below is to the RACGP's submission to the Medical Board of Australia about the use of complimentary therapies in Australia. Ultimately, the RACGP is supportive of the use of evidence based complementary therapies in general practice.