The National Institutes of Health defines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be a part of conventional medicine. CAM therapies used alone are often referred to as “alternative.” When used in addition to conventional medicine, they may be referred to as “complementary”.
The term integrative medicine is now commonly used to describe the practice of combining conventional medicine with alternative or complementary medicine in a balanced, coordinated way.
“The use of the term ‘integrative’ is very purposeful,” explains Dr. Steve Lee, a rheumatologist and practitioner of integrative medicine. “Most integrative practitioners don’t use the term ‘complimentary’ or ‘alternative’ anymore because it suggests that these strategies may not be the main strategy or may be used instead of traditional medicine….[B]ut integrating these strategies into traditional medical strategies is probably the most appropriate use of many of these therapies.”
The goal of an integrative approach to healthcare is to address the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of a patient, treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
Integrative approaches to healthcare can be categorized based on their main method of delivery. Nutritional methods include special diets, dietary supplements, herbs, probiotics, and microbial-based therapies. Psychological methods encompass practices such as meditation, hypnosis, music therapy, and relaxation therapies. Physical methods involve techniques like acupuncture, massage, and spinal manipulation.
Often, integrative medicine combines these approaches to enhance overall effectiveness. For instance, psychological and physical methods can be combined in practices like yoga, tai chi, dance therapy, and some forms of art therapy. Another example is the combination of psychological and nutritional methods, such as mindful eating, which integrates the principles of mindfulness with healthy dietary practices.
Here are some examples of integrative approaches that healthcare practitioners have used to treat spondyloarthritis.
The following statement outlines what Medical Cannabis is, the possible effects, and current regulations. This information is being provided to help improve the conversation between those living with spondyloarthritis and their physicians, and ultimately foster a shared decision-making model.
Many integrative medicine approaches have been studied, but often not with the same level of scientific rigor as traditional treatments. In addition, integrative medicine often takes a holistic approach, considering the mind, body, and spirit. This can make it challenging to measure outcomes with the same precision as traditional treatments, which often target specific symptoms or disease mechanisms. Nonetheless, there is a growing body of research supporting the efficacy of certain integrative medicine practices for managing AS and other chronic conditions.
Patients should discuss options with their healthcare providers to ensure any integrative treatments are based on the best available evidence.
For additional information to assist you in your decision-making about integrative health, refer to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Rheumatologist Steve Lee, DO, FACR provides an overview of integrative medicine and additional treatments that may improve spondyloarthritis management and overall wellness.
Loribeth Cohen, PT, CAP, IMT-C, NET Practitioner, provides an introduction to Ayurveda and how this practice strives to move people from a state of “dis-ease” or imbalance to more wholeness.
Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Nutritional Review
Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine
Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: A review of preclinical and clinical research. Alternative Medicine Review
Immune homeostasis, dysbiosis and therapeutic modulation of the gut microbiota
— “Ankylosing Spondylitis: The Facts (Oxford Medical Publications)” by Dr. Muhammad Asim Khan, member of the Spondylitis Association of America Medical and Scientific Advisory Board.
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