By integrating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with traditional medical treatment, this volume represents the next generation in the evolving field of integrative medicine. Features a unique approach and case studies immediately applicable to clinical practice. Far more than a review of CAM modalities, this is an evidence-based and clinically authoritative guide for family medicine and primary care providers.

The last century witnessed dramatic changes in the practice of health care, and coming decades promise advances that were not imaginable even in the relatively recent past. Science and technology continue to offer new insights into disease pathways and treatments, as well as mechanisms of protecting health and preventing disease. Genomics and proteomics are bringing personalized risk assessment, prevention, and treatment options within reach; health information technology is expediting the collection and analysis of large amounts of data that can lead to improved care; and many disciplines are contributing to a broadening understanding of the complex interplay among biology, environment, behavior, and socioeconomic factors that shape health and wellness. On February 25 - 27, 2009, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) convened the Summit on Integrative Medicine and the Health of the Public in Washington, DC. The summit brought together more than 600 scientists, academic leaders, policy experts, health practitioners, advocates, and other participants from many disciplines to examine the practice of integrative medicine, its scientific basis, and its potential for improving health. This publication summarizes the background, presentations, and discussions that occurred during the summit.

Integration of complementary and alternative medicine therapies (CAM) with conventional medicine is occurring in hospitals and physicians offices, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are covering CAM therapies, insurance coverage for CAM is increasing, and integrative medicine centers and clinics are being established, many with close ties to medical schools and teaching hospitals. In determining what care to provide, the goal should be comprehensive care that uses the best scientific evidence available regarding benefits and harm, encourages a focus on healing, recognizes the importance of compassion and caring, emphasizes the centrality of relationship-based care, encourages patients to share in decision making about therapeutic options, and promotes choices in care that can include complementary therapies where appropriate. Numerous approaches to delivering integrative medicine have evolved. Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States identifies an urgent need for health systems research that focuses on identifying the elements of these models, the outcomes of care delivered in these models, and whether these models are cost-effective when compared to conventional practice settings. It outlines areas of research in convention and CAM therapies, ways of integrating these therapies, development of curriculum that provides further education to health professionals, and an amendment of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act to improve quality, accurate labeling, research into use of supplements, incentives for privately funded research into their efficacy, and consumer protection against all potential hazards.

Drawing on solid scientific evidence as well as extensive first-hand experience, this manual provides the practical information you need to safely and effectively integrate complementary and alternative treatment modalities into your practice. It explains how alternative therapies can help you fight diseases that do not respond readily to traditional treatments... presents integrative treatments for a full range of diseases and conditions, including autism, stroke, chronic fatigue syndrome, and various forms of cancer...explores how to advise patients on health maintenance and wellness...and offers advice on topics such as meditation, diet, and exercises for back pain. 24 new chapters, a new organization, make this landmark reference more useful than ever. Provides dosages and precautions to help you avoid potential complications.Delivers therapy-based pearls to enhance your patient care.Facilitates patient education with helpful handouts. Offers helpful icons that highlight the level and quality of evidence for each specific modality.Includes bonus PDA software that lets you load all of the therapeutic review sections onto your handheld device.Presents a new organization, with numerous section headings and subheadings, for greater ease of reference.Provides additional clinical practice and business considerations for incorporating integrative medicine into clinical practice.

A comprehensive medical textbook taking a holistic approach to contemporary general practice Ideal for General Practitioners and medical students alike, this'medical textbook takes an integrative approach to the diagnosis, investigation and management of health issues in the general practice environment. General Practice: The integrative approach covers the philosophy underpinning modern-day general practice, including primary and secondary prevention as well as acute and chronic disease management. This thorough'textbook informs doctors of potential treatment and prevention options, as well as possible pitfalls, according to the growing integrative medicine evidence base. The first section of General Practice: The integrative approach lays the foundations of integrative medicine while the second examines important medical conditions in a systems-based approach. Each chapter in this valuable health resource outlines required medical and consulting knowledge, while discussing physiology and pharmacological management plans of systems-based conditions. An evidence-based discussion of the available therapeutic options for the treatment of associated factors follows. This helps medical practitioners adapt their approach for individual patient needs. General Practice: The integrative approach features contributions from experts in Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, naturopathy, and exercise therapy - all of whom incorporate their expertise into management plans that utilise multiple therapeutic modalities to achieve the best clinical outcome.

Integrative Medicine, by Dr. David Rakel, provides the practical, evidence-based guidance you need to safely and effectively integrate complementary and alternative medical treatments into your practice. This medical reference book lays the framework for making the best use of these therapeutic modalities and understanding the mechanisms by which these interventions work, keeping you at the forefront of the trend toward integrative health care. Incorporate therapeutic integrative medicine modalities into clinical practice through the "Tools for Your Practice" section that offers how-to application for recommending mediation, prescribing probiotics, and how to do an elimination diet. Apply integrative treatments for a full range of diseases and conditions including autism, stroke, chronic fatigue syndrome, and various forms of cancer...see how to advise patients on health maintenance and wellness...and get valuable advice on topics such as meditation, diet, and exercises for back pain. Avoid potential complications with recommended dosages and precautions. Enhance patient care with therapy-based guidance and printable patient education guides. Implement proven integrative treatments for various diseases thanks to an evidence-based therapeutic approach. Weigh the likely effectiveness of various treatments vs. their potential harm with helpful icons based on the SORT (Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy) method. Validate potential interventions through the latest research in genomics and advanced imaging technologies, such as MRI.

Pain is the most common complaint amongst all patients seeking care from all types of health practitioners. It is estimated that 40% of patient visits to health care practitioners are for the management of pain. The problem of pain and other functional complaints is an ever larger proportion of the practice of integrative medicine. Complementary and alternative medical modalities have much to offer in managing pain and functional complaints, as well as presenting new and unique perspectives on the phenomenon of pain. This book is also unique in taking into account cultural, historical and social factors in pain and pain management. While not a topic in itself (with the exception of the introductory chapter) it is a perspective that infuses all the topics of the book.