- What is the meaning of integrative medicine?
- What is the difference between holistic medicine and integrative medicine?
- What is the difference between integrative and functional medicine?
When patients explore natural and complementary approaches to health, they often come across terms such as integrative medicine, holistic medicine, and functional medicine. While these approaches share common ground in emphasizing whole-person care, they are not identical. At The Han Institute, Dr. Angelica Kokkalis blends traditional Chinese medicine with modern integrative practices, helping patients better understand how these approaches can support healing and balance.
What is the meaning of integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine is a patient-centered approach that combines conventional medical treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies. The goal is not to replace traditional medicine but to enhance it by addressing the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of health. Examples of integrative therapies include acupuncture, nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, stress management, and mindfulness practices.
By uniting the best of both worlds—modern science and time-tested traditions—integrative medicine empowers patients to take an active role in their healing journey.
How is holistic medicine different from integrative medicine?
Holistic medicine is an approach that looks at the person as a whole, focusing on body, mind, and spirit. It emphasizes prevention and lifestyle choices, aiming for balance and harmony. However, holistic medicine does not necessarily integrate conventional medical practices.
Integrative medicine, on the other hand, combines the holistic perspective with conventional care. For example, a patient undergoing cancer treatment may use acupuncture for nausea and meditation for stress alongside chemotherapy. Integrative medicine therefore bridges the gap between holistic philosophies and modern medical science.
How does integrative medicine differ from functional medicine?
While both integrative and functional medicine take a root-cause approach, functional medicine is more focused on identifying underlying imbalances at the biochemical and physiological levels. Functional medicine often uses advanced diagnostic testing to uncover nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or gut health issues.
Integrative medicine, while it may use similar diagnostic tools, places more emphasis on the blend of therapies and the partnership between patient and practitioner. It looks at the whole person and often incorporates complementary practices like acupuncture, yoga, and nutritional guidance alongside conventional treatments.
In Summary
- Holistic medicine focuses on whole-person wellness but doesn’t necessarily combine conventional and complementary care.
- Integrative medicine blends conventional medicine with holistic and complementary therapies, offering a truly comprehensive approach.
- Functional medicine emphasizes investigating and addressing root causes at the physiological and biochemical level.
At The Han Institute, Dr. Angelica Kokkalis practices a unique form of integrative medicine, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and informed by modern research. This balanced approach supports patients on their journey to long-term health and well-being.
