What is Integrative Medicine?

Integrative medicine is a medical specialty that blends modern, conventional care with evidence-informed whole-person approaches drawn from healing traditions around the world. Rather than choosing between conventional medicine or “alternative” medicine, it combines the best of both worlds. At its core, it seeks a deeper understanding of health, disease, and healing by considering the full context of the individual—not just isolated symptoms or diagnoses.

It often incorporates functional medicine, whole-body healing systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, mind–body therapies, and the full spectrum of lifestyle medicine.

01
Root-Cause, Systems-Based Thinking

Integrative medicine looks beyond isolated symptoms or diagnoses to understand how multiple systems interact. This includes exploring contributors such as inflammation, metabolic health, hormones, nutrition, sleep, stress, trauma, and environmental exposures. The goal is not to replace diagnosis, but to place it within a broader physiological and personal context.

02
Evidence-Informed, Not Alternative

It is grounded in science and clinical reasoning. It uses conventional diagnostics and treatments while selectively incorporating lifestyle interventions, nutrition, mind–body therapies, and targeted supplements when supported by evidence or clinical data. The emphasis is on thoughtful integration—not rejection—of modern medicine.

03
Whole-Person Care for Complex Problems

Many patients seek integrative care when symptoms persist despite “normal” testing or when standard approaches fall short. Integrative medicine prioritizes time, curiosity, and individualized care—recognizing that biology, psychology, behavior, and lived experience all influence health outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Integrative medicine is particularly helpful for individuals with complex or chronic symptoms, conditions that have not fully responded to standard treatments, or those seeking a more comprehensive understanding of their health. It is often used alongside conventional care for conditions such as cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal concerns, gastrointestinal disorders, and other multifactorial health issues.

    Many patients seek integrative care after years of normal or inconclusive testing, partial diagnoses, or fragmented care across multiple providers. This approach is designed for those who want a deeper exploration of underlying contributors and a more cohesive view of their health.

  • Integrative medicine visits are typically longer and more comprehensive than standard medical appointments. The visit begins with a detailed review of your health history, including prior evaluations, current symptoms, medical history, and the broader context of your life—such as lifestyle, stress, and relevant life experiences.

    From there, we focus on identifying patterns and possible contributors to your concerns. When appropriate, this may include discussing further evaluation using conventional laboratory testing, imaging, or selected functional medicine tests. Any recommendations are individualized and guided by clinical reasoning, evidence, and your specific goals.

  • Functional medicine is one framework commonly used within integrative medicine, but the two are not interchangeable. Integrative medicine is a broader specialty that includes conventional care, lifestyle medicine, mind–body therapies, and traditional systems of medicine alongside functional approaches.

  • No. Integrative medicine is typically consultative and works alongside primary care and specialty care. Recommendations are designed to complement—not replace—existing medical treatment.

  • Yes, when appropriate. Integrative medicine is not anti-medication or anti-diagnosis. Medications, supplements, and non-pharmacologic therapies are considered together, based on clinical need and patient goals.

  • Integrative medicine consults are offered through my clinical practice within an academic medical setting. Because scheduling and referral processes vary, I do not book appointments directly through this website.

    For the most current information on where I practice and how to schedule an integrative medicine consult, please visit my LinkedIn profile, where practice details and contact information are kept up to date.