By Dr. Janette Hurley
What is Integrative Medicine (IM)?
Integrative Medicine (IM) is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies. Some call it an intelligent combination of conventional and complementary medicine approaches from various healing traditions around the world.
The Defining Principles of Integrative Medicine stem from a belief that:
- Patient and practitioner are partners in the healing process.
- All factors that influence health, wellness, and disease are taken into consideration, including mind, spirit, and community, as well as the body.
- Appropriate use of both conventional and complementary methods facilitates the body’s innate healing response.
- Effective interventions that are natural and less invasive should be used whenever possible.
- Integrative medicine neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts complementary therapies uncritically.
- Good medicine is based in good science. It is inquiry-driven and open to new paradigms.
- Alongside the concept of treatment, the broader concepts of health promotion and the prevention of illness are paramount.
- Practitioners of integrative medicine should exemplify its principles and commit themselves to self-exploration and self-development.
This IM approach to medicine fits well with our Integrated Model of Care at HUM as it takes into account the whole person and meets people where they are at.
IM appointments at HUM are one hour long for each session.
An initial session can be spread over two (2) hours.
Alberta Health Care covers initial sessions and follow-up appointments, as the care offered includes conventional medicine. There may be charges for specific things not covered by Alberta Health Care.
IM also offers formulations and strategies tailored to the particular needs of our bodies at each season of the year. For example, in September, one needs to consider the steps necessary during the Autumn Season to prepare the body, specifically the liver and gastrointestinal tract, for transition into the winter months.
IM appointments with Dr. Janette Hurleyare available to HUM patients who have already undergone a comprehensive assessment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 403-536-2480.