The Future is CAM
November 2016
By Suman Pujari
Integrative medicine is undoubtedly the future of medicine. Complementary and Alternative systems of Medicine (CAM) have been gaining currency since the last decade all over the world. Several rigorous research studies have shown certain systems and CAM to be very effective in healing problems that contemporary system of medicine cannot. The central government has started showing growing interest in developing CAM modalities in the country through reformed government policies. To match these steps, the School of Integrative Medicine has come up with an intent to extend its knowledge to the society.
The field of integrative health and medicine reaffirms the importance of harmonious relationship between the practitioner and the patient. It focuses on the person as a whole, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and professions to achieve optimum health and healing. However, the turning point will come only when alternative medical therapies will be considered as the first line treatment in their own right, and not the final resting place of untreatable problems otherwise.
Good doctors should not only be able to manipulate modern medical knowledge to the patient’s advantage but should also be good healers. Reiki can offer a great deal if given a chance. Reiki is applied in terms of our modern knowledge of physiology and nuclear chemistry respectively.
The concept of integrative medicine is swiftly gaining popularity since this approach combines the best practices of conventional medicine with a number of proven, effective, complementary and alternative therapies to benefit the patient. Almost all of these therapies involve minimum risks while facilitating healing for a person. They address the root of diseases through their partnership approach, ie becoming a partner in healing rather than just dispensing medication or recommending tests. CAM is an excellent tool for people with chronic health issues or pains because conventional medicine hasn’t been able to figure out the underlying problems.
Moreover, the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual faculties of a person too start functioning at its full potential through the application of holistic modalities. This ensures a healthy alliance between the mind and body enabling a person to overcome his limitations and discover greater satisfaction in life. The goal of integrative medicine is not to help you get rid of your symptoms but to address the real cause behind these symptoms, thus, fulfilling the WHO’s definition of health, Health is defined as the complete physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing and not merely an abscence of symptoms.