Integrative medicine - David Rakel

This clinical tool equips GPs and other health care professionals with the information needed to provide more integrative therapy in medical practice. Drawing on available scientific evidence and the authors' first-hand experience, it offers practical guidance and support for recommending complementary therapies to treat many common conditions seen in the primary care setting. It covers therapies such as botanicals, supplements, mind-body, lifestyle choices, nutrition, exercise, spirituality, and more. A discussion of the philosophy of integrative medicine is followed by sections that specifically define the pharmaceutical treatments as well as the nutritional, mind-body, supplemental, and botanical treatments for common disease states. An emphasis on disease prevention helps the reader direct patients toward health maintenance and wellness. An invaluable Tools for Your Practice section offers suggestions and advice on topics such as Recommending Meditation, The Elimination Diet, Exercises for Back Pain, and Taking a Spiritual History.