Integrative Care

Integrative care, also known as integrative medicine or integrative health, is a holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare that combines both conventional and alternative therapies. This approach aims to treat the whole person, considering physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental influences on health. The term integrative care is derived from the Latin word integratus, meaning "to make whole or entire." In Hebrew, it can be translated as טיפול שילובי (tiful shilovi). In Spanish, it is known as atención integrativa, and in French, it is referred to as soins intégratifs. Key aspects of integrative care include personalized care plans, a strong emphasis on the patient-practitioner relationship, and the use of evidence-informed therapies tailored to the individual's unique conditions and circumstances. This approach often incorporates lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, alongside conventional treatments and complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, and mindfulness practices. The goal is to promote overall well-being and improve health outcomes by addressing the root causes of illness and disease.