Integrative Medicine - Combining Traditional and Modern Therapies for Holistic Care

Abstract

Integrative medicine has been consolidating itself as an innovative and effective approach to health promotion, combining conventional medical practices with complementary therapies focusing on holistic patient care. This theoretical study, based on a literature review, analyzes the benefits and challenges of this integration, highlighting its application in different clinical contexts and its growing inclusion in public health systems. Among the main benefits are the reduction of excessive drug use, improvement in patients' quality of life, and the humanization of medical care. However, challenges such as resistance from part of the scientific community, the scarcity of robust research, and the need for proper regulation still hinder its full implementation. The analysis demonstrates that integrative medicine plays a fundamental role in building a more sustainable and effective healthcare model, requiring efforts in expanding academic training, encouraging research, and strengthening public policies aimed at its incorporation. It is concluded that the convergence between traditional and modern therapies can significantly contribute to improving population health, provided it is supported by scientific evidence and properly regulated practices.