Integrative medicine aims to integrate the best of both mainstream and alternative approaches. It acts on the belief that some mainstream practices are harmful, unproven or ineffective and some alternative practices have merit, as well as vice versa (the more common view). The best medical care of the 21st century will sift both with a critical eye, and will combine the results into care that surpasses both. The patient, not the disease, is of primary concern, and the diagnosis involves all pertinent aspects of the patient's life. Integrative medicine involves the person with the disorder with his or her care -- informed self-care is essential for optimal results.

Integrative medicine looks at the genetic, environmental, psychological, lifestyle and other predisposing aspects of each patient's disease, looking for overall patterns some of which are unique to each patient. The patient's subjective experience is highly valued, and any test results are used not as primary data used to supersede it, but rather as useful data to supplement the patient's feedback.

Integrative medicine rejects the "one party" model of medicine, and does not hesitate to explore other systems for things that work. And it assumes that the human organism has a built-in healing system which needs to be supported by the medical practitioner.

A recent book describes in detail the transformation of a conventional physician to an integrative one. Leo Galland, MD, in The Four Pillars of Healing (1997) talks not only about his own evolution as a physician, but also about a new way to diagnose and treat ill people. He says (in paraphrase): "the goals of integrative medicine are the improvement of physiological, emotional, cognitive, and/or physical function of individuals. Restoration or enhancement of health, not suppression of disease, is the aim. Disease-suppressing therapies have a role to play in medical care, but their importance has been exaggerated. The principles that guide the restoration of health are different from the principles that guide the suppression of disease." Galland elaborates a better way to diagnose and treat patients, illustrating his points with stories from his practice.

I believe that a switch to integrative medicine in lymphoma would mean a big difference in our health and longevity. So far, the only oncologist I know about who practices integrative medicine is Dr Keith Block in Evanston, Illinois. When a patient comes into his practice, she participates in several weeks worth of workshops on self-care in cancer, learning about improved diet, exercise, and other topics. Dr Block designs a particular diet for each patient, and recommends a number of lifestyle changes that foster healing. He also recommends supplements, herbs, and other alternatives. He does use conventional treatments, but in lesser amounts. He will have a book out this summer about his treatments. More information about him can be gathered from Definitive Guide to Cancer: Alternative Medicine, by Diamond, Cowder, Goldberg et al (1997).

Please let me know of any other oncologists who pursue an integrative approach to cancer treatment, and I will add their names to this page. Also, if anyone has actually experienced the Block clinic, please tell us what it is like, and what sort of treatment you've undergone there.

Written by Vera Bradova © 1998
Updated 7-15-1998