Alternative Medicine

Integrative Medicine at Washington Township Medical Foundation

Alternative medicine has increased in its use and popularity in the United States in recent years. There are different approaches to alternative medicine, as there are different names, including the terms complementary medicine and integrative medicine. Integrative medicine encompasses a whole-patient, comprehensive approach to care. This includes aspects of the patient’s physical health and well-being as well as his / her spiritual health, lifestyle, mental health, emotional health, and community involvement and integration.

Types of Integrative Medicine

Some of the services encompassed by an integrative or complementary medicine approach may include:

• Massage therapy
• Meditation
• Stress management
• Resilience training
• Animal assisted therapy
• Herbs / supplements
• Acupuncture

If you have questions about the efficacy or helpfulness of one of these treatment methods or another form of integrative medicine, ask your internist at Washington Township Medical Foundation. Many patients prefer to use a combination approach. At WTMF, we believe in tailoring our approach to meet the unique, personal needs of individual patients, never taking a “one size fits all” approach but always ensuring that our patients are heard as we partner with them in developing comprehensive treatment and care plans. Your internist is a doctor with whom you have the chance to develop a long-term relationship. We encourage you to communicate your questions about alternative options and approaches with your Washington Township Medical Foundation doctor.