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Integrative Medicine

By Trisha Torrey, About.com

Updated September 04, 2008

Definition: Integrative medicine is an approach that takes both traditional (allopathic) and complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) into account when treating a patient.

A doctor who practices integrative medicine may suggest treatment that might be considered conventional, complementary or alternative, or both.

For example, an integrative approach to breast cancer treatment might include surgery and chemotherapy (conventional), in addition to meditation and therapeutic massage (complementary).

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