Complementary Medicine, Complementary Medicine. When we make understanding the physical body our life’s work, we sometimes fall into the trap of reductionism : the theory that complex systems can be understood by a study of their components. When we do this, we approach disease and health through blinkered procedures that by definition demands we narrow our focus. A patient comes to see us. We , in turn regard that patient as a list of physical symptoms , a collection of part parts or a single trail of interlocking biochemical processes. We see the proverbial trees instead of the proverbial forest. The danger, however, is that a narrow focus can cause us to miss information, or opportunities to synthesize information, that we could use to become better at what we do.

Fortunately, there is another choice: to approach Western and non-Western medicine as complementary. Call it a ” best of breed ” approach to healthcare. As healthcare providers , we choose from a variety of tools and protocols, some derived from Western medicine, others from traditions that originated elsewhere, whether it’s the Far East, folk traditions like herbalism, or offshoots of mainstream science such as chiropractic, kinesiology or nutritional therapy. Let me be clear. Complementary medicine should not abandon science . On the contrary, it must recognize the value of clinical evidence. Responsible practitioners of Complementary Medicine understand this.

But at the same time , we shouldn’t view Complementary Medicine purely in terms of expanding the healthcare menu. Complementary medicine widens our focus, and connections that were formerly hidden become clear. The ability to see these connections in turn means we can offer our patients better care.

But a holistic approach can be even more powerful when it reaches outside of individual practices to foster partnerships among healthcare providers. Indeed, the real promise of complementary healthcare is our ability to select from the best of every medical tradition. A patient undergoing cancer treatment might use acupuncture to alleviate side effects of chemotherapy. Someone suffering from allergies can first gain symptomatic relief via prescription medicine, then address root causes through enzymatic therapies. An individual with back pain might try chiropractic before a more expensive and evasive option such as surgery.

In simplest terms the complementary model expands our patient options. But that’s not all it does. Practicing Complementary Medicine enables us to become better practitioners. It enriches our thinking with ideas we not otherwise encounter. It encourages the intellectual flexibility that is a prerequisite for all inspired problem solving.