What Is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine combines evidence-based conventional medicine with evidence-informed complementary therapies to treat the whole person — physical, psychological, and social. It works alongside conventional treatment, never instead of it.
Definition of Integrative Medicine
Integrative medicine is an approach to healthcare that combines evidence-based conventional medicine with evidence-informed complementary therapies. It treats the whole person — physical, psychological, and social — rather than the disease in isolation. It does not replace conventional treatment; it works alongside it.
The term was formalised in the 1990s at academic medical centres in the United States, including the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine founded by Dr Andrew Weil. In the UK, the Royal London Hospital for Integrative Medicine (RLHIM) — part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust — is the largest public-sector integrative medicine centre in Europe. Dr Kloppenburg holds a Specialty Doctor position at the RLHIM.
Integrative medicine is distinct from both conventional medicine (which may not address the full person) and alternative medicine (which may replace conventional treatment). The integrative approach requires the physician to be trained in both — able to assess the evidence for complementary therapies and to understand their interactions with conventional treatment.
Integrative Medicine vs Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine
| Approach | Relationship to conventional medicine | Evidence requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional medicine | Is the primary treatment | High — RCTs, systematic reviews, NICE guidelines |
| Integrative medicine | Combines conventional + evidence-informed complementary | High for conventional; evidence-informed for complementary |
| Alternative medicine | Replaces conventional treatment | Variable — often low or absent |
| Complementary medicine | Used alongside conventional treatment | Variable — some therapies well-evidenced, others less so |
Core Principles of Integrative Medicine
Patient-centred care
The patient's priorities, values, and preferences guide the care plan — not just the diagnosis.
Evidence-informed practice
Complementary therapies are selected based on the best available evidence for safety and efficacy.
Whole-person approach
Physical, psychological, social, and lifestyle factors are all considered in assessment and treatment.
Collaborative care
Integrative medicine physicians work alongside — not instead of — oncologists, GPs, and other specialists.
Safety first
Drug-herb interactions, contraindications, and treatment interference are assessed before any complementary therapy is prescribed.
Therapeutic relationship
Longer consultation times allow for a deeper understanding of the patient's experience and concerns.
Integrative Medicine in Cancer Care (Integrative Oncology)
Integrative oncology is the application of integrative medicine principles to cancer care. It is the fastest-growing area of integrative medicine, driven by the high prevalence of complementary therapy use among cancer patients (estimated at 40–80% in European studies) and the need for clinically supervised, evidence-based guidance.
The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) publishes evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for integrative oncology, covering areas including acupuncture, mind-body therapies, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle interventions. These guidelines are used by integrative oncology physicians including Dr Kloppenburg.
Dr Kloppenburg's integrative oncology practice includes mistletoe therapy, IV Vitamin C, medicinal mushroom therapy, nutritional therapy, and hypnotherapy and NLP.
Frequently asked questions
Questions About Integrative Medicine
What is integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine is an approach to healthcare that combines evidence-based conventional medicine with evidence-informed complementary therapies. It treats the whole person — physical, psychological, and social — rather than the disease in isolation. Integrative medicine does not replace conventional treatment; it works alongside it.
What is the difference between integrative medicine and alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine replaces conventional treatment. Integrative medicine combines conventional and complementary approaches — it never replaces evidence-based treatment. An integrative medicine physician is a conventionally trained doctor who also uses evidence-informed complementary therapies alongside standard care.
Is integrative medicine available on the NHS?
Limited integrative medicine services are available on the NHS, primarily through the Royal London Hospital for Integrative Medicine (RLHIM) and a small number of NHS cancer centres. Most integrative medicine consultations in the UK are accessed privately. NICE has published guidance on some complementary therapies, including acupuncture for chronic pain.
What conditions is integrative medicine used for?
Integrative medicine is used most commonly for cancer care (integrative oncology), chronic conditions including Long COVID and fatigue syndromes, pain management, and mental health support. It is particularly valuable when conventional medicine alone does not fully address a patient's symptoms or quality of life.
How do I access integrative medicine in the UK?
In the UK, integrative medicine is available through the NHS at the Royal London Hospital for Integrative Medicine (RLHIM) and privately through GMC-registered integrative medicine physicians. Dr Saskia Kloppenburg Vieth offers 60-minute remote integrative medicine consultations, accessible UK-wide by telephone or video call.
Speak with an Integrative Medicine Physician
Dr Kloppenburg offers 60-minute remote integrative medicine consultations — accessible UK-wide by telephone or video call. No referral required.
Remote consultations · UK-wide · 60 minutes · Book via call or online request