Integrative medicine

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Integrative medicine combines the most well-researched conventional medicine with the most well-researched, evidence-based complementary therapies to achieve the appropriate care for each person. Complementary therapies can include:

  • Meditation.
  • Yoga.
  • Massage.
  • Acupuncture.
  • Use of supplements, such as vitamins, herbs and minerals.
  • Music therapy.

Integrative medicine aims to fit each person's unique needs. It may help people with cancer symptoms, ongoing pain, long-term fatigue and other conditions.

If you use complementary therapies, be sure to take time to research the risks and benefits.

Your health care team can help you choose safe complementary therapies that work well with your main treatment. Always talk with your team before you try a new therapy. They can help make sure it's safe and proven to help and is right for you.

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Nov. 21, 2023

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