http://www.docblock.com, Dr. Jerome Block, MD practices Integrative and Internal Medicine in Tulsa, OK. He combines all the best from Traditional Medicine with all the best from Alternative Medicine to achieve total body health for his patients. Here is an exerpt from his website. Call 918-591-3891 for an appointment today!

"So are there distinct differences between this “New Medicine” (IM) and its forerunners, alternative or complementary medicine?

Yes. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as “a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.” While some scientific evidence exists regarding some complementary and alternative therapies, many still require well-designed scientific studies to definitively answer questions about safety and efficacy.

NCCAM also offers the following key difference between complementary and alternative medicine:

Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. An example of a complementary therapy is using aromatherapy to help lessen a patient’s discomfort following surgery. So although IM utilizes complementary therapies, the stringent requirement that these treatments have a solid scientific basis exists, making it “once removed” from complementary or alternative systems. However, many practitioners and patients look forward to the day when the practice of using all evidence-based methods becomes commonplace and the IM designation is no longer required.

It’s also important to note that IM, like most healthcare systems, is more than simply a list of treatments or therapies. IM values all aspects of a person’s health – mind, body, and spirit – and reaffirms the importance of an open relationship between practitioner and patient. Those who practice IM consider a patient’s overall satisfaction with life, pointing to irrefutable proof that stress management and good mental hygiene positively affect healing and health. Finally, instead of focusing solely on curing disease and illness, IM also emphasizes preventing disease and/or living well with chronic disease."