When we hear about integrative medicine, several types of therapies come to mind that can be applied alongside usual clinical treatment, but this exercise goes beyond these applications. The proposal is simple and, at the same time, powerful: look at the patient as a whole: body, mind and habits, and not just treat the isolated symptom.
For Dr. Carlos Alberto Carvalho Morato, orthopedic doctor and neurologist with experience in pain and this type of approach is a true return to the origins of traditional. “Integrative medicine is an attempt to return to the principles of treating the patient as a whole, unlike the super-specialization that occurs today. Currently, it is necessary to evaluate in detail data such as routine, habits and complaints about a given problem, seeking the root of it in order to draw up a treatment plan that aims to improve quality of life.”
According to recent studies by Medical School e da integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, meditation and breathing techniques, when associated with traditional treatment, can reduce the intensity of chronic pain by up to 35% and improve sleep, mood and general well-being.
Application to combat pain is more frequent
Research published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine in 2024 showed that patients who combined physiotherapy, acupuncture and psychological support showed an improvement of up to 40% in pain control, when compared to those who only received drug treatment.
According to the doctor, integrative medicine helps to understand what is behind the pain, which is often related to lifestyle, stress and even emotional factors. “Since the inclusion of pain as the fifth vital sign, there has been a concern to create protocols and processes for a more complete treatment”, he states.
The most common complaints, according to Dr. Morato, are headaches and joint pain. And, in these cases, the specialist reinforces that the patient’s commitment is fundamental: “There is no point in inventing expensive devices and treatments if the patient does not practice physical activities on a routine basis. The greatest effort will always be on the patient and he, more than anyone else, needs to understand his needs.”
With the increase in interest, there are those who see integrative medicine as a miracle solution, which the doctor is keen to correct: “I think they are selling integrative medicine as some kind of miracle and it is not.
The more I study, the more I become convinced that ancient practices are important”, says Carlos. For Dr. Janifer Trizi, gynecologist and integrative doctor, the application of so-called integrative medicine goes further. “It is necessary to study the patient and their complaints in depth to define conduct, but as my colleague wisely stated, there is no magic. Our body is a structure that depends on pillars that are, at the very least, good nutrition, physical exercise and good sleep hygiene. Without this, we will not be performing at our best and we will start to have problems.”
The specialist works more with hormonal regulation and practices integrative medicine using exams and other therapeutic approaches in the office. “Today there is no way to separate personal and professional life, so I tell my patients that I am their corporate doctor. My intention is to promote longevity and quality of life, of course, with medical monitoring and the adoption of good habits.” Dr. Morato further adds: “in my opinion, the strength of integrative medicine lies in the balance between science and self-care, combining modern technology and traditional practices. We live in a fast-paced society, where results need to happen equally quickly. But nature and biological processes have their own time”, he concludes.
Video report
As a reporter and curious, I went to see Dr. Janifer Trizi up close and heard the story of an advertiser and mother of three, who suffered from tiredness and irritability, before learning about and practicing integrative medicine. Just look!
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
