Challenging the New Orthodoxy in Integrative Medicine

Abstract

This paper offers a critique of the paradigm adopted in integrative medicine. Several concerns are raised in relation to this paradigm, including the absence of any explicit and well-defined criteria for appropriate therapeutic selection or referral, inherent biases, and the significantly reduced clinical efficacy of the traditional and alternative therapies utilized. In particular, the obvious lack of a clear and cogent theoretical model for integration is noted. The central features of existing models in world medicine are outlined, and the requirements for a universal model are discussed in relation to its capacity to address the specific concerns are raised. To develop this model fully, the need to reopen critical debate on the nature of medicine, and for rigorous model testing and peer review, are noted and the challenge to do so is delivered.