The volunteer-led charity does this by helping the public and health practitioners understand the free referral process, being a voice for patients and carers to MSPs and government health and social care bodies, and offering online programming on complementary therapies. Also known as Integrative Medicine, this approach focuses on restoring and maintaining health and wellness by considering a pat
ient’s physical, mental and spiritual aspects along with lifestyle influences. It relies on partnership between practitioner and patient. According to The Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health, "Integrative medicine and health reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic and lifestyle approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing." Integrative Care -- which uses evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies from Eastern and Western traditions -- contrasts with conventional medical practice where a patient sees a GP and gets referred to specialists based on specific symptoms, which are treated in isolation. Should I ask my GP about Integrative Care? Yes, especially if you have complex or chronic conditions with multiple factors such as Long COVID, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME, Fibromyalgia, Depression, Anxiety, Low Mood, Chronic Pain Arthritis, Joint Pain, Cancer, and many more. Referrals to the NHS Centre for Integrative Care are free, and the law protects patients' rights to consider all types of care and discuss options with their medical practitioners. What's the NHS Centre for Integrative Care? An award-winning purpose-built NHS facility that offers person-centred holistic care. It's located on the Gartnavel Hospital campus in Glasgow, and includes a beautiful, inspiring and serene garden that lends an air of calm and mindfulness. Patients served by the NHS Centre report increased wellbeing, reduced or stopped pharmaceutical drugs and fewer visits to their GP. More details available on FriendsCIC.org. Registered charity
