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CONTACT Center for Integrative Medicine 908 New Hampshire Ave Suite 200 Washington, DC 20037 (202) 833-5055 office (202) 833-5755 fax Send Us 
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| Philosophy & Principles |
You are here: About Us > Philosophy & Principles
DEFINING THE TERMS
Within our Center, integrative, complementary, or alternative medicine and modalities are distinct from Western, conventional, or Allopathic medicine in that many arose from Eastern philosophy and from a different view of the genesis of illness, healing, and body mechanics.
Integrative and complementary refer to the action of combining alternative modalities among themselves, as well as with conventional treatments, for maximum healing effect. Moreover, integrative and complementary describe the relationship between the modalities and the body itself, where the modalities interact with and enhance the natural healing capacity of the human being.
Alternative indicates a choice among equals. Where one modality is an alternative to another treatment, it suggest that either might be effective. One might be preferable to the other based on certain factors, but the outcomes are likely to be equal. At the Center for Integrative Medicine, alternative does not imply the dismissal or rejection of the value of conventional medicine.
With this framework of common language, we can describe our view of patients and their treatments:
UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL
The pathway to healing is unique to each patient. Our role is to guide every patient along his or her own path.
MIND-BODY-SPIRIT WHOLE
Each patient is viewed and assessed in the areas of mind, body, and spirit. Every patient is a person, beyond the confines of any disease, and our treatments care for the whole person.
EMPOWERMENT AND PARTNERSHIP
The patient-practitioner relationship is a partnership among equals. The patient's participation and insights are essential to choosing the healing path and to achieving optimal health.
SAFETY AND CHOICE
Patients are given the choice of healing modalities as long as those modalities are medically safe and practiced under appropriate supervision. Our professional role is to evaluate the effectiveness of modalities, seek validation in supporting research data, and recommend a combination and sequence of modalities based on each individual's particular case.
BEST PRACTICES AND PRACTITIONERS
The Center employs highly trained and experienced practitioners who are licensed and credentialed according to state law, national professional associations, and the criteria of George Washington University Medical Center. Their philosophy of patient care comports with the principles of the Center.
