Integrative Health and Healing as the New Health Care Paradigm for the Military

Abstract

Background: The field of integrative health and healing (IH2) is emerging out of the dark recesses of "voodoo" stereotypes and into the light as a new and much needed health care paradigm. It is a philosophy of health and healing that seeks to place patients as the preeminent players in health management, disease prevention, and injury recovery. There is an emphasis of patient responsibility, which includes a holistic approach that merges allopathic with complementary medicine. Objective: The aim of this article is to explore the historical origins of integrative medicine and investigate the future role of the IH2 paradigm. Methods: This article reviews current available data and information regarding complementary and alternative medicine utilized in civilian and military populations as the basis for a new paradigm for a system of care-a system that empowers patients. Conclusions: The current U.S. health care system is reactive and disease-based, with a focus on reductionism. This system is not serving us well. IH2 is a new model of cost-effective patient-centered health care.

Keywords: Complementary and Alternative; Department of Defense; Initiative; Integrative Health and Healing; Integrative Medicine; Paradigm.

Figures

FIG. 1.

Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Image printed with permission from © Arthur Haines, Delta Institute of Natural History 2015.

FIG. 2.

“Super Glue” Plugs Holes in Toddler's Brain. Radiograph of superglue used for Galen malformation. Image printed with permission from Dr. Alejandro Berenstein, Chair, Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York City, NY.

FIG. 3.

Berlin, Germany (E): A Ditch, Reminiscent of World War I Trenches, Runs Along the Edge of the “Death Strip” in the Rudow District of East Berlin. The Communist Evacuated Residents and Razed Buildings in the Strip to Provide Border Guards with a Clear Field of Fire at West Germans Attempting to Escape to Freedom in the West. Source: USIS Bad Godesberg/H-38946. Courtesy of National Archives Identifier: 6037811 Local Identifier: 306-PS-D-61-11909.

FIG. 4.

Tornado in a glass. 3-D render of swirling storm in glass of water. Image printed with permission from © grandeduc.

FIG. 5.

Is it a floor or a balcony? In this image there is the illusion that the floor and ceiling floor are same. Image printed with permission from David Macdonald © THE TERRACE.