Qual Lett Healthc Lead. 2001 Feb; 13(2): 2-11, 1.

Incorporating new (mind/body, alternative, complementary, or integrative) medicine into everyday care.

Use of a variety of therapies and techniques--ranging from acupuncture to yoga to herbal therapies--that are designed to relieve medical conditions and illnesses and/or emphasize the mind, body, and spirit connections are gaining popularity among patients in the United States. For years, many hospitals, plans, clinicians, and insurers ignored these therapies when using "conventional" therapies. But, times are changing: A movement is now afoot to determine whether these therapies and techniques can be successfully integrated with current health care treatments to provide quality care to patients.