Advancing Research on Traditional Whole Systems Medicine Approaches
Authors
Paul PhD
University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Sheila MD
University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Tiffany MTh
University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Christine PhD
University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Deepak MD
University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Keywords:
traditional whole systems medicine, integrative medicine, research
Abstract
While the intention of Integrative Medicine (IM) is whole person medicine, it has for the most part remained driven by individual modalities. Like the practice of IM itself, IM research too has been driven primarily by studies on individual modalities. There are significant challenges to moving research on whole systems medicine forward, with funding being at the top of the list. Historically, NIH has not been receptive to supporting research on whole systems, preferring instead to support studies that are more individual modality driven so that mechanisms can be identified. Purely mechanistic research, however, assumes unidirectional causality and linear responses yet clinical responses to whole systems approaches are more often multidirectional and dynamically unpredictable. The concept of emergence is applicable here. Whole systems approaches suggest that by incorporating therapies into holistic treatment programs we not only treat symptoms but accomplish more by activating the body's inherent self-organizing healing mechanisms and treat the root cause of illnesses as well as associated symptoms. Given that interest in integrative therapies with the general public and medical community is steadily increasing, there is need for more research that explores intact whole systems approaches to elucidate the relevant system-wide effects and dynamic interactions related to these practices.
Keywords: traditional whole systems medicine, integrative medicine, research
Author Biographies
Sheila MD
, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Mind-Body Medical Group, The Chopra Center for Wellbeing, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Tiffany MTh
, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Heal and Thrive, California Institute for Human Sciences, Encinitas, CA, USA
Christine PhD
, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Ayurveda and Yoga Research, Chopra Foundation, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Deepak MD
, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Ayurveda and Yoga Research, Chopra Foundation, Carlsbad, CA, USA
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