Ethical Issues in Integrative Medicine: Challenges and Opportunities

In today’s fast-paced age of instant gratification, when treatments desired are also required to be quick and effective, integrative medicine and its approaches offer succour from modern medicine. In this article, the author narrates how basic principles of ethics, Autonomy, Beneficence, Nonmaleficence and Justice apply to integrative medicine too, just as they do in other medical branches. Ethical challenges and key aspects in the ethical practice of integrative medicine are explained, giving importance to the Indian context. Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga, Naturopathy, etc., are all different streams of integrative medicine practiced in India. Government initiatives like the Ministry of AYUSH are efforts to bring these alternative practices into mainstream medical treatments. The benefits of including alternative medicine in routine medical services are explained. Challenges and opportunities with respect to healthcare delivery, wellness, research, teaching, growing public interest, education, global reach, and recognition, government initiatives, funding support and policy making are all thrown light upon. In times when people are going back to ancient truths, integrative medicine can offer that much-needed solace when all else fails. Boundaries must be respected, and one must never cross the threshold of one’s own field of knowledge. Peaceful coexistence is the key.