Integrating Complementary and Integrative Health Practices into Brazil's Public Health System: Municipal Governance and Innovation in Sorocaba

Complementary and Integrative Health Practices (CIHPs) are increasingly incorporated into public health strategies worldwide; however, their institutionalization within local health systems remains uneven. This study analyzes the implementation of CIHPs in Sorocaba, Brazil, through the Saúde Ativa II Project, supported by municipal legislation and targeted funding. A qualitative, document-based thematic analysis was conducted using the STEEPLE framework (Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political, Legal, and Ethical dimensions) to examine institutional records, policy documents, and operational reports. From August 2023 to February 2024, the program engaged more than 4,500 participants in group activities and over 4,300 individual consultations in physiotherapy, nutrition, and reflexology. Key innovations included agile governance inspired by the Scrum framework, digital health tools, and community engagement via social media. The experience underscores the importance of local legislation, data integration, and multidisciplinary coordination in sustaining CIHPs within primary care. Despite structural challenges – such as the absence of standardized indicators, lack of permanent funding, and limited tracking of clinical outcomes – the findings provide actionable insights for public health managers. Future research should explore clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and comparative analyses across municipalities to strengthen the evidence base for integrating CIHPs into the Unified Health System (SUS).