What evidence can you provide to strengthen each of your classmates' arguments? Constructively criticize their evidence-based rationale for the models they advocate.

Based on my assessments of the best treatment outcomes of the three models of care, Integrative Medicine, the combination of CAM and conventional medicine, has the best overall outcome for treatment of diseases. As CAM therapies become even more popular and studied, Integrative Medicine will flourish as well. Core principles of integrative medicine, such as a holistic worldview, centrality of the doctor-patient relationship, emphasis on wellness, and inclusiveness, are aligned with the goals of contemporary medical education and serve a critical function in the development of effective, humanistic physicians (CHOW, LIOU, & HEFFRON, 2016).

Integrative treatment is effective and combines the best of both worlds. Conventional medicine tends to have an immediate effect and CAM therapies work better when implemented over a longer period of time and having less (severe) side effects, if even there are at all. Integrative Medicine also allows the patient the freedom to have more control over their treatment and, in effect, direct their personal prevention plan. "Integrative care combines valuable conventional medical diagnosis with empowering self-help strategies" (Heafner & Buchanan, 2016).

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) causes pain and numbness in the hands and feet. In a study, 9 were treated with oral Chinese herbal medicine and scalp acupuncture and 7 of them responded well to the treatment (Tsubasa, Hidenori, Takashi, Hiroshi, Satoru, & Shigehito, 2015). This outcome is positive and deserves further studies to solidify the therapy to be recommended in other cases to aid in numbness and pain management of CIPN.

I look forward to being present as CAM therapies progress, become substantiated in the medical world and applied to integrative methods of health and healing.

Reference

CHOW, G., LIOU, K. T., & HEFFRON, R. C. (2016). Making Whole: Applying the Principles of Integrative Medicine to Medical Education. Rhode Island Medical Journal, 99(3), 16-19.

Heafner, J. C., & Buchanan, B. (2016). Exploration of Why Alaskans Use Complementary Medicine.Journal Of Holistic Nursing, 34(2), 200-211. doi:10.1177/0898010115597809

Tsubasa, S., Hidenori, T., Takashi, N., Hiroshi, S., Satoru, F., & Shigehito, S. (2015). Effects of oral Chinese herbal medicine and scalp acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in hands and feet. Journal Of Japan Society Of Pain Clinicians, (2), 110.