Emerging role of integrative medicine in cardiovascular disease.

Our evolution toward a more integrative approach toward healing will accelerate if we can alter the different perspectives that patients and physicians bring to their relationship. This article reviews lessons that have been acquired using alternative approaches to facilitate the recovery of patients undergoing invasive procedures. After identifying that most of our patients use alternative therapies but prefer not to discuss these therapies with their surgeons, we began to routinely refer our patients to a coordinator trained in this field. The resulting integrative medicine program offers massage, yoga, audiotapes, and additional customized treatments. The coexisting research laboratory designs and conducts well-organized research endeavors evaluating the efficacy of therapies being offered. By mixing clinical practice with conventional research, we seek to emulate the successful formula used in allopathic medicine.