Integrative and Complementary Medicine (ICM)

Section Information

Integrative and Complementary Medicine focuses on the evidence-based use of complementary therapies alongside conventional medical practices to enhance health, prevent disease, and improve patient outcomes. It emphasizes a holistic approach that considers physical, psychological, social, and environmental aspects of health.

Research in this field encompasses mind–body interventions, traditional medical systems, natural products, lifestyle medicine, and multimodal treatment strategies. Advances in clinical trials, mechanistic studies, safety evaluation, and patient-centered care continue to contribute to the integration of complementary therapies into modern healthcare.

This section publishes research articles, clinical studies, reviews, and case analyses on complementary therapies, integrative care models, patient behavior, health promotion, and emerging evidence supporting the safe and effective use of integrative medicine techniques.

Scope

Mind–Body Medicine
- Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and relaxation techniques
- Cognitive and behavioral approaches to stress reduction
- Biofeedback, neurofeedback, and integrative mental health
- Psychophysiology of mind–body interventions
Traditional and Indigenous Medical Systems
- Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and naturopathy
- Herbal pharmacology, botanicals, and plant-based therapies
- Acupuncture, moxibustion, and manual therapies
- Cultural and historical perspectives on healing practices
Natural Products and Nutritional Therapies
- Vitamins, minerals, supplements, and functional foods
- Phytochemicals, herbal formulations, and nutraceuticals
- Dietary interventions and metabolic health
- Safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic considerations
Integrative Clinical Care
- Patient-centered care models and shared decision-making
- Integrative oncology, pain management, and chronic disease care
- Lifestyle medicine, resilience building, and health promotion
- Multidisciplinary collaboration and care coordination
Physical and Manual Therapies
- Massage therapy, chiropractic care, and osteopathic manipulation
- Movement-based rehabilitation and corrective exercise
- Energy therapies and therapeutic touch
- Mechanisms and clinical applications of manual approaches
Safety, Quality, and Evidence Evaluation
- Clinical research methodologies for complementary therapies
- Adverse event monitoring and risk assessment
- Standards of practice, regulation, and professional guidelines
- Evaluation of efficacy, mechanisms, and patient outcomes
Health Behavior, Education, and Public Health
- Patient beliefs, cultural practices, and health-seeking behavior
- Community health programs and integrative wellness strategies
- Health literacy and patient education interventions
- Population-level applications of integrative medicine