Currently within the field of science called Traditional Medicine (TM), there is an area called Complementary/Alternative Medicine (MCA). It is a space that provides Therapeutic Care that encompasses different branches of knowledge, incorporating Alternative Therapies into the formal health system that have already presented satisfactory and proven results.

The Integrative Therapist takes care of the client as a Whole, as a Holistic Being, as he understands that the Human Being is not limited to the physical body – all levels are considered: spiritual, mental, emotional and physical. This professional is based on evidence, symptoms, and makes use of therapeutic approaches appropriate to each client, investigating the origin of imbalances to actually obtain a cure (if it is already possible for that individual). If you seek excellence in health and well-being, as well, there is a focus on disease prevention, so that the person does not even get sick. The idea is to live throughout life with emotional, mental and spiritual health - health that will be properly reflected in the physical body as a result.

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The physical body is an important and fundamental instrument that moves and serves us uninterruptedly while in life. In addition to all its perfect working structure, it comes equipped with two very precious compasses, our mind and our heart. In Western culture the human spirit is customarily divided between mind and heart, while in Eastern culture there is no such distinction, heart and mind merge and are understood as a unity. And it can be like this: a unit; it's only up to us the wisdom to align our thoughts and emotions. Balance is possible and healthy.

In Complementary/Alternative Medicine, there is a partnership between health professionals. One thing does not exclude the other. At certain times the patient really needs a Traditional Physician, but, from a certain point, the Integrative Therapist has a lot to contribute to the functioning of Vital Energy in the subtle and physical bodies, and has the knowledge and tools for his intervention to lead to an Integral Equilibrium.

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The Integrative Therapist serves as a mirror and guide for the client's self-knowledge process. In holistic healing, the “patient” leaves the condition of a patient and becomes the protagonist of his own story of rebalancing. Personally, I don't like the word PATIENT, which refers to someone who is sick and a victim of himself, something or someone. Ideally, the CLIENT is effectively active in the treatment itself, performing the procedures proposed by the health professional, strengthening and expanding long-term health care, which includes changes to numerous bad habits and adequate mental, emotional and spiritual realignment. .

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In the Western Traditional Medicine model there is a focus on symptoms for immediate relief of whatever is causing the pain, trauma or illness. In order to treat the patient, the traditional medical model focuses on the biological aspects of the body, which, of course, needs to be considered in many cases. Conventional Medicine saves countless lives daily and also needs to be honored for the quality and efficiency of the work provided to society.

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INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY PRACTICES (PICS)

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In 2006, through Ordinance No. 971 GM/MS of May 3, 2006, the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC) was approved in Brazil, which brought the guidelines for the fields that contemplate the Therapeutics called by the World Health Organization as Complementary/Alternative.

The WHO has been encouraging the use of Traditional Medicine in a joint and integrated manner with Complementary/Alternative Medicine. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health understands that Integrative and Complementary Practices comprise the universe of approaches called by the WHO Traditional and Complementary/Alternative Medicine - TM/MCA.

According to the Ministry of Health:

“Integrative and Complementary Practices (PICS) are treatments that use therapeutic resources based on traditional knowledge, aimed at preventing various diseases such as depression and hypertension. In some cases, they can also be used as palliative treatments in some chronic diseases.”

“Scientific evidence has shown the benefits of integrated treatment between conventional medicine and integrative and complementary practices. In addition, there is a growing number of trained and qualified professionals and greater appreciation of the traditional knowledge from which most of these practices originate”.

“Integrative and Complementary Practices do not replace traditional treatment. They are an addition, a complement to the treatment and indicated by specific professionals according to the needs of each case”.

REIKI THERAPY AS COMPLEMENTARY/ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (MCA)

Reiki was included by the Ministry of Health as PNPIC, through Ordinance No. 849, of March 27, 2017.

Reiki channels universal cosmic energy and realigns us to frequencies of light, opening a direct channel to that reality. It is a natural healing technique through hands, eyes and breath. It strengthens the immune system, as well as the energy bodies, undoing the knots and blockages that exist in it. It generates well-being, balance and an increase in self-awareness and awareness of the whole that surrounds us.

The technique promotes comprehensive care, helping to maintain general health and well-being. It prevents diseases and imbalances, providing deep relaxation and stress reduction. Through Reiki energy it becomes possible to reprogram past and future events. In addition to people, Reiki also allows you to treat, care, protect and heal environments, animals and plants.

Treatment with Reiki Energy stimulates the body's natural mechanisms, preventing the emergence of new diseases, taking care of injuries and health recovery, taking into account that we are integral beings (spirit - mind - emotions - body).

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EVOLUTION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF PICS IN BRAZIL

At the beginning, only four areas in Complementary/Alternative Medicine (MCA) were regulated for implementation in the SUS - Ordinance No. 971, of May 3, 2006 . In 2017, fourteen more therapeutic practices were incorporated ( Ordinance No. 849, of March 27 , 2017 ), and in 2018 another eleven new MCA practices joined the PNPIC through Ordinance No. 702, of March 21 of 2018 . Totaling, so far, twenty-nine Therapeutic Resources available to the population.

According to the Ministry of Health :

“Brazil is a world reference in the area of Integrative and Complementary Practices in primary care”.

Below is the list of current PICS:

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• apitherapy

• aromatherapy

• art therapy

• ayurveda

• Biodanza

• bioenergetics

• Family Constellation

• chromotherapy

• circle dance

• geotherapy

• hypnotherapy

• Homeopathy

• Laying on of Hands

• Anthroposophical Medicine/Anthroposophy Applied to Health

• Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture

• Meditation

• music therapy

• naturopathy

• osteopathy

• ozone therapy

• Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapy

• chiropractic

• reflex therapy

• reiki

• Shantala

• Integrative Community Therapy (ICT)

• Flower Therapy

• Social Thermalism/Crenotherapy

• yoga

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Text by Sensei Aline Keny on 23.01.2022

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Note: The International Day of Integrative Medicine is celebrated every January 23rd.