Declaration for a New Medicine

Transforming health care means moving the boundaries of the existing field of medicine to include the wisdom inherent in healing the "whole person"—mind, body and spirit. People drawn to integrative medicine—as providers, patients or philanthropists—are attracted to it because their values match those of this approach to health and healing. The Declaration is a reflection of the values The Bravewell Collaborative believes characterize integrative medicine at its best.

Declaration for a New Medicine

  • We value the treatment of the individual in a holistic manner and the fulfillment of the needs of mind, body and spirit.
  • We recognize the sacred and healing nature of the relationships between patients and health care providers and acknowledge that humanism, compassion and caring are central to health and healing.
  • We believe that the empowered patient is the responsible central actor in healing, self-care and prevention and that a person's emotions, trauma and stress levels directly affect the risk and course of disease.
  • We will work for a health care system that creates an environment which supports healing relationships and recognizes that in order to be healing and empowering, healers themselves must be restored and whole.
  • We will support truly integrative medicine that offers the highest standards of excellence in a full and complete array of care modalities.
  • We embrace the spiritual dimension of life and acknowledge the importance of context and intention in the healing process for patients, caregivers and healers.
  • We acknowledge that the risks of many serious illnesses, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, can be reduced with scientifically-based nutrition, exercise and mind-body interventions.
  • We believe in giving voice to the patient, in the openness of healers, and in honest and supportive communications among all members of the health care community.
  • We will support the efforts of healers to develop integrity and spiritual qualities, which are as important as medical knowledge and technical skills to the process of healing.
  • We dedicate ourselves to the change necessary to bring about the new medicine in an optimal healing environment.
 

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