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To a large extent, the orthodox medicine that is being practiced today still has its basis in scientific-biological research and in the molecular causes of the diseases. The knowledge based on this foundation is used for diagnosis, therapy, and as far as possible, prevention. Over the last 50 years, a large amount of success has undoubtedly been achieved in this field. Modern technologies give us hope that these advances will enable further insights and successes.

Nevertheless, many citizens and patients have been making use of the procedures of naturopathy, Integrative Medicine and other alternative methods, although they cannot always be assured of the effectiveness and therapeutic safety of such treatments. On a global scale, these methods are coming to the fore, especially in certain countries. Cultural particularities do play an important role, but the fact that scientifically oriented conventional medicine is often expensive and its promises are often greater than the actual successes is even more crucial. Disappointed patients seek their salvation by looking for alternatives.

The aim of this meritorious book by colleagues Benno Brinkhaus and Tobias Esch is nothing less than to describe the development of modern, patient-centered, and individualized medicine in an age of profound societal, digital, social, and democratic changes with enormous potential for development but also for danger.

The authors describe that over the last two decades a medical discipline has increasingly established itself that attempts to find a synthesis of two therapeutic directions, naturopathy and Integrative Medicine, with more inclusion of preventive measures. Both types of procedures should be evidence-informed or evidence-based. Moreover, the original view of Integrative Medicine as a mere synthesis of conventional and traditional medicine (formerly: “conventional medicine plus alternative medicine”) has fundamentally changed and developed in its own direction. There is currently an effort to expand the existing medical paradigm on the basis of patient-centeredness, multiprofessionalism/teamwork and, above all, the ability of patients to help themselves and self-regulate their treatments. In addition to science, the “art of healing” (conversation, interaction, motivation, empathy, etc.) plays an important role in this process.

In this context, Brinkhaus and Esch also present an extended, new definition of Integrative Medicine:

Integrative Medicine affirms the importance of the doctor-patient relationship, aims at the whole person, is informed by evidence and uses all appropriate therapeutic, preventive, health-promoting or lifestyle approaches as well as all disciplines of healthcare to achieve optimal health and healing – emphasizing both the art and science of healing. According to the authors, it is based on a social, democratic, as well as a natural, healthy environment.

Using this definition, it is clear that Integrative Medicine is not only about the inclusion of evidence-based naturopathic therapies in conventional medicine, Integrative Medicine is patient-centered, preventive, and therapeutic. It activates the patient, taking into account a healthy lifestyle, is interactive and empathetic. Becoming healthy and maintaining health is an interactive process of patients with different healthcare providers, the process is emphasized to complement scientific knowledge, as well as the fact that these processes are only possible if the appropriate social and natural conditions are present.

In May 2017, the Berlin Agreement was developed within the framework of the “World Congress Integrative Medicine & Health” in Berlin, which is referred to several times in this book. The agreement points out the important prerequisites for the success of Integrative Medicine. The following factors, among others, are particularly important:

In addition to seeking optimal healthcare, health maintenance or disease prevention, strengthening self-care and resilience (“Model Health”) are to be included.

A prerequisite is educating citizens enabling them to lead sustainable healthy lives in a social and healthy environment (“Engage Patients”).

On the medical side, interprofessional care and optimal cooperation between healthcare professions (“Promote Interprofessionalism and Team Care”) is a prerequisite.

Recognizing the importance of traditional medicine in global healthcare (“Recognize the Importance of traditional Medicine in Global Healthcare”).

The strengthening of research in the field of naturopathic and complementary medicine therapies under consideration of a holistic design and method approach (“Commit to Evidence-Informed Dialogue and Practice” and “Foster Whole Systems Research”).

Considering the interaction of prevention, health promotion and local or general healthcare in maintaining and improving health (“Bridge Clinical Care with Prevention, Community and Public Health”).

Taking into account that social, political, natural and economic factors play a decisive role in health. These factors must be strengthened, inequalities must be avoided and personal and social responsibility must be taken (“Engage as Change Agents”).

The use of modern and digital methods of therapist-doctor-patient interaction and communication in Integrative Medicine – both in practice and in research.

This Berlin Agreement has been a key foundation for this book. The authors note, however, that this basis will change and that its contents and concepts will have to be adapted to the results of further research and the rapid changes in the healthcare system. The systematic structure of the present book is based, therefore, on a general introduction and the Berlin Agreement at the end of the book. This is followed by a comprehensive presentation of the basic features and scientific basis of Integrative Medicine, including historical facts, general developments and a description of individual components of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This is supplemented in the practice section by a presentation of selected areas of Integrative Medicine.

The book is characterized by a solid, scientifically based description of Integrative Medicine, which pleasantly sets itself apart from the uncritical prophets of alternative healing methods. The authors of the book are classically trained physicians in scientific orthodox medicine and experts in various fields of conventional, complementary medicine as well as proven experts in modern therapeutic strategies, digital medicine, public health and health economics.

In such a light, this book provides a deep and interesting insight into different views of the art of healing with a focus on the integration of different possibilities, which take into account the patient and his or her particularities in a very personal way. Personalized medicine is not limited to specific hereditary factors and genome sequencing, it integrates the person as a whole as well as his or her environment.

We wish that the medicine and this book gain success and a wide distribution!

Detlev Ganten

President of the World Health Summit

Berlin, March 2021