Introduction

Welcome to this Open Educational Resource (OER) on Integrative Health Care (IHC).

Let’s begin with a working definition of that term. Integrative Health Care (IHC) is health promotion and restoration that …

… synergistically blends the best of all relevant evidence-
informed healing practices and professions to provide relationship-based, person-centered care.

… prioritizes activation of the innate healing response, holistically engaging mind, body, heart, spirit, community, and environment to foster the well-being of all (whether receiving and/or offering care).

… integrates the safest, most effective modalities from the world’s healing systems as chosen by every individual, thus actively contributing to the de-colonization and inclusivity of health care.

(Baskin, 2022; Hunter et al., 2023; Ng et al., 2023; Rakel & Weil, 2023; Scott Barss, 2015)

This ‘handbook for practice’ aims to …

… provide accessible, quick reference, evidence-based information that can support BOTH care providers and consumers to engage in practices that support Integrative Health Care (IHC).

… introduce additional resources that may foster users’ ongoing learning and well-being.

… highlight Canadian resources, while drawing on relevant global literature.

… actively support individual and systemic change through the open sharing of information that informs and supports such healing and growth.

… provide a concise, comprehensive OER that can be adapted to a variety of contexts and locales, should users wish to do so for non-commercial purposes.  (See Creative Commons License)

As such, resources shared throughout this handbook are open-access wherever possible.  The collection has been curated from the increasingly abundant IHC literature, including a sampling of classic and current resources from across health care professions. While it can be invigorating to live, work, and learn in a time of information abundance and accessibility, it is vital that our exploration of that information nurtures our well-being and effectiveness, rather than creating overwhelm and confusion (Cormier, 2024).

To this end, users are encouraged to read only what most speaks to you at a given time and to explore and discuss the handbook’s resources with trusted others, particularly if you feel triggered by or experience a strong reaction to any of them.  It is essential that each of us listens deeply to and honors ‘what comes up’ within, especially if we are exploring new territory and/or navigating a tender or demanding time.  In taking such measured approaches, our own and others’ wellness remains the priority and we can pace ourselves in embracing the opportunity to reflect and learn.  Often, we can learn as much about our own questions, beliefs, values, assumptions and biases as we do about any new concepts and information we are encountering. Furthermore, our own ‘gut reactions’ may alert us to the legitimate need for critical assessment of information, helping us to remain evidence-informed and safe in our personal and professional health practices (Scott Barss, 2020).

This handbook’s exploration will take place within the WHOLE Care Framework for Integrative Health Care, Education, and Leadership, developed by the author in 2013 to aid in understanding and implementing key facets of IHC. The infographic below provides an overview of the WHOLE Care Framework. The open hand symbolizes the relational nature of IHC, with each finger representing its non-linear nature as IHC can begin by exploring whichever topic is priority for the individual seeking care. The heart in the palm of the hand speaks to the central role of compassion and self-compassion in fostering optimal healing, embodied in the heart’s radiating blend of colours that suggest promise and healthy balance.

Graphic Artist: Alexis Watt

For clarity, the handbook’s chapters will unfold in a linear fashion:
Chapter 1 – Wholism*, Integrative Health Care (IHC) and Decolonization: An Overview
Chapter 2 – History of Healing: The World’s Healing Systems
Chapter 3 – Options for Healing: Evidence-Informed Exploration of Specific Modalities
Chapter 4 – Logistics of IHC: Issues and Collaborative Problem Solving
Chapter 5 – Environments for Healing: Global and Health Care Climates
Chapter 6 – Care in Daily Practice: Whole Care for All

*Note: The WHOLE Care Framework spells ‘wholism’ with a ‘W’ as a reminder that the intent of Integrative Health Care is to make healthcare more WHOLE and to promote ‘wholeness’ for those receiving AND offering care. However, ‘holism’ will be used throughout the resource to remain congruent with the spelling that most consistently appears in related literature.

Readers need not approach the book in a linear fashion. For example, if you are feeling understandably skeptical about the feasibility of IHC amidst health care’s current state of chaos and overwhelm, you may find it helpful to read Chapter 6 first, where such realities are addressed and many resources are provided for promoting and restoring individual, collective, and systems wellness.

The following Appendices include quick reference information for ongoing use:

APPENDIX A: Wellness and Healing Resources for All

APPENDIX B: Resources for Health Care Providers

APPENDIX C: Regulations and Standards in Canada

APPENDIX D: IHC-Related Books

APPENDIX E: WHOLE Care Reflective Questions for Health Care Consumers

APPENDIX F: WHOLE Care Reflective Questions for Health Care Leaders and Teams

The hope is that individual readers will find resources throughout the handbook that are helpful or that spark searches for other ones more relevant to your current needs and circumstances. Whatever your experience, may your exploration inform and nurture your own and/or others’ wellness practices (whether personal and/or professional), actively contributing to the health promotion and restoration most needed in a given time and place. Here’s to practicing WHOLE Care!