The yin and yang of integrative clinical care, education, and research

Communication between mainstream clinician scientists and complementary therapists is often problematic, in part because of different perspectives, assumptions, and values. However, a simple conceptual model can help conventional scientists and less conventional practitioners find common ground and appreciate their unique approaches toward achieving the same goals. The model described in this article has grown out of my experience in integrating complementary therapies and approaches into clinical care, education, and research. It uses the familiar yin-yang symbol from Chinese medicine to build bridges between mainstream Western clinician-scientists and complementary therapists from other traditions. Over the past seven years, I have developed and used this model in caring for patients, teaching medical students and residents, and conducting research in conjunction with complementary clinicians. This paper describes the yin-yang model as a way to integrate and enhance the understanding of different cultures of healthcare.