International Conference Integrated Psychiatry

Conocí a Rogier Hoenders en agosto del 2003, quien vino a la ciudad de México con motivo de la realización de un Congreso Internacional de Medicina Tradicional y Complementaria. Aquella ocasión se hospedó en el centro de yoga donde vivía y tuvimos la oportunidad de compartir experiencias personales muy intensas y llenas de bendiciones, entre esas un mágico viaje a Cuetzalan, Puebla. Largas conversaciones con él dieron la pauta a que me decidiera a trabajar con mayor ahínco en aplicar y promover la medicina complementaria desde una perspectiva más compasiva (compassive health care). Ahora con gran beneplácito me enteré que mi querido amigo holandés, forma parte del comité organizador de este evento. ¡Wahe Guru!

The Best of Both Worlds

A growing international interest is developing for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Annually, fifty percent of the Western population seeks treatment in some form of CAM. Additionally, there is a strong increase of scientific studies and publications on CAM. Various renowned medical journals have devoted special issues to the subject. The subject, however, is controversial. The discourse is marked by extreme views, such as, 'CAM is all baloney, or placebo', and, 'It doesn't hurt to try'. Research, however, indicates that such positions are incorrect, and do not further a constructive dialog. Considering the wide use and confirmed results of various forms of CAM, as well as the proven side-effects of some forms of CAM and their interactions with standard medicine, there is a great need for dialog.. Meanwhile, health care shows an increasing integration of standard medicine and CAM, commonly referred to as 'Integrated Medicine'. A subset of Integrated Medicine, Integrated Psychiatry aims at the integration of both standard, complementary, and alternative treatments whose effectiveness and safety have been scientifically established. As a result, all aspects of human existence, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual features are involved in the treatment. The conference is intended for both standard and alternative medical practitioners, proponents and opponents who wish to discuss the advantages, possibilities, and difficulties of Integrated Psychiatry. Five internationally renowned speakers with special expertise on the topic have been invited. From their respective points of view, each will shed light on the theme of Integrated Psychiatry. There will be ample opportunity to exchange ideas with them. (más información)