ABSTRACT
Integrative medicine is defined as healingoriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternativel. An integrative approach to oncology, or to any medical specialty for that matter, recognizes that the provider-patient dyad is a constant back-and-forth, give-and-take, interactive fluctuating relationship, one in which it becomes clear that the provider's own wellness and that of their patient are interlinked. This 'relationship-centered care' is defined by the Fetzer Institute/ Relationship-Centered Care Network as being 'an approach to healthcare and healing that places relationship at the core of the therapeutic process. In this approach, all interactions are based upon a fundamental commitment to mutual respect, self-awareness, humility, openness, and caring'3.
