Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the main uses and benefits of Integrative Medicine (IM) based on scientific evidence and analyze the challenges of its implementation in Brazil. Methods: This is a literature review, with scientific articles published between 2016 and 2020 in electronic databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SCIELO) and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE). The keywords used were "integrative medicine". Results: With a focus on health and well-being, Integrative Medicine is a new model of care that combines conventional medicine with complementary practices, incorporating the patient as an active agent in their healing process, through the most diverse therapies available, as long as they present scientific proof of effectiveness. However, even in the face of numerous proven benefits, there are still difficulties in implementing IM in Brazil. Final considerations: For the definitive implantation of Integrative Medicine in the country, measures such as expansion of research, professional training and inclusion of the topic in the curriculum of undergraduate health courses are necessary, in addition to the dissemination of these practices to the population, in order that everyone can benefit from this new health care paradigm.
