The art of healing people as drifted away from the patient and migrated towards science.  The health care system that so many people depend on today often shuns certain ideas and practices that have been around for so long simply because they cannot find a scientific reason why they work.  Despite the lack of proof, patients today more than ever, are turning to alternative medicine.  Health care providers should be concerned with providing the best possible care for their consumers, but if they neglect a whole spectrum of therapies, are they being true to their patients?  This lack of integration between alternative and orthodox medicine creates a potential hazard with uninformed consumers, hazardous self treatment, and unsatisfied patients.  Combining complimentary alternative therapies with orthodox medicine empowers consumers by providing a broader base of treatment to choose from as well as offering grounds for a more holistic form of health care.

Integration of alternative therapies with orthodox poses a number of benefits and obstacles, but if it can be achieved, a more effective, holistic health care system will be the result.  Like with any new idea or practice, the change has to be implemented gradually.  Integrating alternative therapy into conventional medicine does not mean that hospitals will be flooded with new practices over night.  "Integrating alternative therapy with statutory services is not, however and all or nothing phenomenon,  there are degrees of integration and a wide variance of policies that can be lead to greater or lesser integration."  A gradual acceptance of these practices that have withstood the test of time and keep proving themselves as often as orthodox medicine does not seem too much to ask of today’s health care system.  With the money, support and proper education, health care providers and consumers alike can become more aware of the possibilities the hold and the wider range of treatment available.  It is not only important to increase awareness for safety reasons, but it is equally important to continue to learn about this vast field of healing that has barely been tapped into and begin to offer a more holistic base of health care.