Founded in 2008 by the founders of East West Medical Group, the American College of Integrative Medicine (ACOIM) is an independent organization that provides Continuing Education courses in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Born out of a shared passion for integrative medicine — one that draws equally from Eastern and modern Western traditions rather than favoring one over the other — ACOIM's courses are designed for practicing healthcare professionals or students who are interested in, or want to stay current with, the growing and in-demand field of CAM.
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Integrative medicine is an approach to healthcare that combines conventional Western medicine with evidence-informed complementary therapies — such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and mind-body practices — to treat the whole person rather than a single symptom or diagnosis. Rather than replacing conventional care, it works alongside it, drawing on the therapies best suited to each patient's needs, preferences, and health goals.
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Integrative medicine is used to support a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, stress and anxiety, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, and general wellness and prevention. It is also commonly used alongside conventional treatment to help manage side effects of medications or procedures, support recovery, and improve overall quality of life.
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Integrative medicine is practiced by licensed healthcare providers who have pursued additional training beyond their core discipline — including physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other practitioners who incorporate complementary therapies into patient care. These providers typically complete continuing education, like the courses offered through ACOIM, to build expertise in specific integrative modalities while maintaining their primary license and standard of care.
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Integrative medicine is typically incorporated as part of a coordinated care plan, where complementary therapies are layered alongside conventional diagnosis and treatment rather than used in isolation. A provider might combine standard medical management with therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, or nutritional counseling — selecting the combination that best fits the patient's condition, treatment goals, and response to care over time.