One of the most counterintuitive truths about integrative medicine: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Integrative Medicine Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of integrative medicine
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking integrative medicine is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging integrative medicine without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing integrative medicine to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for integrative medicine while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Integrative Medicine
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting integrative medicine, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Integrative Medicine
Many people find that when they stop fighting integrative medicine and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of integrative medicine is partly the struggle against it.