Integrative Medicine (Complementary Medicine)

The treatments offered by the Integrative Medicine Unit are an integral part of the Medical Center’s approach to patient care. The unit works closely with the Pain Institute, Oncology Division, Neurology Division, Rehabilitation Hospital, Gastroenterology Clinics, Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital, and pediatric clinics.

Integrative treatments are incorporated into the medical care plan to support physical and emotional recovery, strengthen resilience, and help reduce treatment-related side effects.

The unit combines extensive clinical experience with close collaboration between medical teams and integrative medicine practitioners. Over the years, specialized treatment programs have been developed to meet patients’ changing needs throughout different stages of medical care.

The unit offers a wide range of complementary treatments supported by clinical research:

  • Chinese and Japanese Medicine – acupuncture* and herbal medicine
  • Neuroacupuncture
  • Reflexology
  • Shiatsu*
  • Osteopathy*
  • Integrative Nutrition
  • Healing and Guided Imagery

*Treatments available for adults, infants, and children.

Areas of Care

Integrative treatments can be incorporated at different stages of diagnosis and medical care, particularly for:

  • Orthopedic and Neurological Pain: Acute and chronic back pain, herniated discs, arthritis, knee pain, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other conditions.
  • Neurological Rehabilitation: Post-herpetic neuralgia, Bell’s palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, headaches, migraines, and support for neurological function.
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia, reflux, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and colitis), and supportive care for hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Support During Cancer Treatment

Integrative medicine can provide supportive care throughout the different stages of cancer treatment, helping manage treatment-related symptoms and side effects, including:

  • Neuropathy: Numbness, sensory changes, and impaired limb function
  • Systemic Symptoms: Hot flashes, chronic fatigue, weakness, and gastrointestinal changes
  • Emotional Well-Being: Stress, anxiety, low mood, and sleep difficulties
  • Nutrition: Support for healthy eating, gastrointestinal recovery, nausea, changes in taste, and loss of appetite

Emotional Resilience

Support for stress, anxiety, and low mood associated with medical conditions. Treatment for PTSD is also provided through the Assif Clinic as part of the Ministry of Defense rehabilitation program.

Women’s Health and Hormonal Balance

Support for menstrual regulation, menstrual pain, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and fertility treatment.

Treatment for Infants and Children

Integrative care for infants, children, and adolescents combines gentle, age-appropriate approaches including Chinese medicine (acupuncture) and osteopathy.

Treatment may support children with conditions involving pain, neurological and orthopedic conditions, respiratory and digestive disorders, immune-related conditions, and emotional difficulties.

Osteopathy and acupuncture treatments are available for infants from birth through adolescents up to age 18, with care tailored to each child’s physical and emotional needs.

How Integrative Care Works

  • Contact and Scheduling: Contact the unit by email or WhatsApp, or through a referral from your physician or nurse. We will schedule an initial appointment with the appropriate practitioner.
  • Personalized Treatment Plan: During your first appointment, we will develop an integrative treatment plan tailored to your medical condition, current treatments, and individual needs.
  • Coordinated Care: Treatments are coordinated with your medical and nursing teams to provide safe, professional, and holistic care.

Costs and Referrals

  • General Public (Outpatients): Services are available through the hospital’s outpatient clinics at a reduced fee, with no prior medical referral required.
  • Oncology Patients: Eligible for coverage through Form 17 under the national health basket.
  • Ministry of Defense Patients: Eligible for treatment with financial authorization or through the “Shikumi” rehabilitation program.