Integrative Medicine - Medicine of the future or 'Old Wine in New Skins'?

In Integrative Medicine (IM) the basic concept is the combination of mainstream with Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) supposably leading to synergistic therapeutic effects. In an extended version the methods of Mind/Body Medicine (MBM) are also added. As this is a new concept, changing the approach towards illness, while adding more instruments to the therapeutic 'toolbox', IM might represent the beginning of a paradigm shift in modern medicine. The concept of Integrative Medicine is discussed here in detail by reviewing its scope and implications for the practice of medicine.