Started in 2004, the Program for Integrative Medicine and Healthcare Disparities at Boston Medical Center is committed to evidence-based practices. Holistic care or integrative medicine combines conventional medical treatment, complementary therapies, and lifestyle changes. It encourages a compassionate, healing relationship between patients and caregivers. Integrative medicine views the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. 

Conventional treatments may include prescription medication, x-rays, surgical procedures, physical, and occupational therapy. Complementary therapies include yoga, massage, acupuncture, herbal therapy, dietary supplements, meditation, hypnosis, chi gung, tai chi, and reiki. Historically, complementary therapies were not part of conventional medicine; however, certain therapies are becoming more common in healthcare today because knowledge and research about their effectiveness continues to grow.

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Treatments & Services

Acupuncture

Acupuncture describes a family of procedures that stimulate different points on the body using a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique most often studied scientifically is placing sterile, thin, solid, metallic needles in the skin and manipulating them. Non-needle acupuncture techniques, such as acupressure and magnetic therapy, are also offered. 

Breathing Exercises

Buteyko is a clinically-proven, natural, safe breathing retraining program which utilizes the body’s self-healing capacities. It is based on the standard medical principles of respiration and the Bohr effect.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be achieved by anyone. The practice of mindfulness is a purposeful way to approach your day to day tasks: this mindset can reduce stress and enhance the joy experienced in daily life.

Yoga

Yoga originated over 2000 years ago in India as a system of physical, moral, and spiritual practices. Like other meditative movement practices used for health purposes, modern day yoga typically combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. A list of affordable yoga programs can be found here.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art involving a series of slow, continuous gentle movements, postures, and stretching, as well as meditation and controlled breathing. Over the years, this practice has been popularly used for health promotion and rehabilitation.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors usually treat problems related to the musculoskeletal system, and treatment often involves manual therapy and spinal manipulation to improve joint motion and function. Manipulations are typically done on the spine, but other parts of the body may also be treated in this way.

Our Team

Eric Roseen D.C., Ph.D.
Program Director, Chiropractor

Elizabeth(Beth)Sommers, Ph.D., MPH, Lic.Ac.
Acupuncturist, Family Medicine and Oncology/Hematology

Emilie Gerber-Kunicka D.A.I.H., Lic.Ac.
Director of Acupuncture in Family Medicine, Acupuncture

Julie Ritucci, Lic.Ac.
Acupuncturist, Family Medicine

Maria Broderick, Ed.D., Lic.Ac.
Pediatric Acupuncture, Acupuncture Preceptor for Pediatric Pain Clinic

CJ Allen, Lic.Ac.
Acupuncture Preceptor, Adult Pain Clinic

Betsy Simmons
Yoga Instructor

Ramel Rones
Tai Chi Instructor

Patient Resources

Affiliations

New England School Of Acupuncture at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Located in Worcester, MA, the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) at MCPHS offers students the opportunity to earn advanced degrees in acupuncture. With a partnership with NESA for more than 10 years, BMC hosts three student intern clinics in the Family Medicine department, Pediatric Pain Clinic, and Adult Pain Clinic.

The Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health

In 2008, Boston University joined the Academic Consortium to strengthen their commitment to furthering the development of integrative medicine in healthcare delivery. BMC (through Boston University) is one of more than 75 academic medical centers and health systems collaborating to progress comprehensive, integrative medicine and health.

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