Introduction
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Holistic health will play a role as an approach to life. Rather than focusing on illness and treatment, this approach to health considers the whole person and how they interact with the environment around them. It emphasizes the connection of mind, body and spirit.
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Integrative medicine
The approach that combines mainstream medical therapies and complementary therapies (acupuncture, meditation, music therapy). Integrative medicine is healing orientated medicine that takes account of the whole person; body, mind, spirit. It emphasizes therapeutic relationship between the practitioner and patient in the healing process. -
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The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how integrative cancer treatment centers can be designed to facilitate experiences in the built interior that promotes physical and psychological well being. The intention is to create an elevated environment that supports and encourages a shift in the perspective of cancer from being life threatening to a health challenge that can be conquered leading to personal growth and a renewed sense of health.
Figure 1
This conceptual tool shows an envision of the overarching design of the center: to facilitate a shift towards a positive sense of spirit and holistic health for people going through treatment.
Figure 2
Pathogenic perspective: conventional medicine vs. integrative medicine
This type of treatment has the potential to transform both the individual and the system of cancer care. This will create a new approach to focus on all levels of the person.