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What Is Holistic Medicine? Holistic medicine is a system of health care which fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health.
It emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no safe alternative exists. Holistic medicine focuses on education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well being. Other Terms Associated with Holistic Medicine
Alternative Medicine is often used by the general public and some healthcare practitioners to refer to medical techniques which are not known or accepted by the majority "conventional" or "allopathic" medical practitioners (usually M.D.'s). Such techniques could include non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques such as Medical Herbalism, Acupunture, Homeopathy, Reiki, and many others. However, the term Alternative Medicine can also refer to any experimental drug or non-drug technique that is not currently accepted by "conventional" medical practitioners. As non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques become popular and accepted by large number of "conventional" practitioners, these techniques will no longer be considered Alternative Medicine.
Alternative Medicine refers to techniques that are not currently accepted by "conventional" practitioners, but what is currently accepted is quickly changing. Even the definition of "conventional practitioners" is quickly changing. Therefore, techniques that are now considered part of Alternative Medicine will soon be considered part of "conventional" medicine. The terms Holistic Healing and Holistic Medicine are slightly more stable than Alternative Medicine and are therefore preferable.
Complementary Medicine is often used by "conventional" medical practitioners to refer to non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques used as a complement to "conventional" medical treatments such as drugs and surgery. The term implies that "conventional" medicine is used as a primary tool and the non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques are used as a supplement when needed.
In many cases, properly chosen non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical healing techniques plus properly chosen lifestyle changes can completely and safely heal both acute and chronic illnesses. In other cases, "conventional" medicine is only needed in emergencies or when the safer non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical methods fail. In some cases "conventional" medicine will be a major part of a Holistic Healing Plan, but in some cases it is not needed at all.
Natural Healing usually refers to the use of non-invasive and non-pharmaceuticals techniques to help heal the patient. When most people use the term Natural Healing, they are usually referring to physical healing techniques only.
Holistic Medicine has been used by millions of people around the world to: Heal chronic diseases (including serious chronic illnesses) Treat psychological disorders Successfully treat childhood illnesses - Treat acute illnesses
- Normalize weight
- Prevent disease
- Improve overall health and increase energy level
- Transform one's outlook upon life
Those who are most successful tend to apply some of the key Holistic Healing Fundamentals as discussed in articles on this web page and receive direct treatments from Holistic Medicine practitioners (or perform self-treatment when possible). While there may be occassional ups and downs (especially when treating chronic illnesses), a successful outcome is more likely in these cases.
On the other hand, some persons get caught up in looking for a magic supplement or herb or diet macronutrient proportion as their sole form of Holistic Medicine treatment. This method tends to lead to limited success often followed by long periods of little or no progress. The larger danger of using this method is that the drug, supplement, herb, etc. usually doesn't heal the condition, but instead temporarily suppresses the symptoms, and often causes more serious health problems in the long run.
What exactly is "holistic health"?…
Holistic Health is harmony and balance within all aspects of self - body, mind, spirit and emotions.
Each of us is born with a unique balance that makes us who we are and determines our strengths and weaknesses. A holistic approach brings an awareness and respect for the influence each aspect of a person's life has on all others. The whole lifestyle of the person is addressed, taking into consideration diet, exercise, the mind and emotions, one's spiritual outlook, and the interaction between family, friends, co-workers, society and nature.
Supporting Health
The human body has natural healing abilities. Holistic healing and alternative health care solutions support the body in healing itself.
A holistic therapy provides a complementary alternative healing method to standard medicine. Holistic health care includes alternative natural health remedies, like herbal healing, and an abundance of health and wellness products and services.
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