Holistic medicine or treatment is a type of healing that considers the entire individual or its body, spirit, emotion, and mind. The philosophy of holistic medicine refers to attaining an appropriate life balance to achieve good health. Its primary goal is to promote good health through holistic approaches and treatments.
According to holistic practitioners, interdependent parts complete a whole person. And if one component fails, the other parts of the body will also suffer. This means that having a mental or physical, or spiritual imbalance in one’s life can impact one’s overall health.
Holistic doctors may opt to use any health care like alternative therapies in treating their patients. One example is if a person suffering from migraines visits a holistic doctor. The health provider will look at all possible factors that cause the patient’s headaches. And these factors might include other health conditions.
It could be due to sleeping habits, stress, or personal problems. Sometimes, doctors would recommend alternative practices rather than prescribing medications. Yet, the therapeutic approach may include prescriptions to ease symptoms. Another is lifestyle changes to help prevent headaches from returning.
Principles of Holistic Medicine
The holistic approach also agrees that a person is the most in charge of their health and welfare. And that unconditional love and support are some of the best healers. Here are the other principles of holistic medicine:
- Treatment is preferable to prevention, and prevention is usually more cost-effective. The most cost-effective method involves invoking the patient’s natural healing skills.
- Everyone has a natural healing ability.
- Illness is seen as a symptom of a more significant problem. So the treatment considers the person as a whole rather than as a single occurrence.
- A patient is a human being. Not a disease.
- Holistic physicians assist patients in releasing the poisonous effects of hostility. Shame, greed, sadness, and prolonged fear, wrath. And grief by invoking the healing power of love, hope, humor, and excitement.
- Healing requires the cooperation of the doctor and the patient. And it involves various health care methods to treat a person, including all aspects of his life.
- Optimal health entails a lot more than just avoiding illness. It is the deliberate pursuit of the best characteristics of the human experience. And these experiences include emotional, mental, environmental, social, and spiritual elements.
- The treatment focuses on the root cause of the problem and avoids managing the symptoms alone.
Types of Holistic Treatments
Holistic medicine practitioners use different types of techniques. To help patients learn how to take responsibility for their wellness and good health. These are examples of techniques based on a practitioner’s experience:
- Patients are educated on lifestyle adjustments and self-care to boost their well-being. Doctors may consider exercise, diet, spiritual counseling, psychotherapy, and other alternatives.
- Alternative therapies are helpful too. These treatments include massage therapy, chiropractic care or acupuncture, homeopathy, and naturopathy.
- Surgical and medical treatments of modern health care providers.
Finding a holistic practitioner
A holistic practitioner is also composed of other medical doctors. The practice may include naturopathic doctors or chiropractors. You can check out the American Holistic Medical Association website if you need to find a holistic practitioner. Here are some things to keep in mind for choosing a holistic practitioner:
- Take the time to research. Like any other job, some people are good at holistic treatments, and some are not. Before choosing a holistic medical doctor, ask a trusted person for a recommendation. It would be wiser to ask someone with health care experience.
- Learn about the required training, education, and experience of a qualified holistic doctor. Search if they are affiliated with health organizations as well. Do they have certification? It’s also important to check the doctor’s beliefs to see if they align with yours.
- Put your feelings and thoughts into consideration. Check if you’re comfortable with your health care provider. Do they listen to your concerns and opinions?
Remember that holistic medicine requires two-way cooperation. You and the practitioner need to work together to meet your health goals. So, make sure you feel comfortable at all times. Apart from the mentioned traits above, you also need to take note of the following.
- Time and effort. Choose a practitioner who’s willing to spend a lot of their time and effort to help you and understand your needs.
- Answer your practitioner’s questions. The practitioner will ask many questions. You will need to answer questions related to your diet, habits, exercise, mental health. Answer those questions so that they can understand your situation.
- Treatment alternatives and options. Are all your options laid out? The practitioner also needs to consider your lifestyle and other habits. After all, everything you do may be contributing to your health problems.
Generally, the holistic approach for treating patients is safe and considered safe by most doctors. But it will all still fall to your beliefs and preferences. There’s no harm in trying an alternative treatment. Always remember that it’s not invasive and does not involve harmful methods.
