Utilizing holistic therapies as a way to improve and maintain one’s health has become increasingly common. And while many people have heard of this method to address various diseases, illnesses and other debilitating conditions, some may not completely understand what it means and how it could help them.
HOLISTIC MEDICINE DEFINED
Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that involves treating a person’s mind, body and spirit. Those who practice holistic health believe in the importance of taking care of themselves physically and emotionally. Instead of just prescribing medications, holistic medical practitioners often use therapies that help the body heal itself and focus on lifestyle changes that could improve a patient’s condition.
For example, someone seeking chronic pain relief due to discomfort in their neck, back or any other part of their body, might consider massage therapy and/or chiropractic adjustments. If he or she works at a desk all day, a holistic medical practitioner might also suggest a standing desk to alleviate discomfort. But keep in mind that the recommendations a health care provider makes depend on a person’s individual symptoms. Sometimes, a person is advised to incorporate both holistic and traditional treatments into their recovery plan.
As discussed on the American Holistic Health Association’s website, a resource for those interested in improving their health through natural treatments, holistic medicine has several principles.
These fundamentals include: “Searching for the underlying causes of disease is preferable to treating symptoms alone." The idea here is that what affects one part of the body can affect another part. “Optimal health is much more than the absence of sickness. It is the conscious pursuit of the highest qualities of the physical, environmental, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of the human experience.” This approach is the goal of holistic health.
TYPES OF HOLISTIC THERAPIES
Those who practice holistic medicine may use many therapies, such as:
- Massage Therapy
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic Care
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Reiki
- Neurofeedback Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Trigger Point Therapy
Find out more aboutsome of these holistic health services and their benefits.
