Holistic medicine is a way of practicing medicine or delivering care that involves the whole person and the way he or she interacts with the surrounding environment. It’s a comprehensive practice of medicine that understands wellness and disease vary from person to person and that everyone has his or her own stories, philosophy, lifestyle, and behaviors that impact their health, disease, and healing.
It’s collective and knows that the parts of who we are, are not greater than what we are. Everything is connected. A malfunction in one system or one sector of our lives affects the entire thing. Holistic medicine addresses the person, not the illness.
Core beliefs are:
- Prevent disease when possible
- Promote wellness and a healing environment
- Education
- Enhance self-reliance
- Each person is an individual with their own uniqueness and social environment
- Individuals and their illness should not be cared for or considered in isolation from their life’s contexts or circumstances.
- Mind, body, and spirit are connected and dependent upon another.
- Harmony and balance
How does it work?
Holism treats the whole and honors the interdependencies and interconnectedness of the human being. It’s prescriptive, but it isn’t. A holistic approach addresses the elements that are traditionally not considered in health care.
You’ll find more information here.
What’s the benefit of holistic medicine?
Taking a 360 approach to your health provides more benefits than you can imagine. First, it sees you and not the disease or illness. Its goal is to get you to a state of optimal health and well-being that is goal directed and agreeable to you. It has the capability of helping you design your lifestyle and health behaviors to where they benefit you. For most people this means:
- Less prescription medicine
- Increased energy, stamina, and a clear, focused mind
- Desirable weight and strength
- Less aches and pain
- Healthy digestive system
- Improved ability to heal, faster recovery times
- Stress affects them less
- Better quality of life
- Less hospitalizations, doctor visits, and fewer sick days
Is Holistic medicine for me?
Great question! However, I can’t answer that for you. That’s a question for you. One that only you can truly answer. I recommend giving it a try and see but before you do, consider the following questions…
How do you envision your well-being? What does wellness or health mean to you?
How do you view disease and illness?
Are you able and willing to play the long game to improve your health?
Do you value quality over quantity?
Are you capable and disciplined enough to delay gratification and put in the effort?
You see, holistic medicine is an ongoing, interactive process that requires accountability, personal development, and ownership. If you’re willing to be open, patient, consistent, resilient, and honest with yourself and your provider, then holistic medicine may be for you.