What is Holistic Health?

Now, more than ever before, people are incorporating holistic health practices into their daily lives. Yet those who've never explored this wellness methodology may not completely understand its objectives, nor its differences, from modern medical applications.

By definition, holistic means “relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts.”

So, what is holistic health?

Holistic health intends to treat a patient’s body, spirit and mind, rather than simply address a specific condition or illness.

According to the American Holistic Health Association (AHHA), holistic health believes the human body is a “whole made up of interdependent parts.” Consequently, this treatment method doesn’t just slap a Band-Aid on a patient’s symptoms, rather, it strives to find the “root” of the problem, and encourages healing through alternative therapies. In other words, everything going on in the body is interconnected. So, the main reason you’re experiencing foot complications, for example, may be related to an issue with your kidneys that you weren’t even aware of.

Because the philosophies of holistic health and conventional health differ, their approaches to treating patients do, as well. For instance, the AHHA explains that holistic medical practitioners primarily promote healing through “diet, exercise, environmental measures, attitudinal and behavioral modifications, relationship and spiritual counseling, bioenergy enhancement,” whereas conventional medical practitioners typically rely on “drugs and surgery.”

Here’s an example:

People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, are often prescribed medications to address their symptoms. However, those who opt for the holistic route instead would try to naturally treat their ADHD.

Anyone who deals with anxiety, severe headaches, arthritis, or any other health condition, may also be able to improve their conditions by embracing holistic treatments.

What kinds of holistic treatments are there?

There are a variety of natural holistic therapies available. These include:

What are the advantages of embracing a holistic approach to your health?

You’ll work with medical professionals who look for the source of your health issues.
You won’t put potentially harmful drugs into your body.
You’ll learn to live a more balanced lifestyle, with increased self-awareness.
You’ll be proactive in your health, rather than reactive.
You’ll save a lot of time, energy, and money in the long run, by making smart health choices now.

To find out more about holistic treatment options, it’s important to consult with a reputable wellness center. This way, a licensed, medical practitioner can learn more about your health history, including past illnesses or chronic conditions, and evaluate all of your current issues. Doing so will help establish an official diagnosis, and create a treatment plan that specifically addresses your symptoms, while attempting to prevent additional complications in the future.