The word “holistic” means “dealing with the totality of something. Therefore, taking a holistic approach to medicine means treating the whole person not only physically, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually. A holistic physician can use all forms of healthcare, from conventional medications to alternative therapies, to treat a patient. For example, when a person suffering from migraines visits a holistic doctor, rather than going out with medication alone, the doctor is likely to look at all the potential factors that may be causing the person's headaches, such as other health problems, diet and sleep habits, stress and personal problems, and practices favorite spirituals.
The treatment plan may include medications to relieve symptoms, but also lifestyle modifications to help prevent the recurrence of headaches. Holistic medicine is a healing method that focuses on the person as a whole, rather than just treating a specific health condition. Holistic providers also aim to prevent health problems from developing by covering the health of body, mind and spirit. Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that takes into account the whole person and the circumstances around them.
A holistic doctor considers attitudes, lifestyles, spiritual health and physical health to be related. Holistic treatments are directed according to what, in the grand scheme, the holistic physician determines to be the cause. In many cases, the doctor also works in preventive care. Holistic medicine is an attitudinal approach to health care rather than a particular set of techniques.
It addresses the psychological, family, social, ethical and spiritual, as well as biological dimensions of health and illness. The holistic approach emphasizes the uniqueness of each patient, the reciprocity of the doctor-patient relationship, the responsibility of each person for their own health care and the responsibility of society for health promotion. Before choosing a holistic medicine doctor, ask for a recommendation from someone you trust or contact a credible health organization and ask for a recommendation. Holistic professionals use a variety of treatment techniques to help their patients take responsibility for their own well-being and achieve optimal health.
Due to its restorative and self-healing approach, naturopathy is also often used in integrative medicine and holistic medicine, which encompasses conventional medicine in combination with other medical modalities to achieve comprehensive health of the person. The suction cup is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that stimulates the flow of chi (qi or energy) into the body. Holistic medicine is a medical philosophy that believes that a person can achieve optimal health by restoring and maintaining the health not only of the body, but also of the mind, spirit and emotions. However, it is a common misconception that holistic medicine is simply an “alternative” or “complementary” medicine.
It should be noted that they seemed to be practicing holistically, but not necessarily labeling their practice as “holistic”. Because holistic treatments are more about identifying the root of an ailment rather than just addressing symptoms, it's a more realistic approach to healing. Percival also suggested a holistic approach to patient care in his book, the first textbook on medical ethics, first published in 1803. Because of this, many people are recognizing the need to restore and maintain a person's comprehensive health. To find a holistic professional in your area, visit the American Holistic Medical Association website.
Home visits, both by doctors and nurses, are also considered important in the process of achieving a holistic view of patients, their social circumstances and their individual conditions. In some cases, certain holistic therapies can interfere with modern medicines and do more harm than good. .
