Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine emphasizes the need to look at the whole person -- physical, emotional, and spiritual. It also looks at environment and lifestyle. It does not exclude drugs or surgery, but does look for less invasive safe alternatives and emphasizes education and effort by those involved to focus on their wellness rather on illness.
The terms alternative, natural, and holistic medicine are used to describe a variety of healing therapies, some of which are very old. Practitioners look at the "whole" person in an effort to identify underlying imbalances that may be causing disease. Most alternative therapies are meant to be preventative in nature. |
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The newest term being heard in the medical community is "integrative medicine". It conveys the fact that the practice of traditional Western medicine and holistic or alternative therapies really must be integrated. Conventional medicine is very good at disease screening and treatment, but it isn't really set up to promote preventative health or support natual, less invasive treatment. In the ideal situation a practitioner of holistic medicine or a conventional doctor who has studied alternative methods would be the first line of defense - the family doctor so to speak. When more specialized treatment is indicated this person would send you to a specialist in whatever area is necessary. Especially if you live in a rural area where the most available doctor is a general practitioner, you know that this is happening now.
Holistic medicine involves the whole person and how they interact with their surroundings. It underscores the connection between mind, body, and spirit. The whole is the sum of its parts and if one part isn't functioning at its best, the whole suffers. This can manifest itself in a number of ways as in a headache (including migraine), stomache ache, nervousness, tension, even angry outbursts.
According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyday lifestyle choices far outweigh the quality of medical care, heredity, and environment as key factors that influence a person's state of health. Therefore, we can assume that the decisions people make about their lifestyle and habits are the largest factor in determining their state of wellness.
So if you are the type of person who is willing to learn about alternative methods of treatment, and want to be proactive in your own treatment, it is very likely you can find a doctor who will work with you. However, never abandon the medical community for do-it-yourself treatment. Doctors can monitor your response to whatever kind of treatment you are pursuing and make changes when the situation demands. Often surgery or aggressive traditional treatment is called for. You should never try to diagnose yourself, but share your symptoms with a trained physician - traditional or alternative so you receive the best treatment available.
While holistic medicine in much more available than it has been for many years, it is only one method used to help us stay healthy. |
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