More and more people today are finding ways to incorporate alternative medicine and holistic therapies along with western medicine. If a conservative, holistic approach doesn't solve their problem, then they seek answers from their family physician, who might prescribe drug or other treatment. You might be familiar with the term, but do you really understand what holistic medicine is?
According to the American Holistic Medical Association, "Holistic medicine is the art and science of healing that addresses care of the whole person -- body, mind, and spirit. The practice of holistic medicine integrates conventional and complementary therapies to promote optimal health, and prevent and treat disease by addressing contributing factors."
What does holistic medicine really mean?
It means that you are seen as a unique individual and are not defined by a specific disease or condition. Holistic medicine believes that disease is the result of physical, emotional, social, environmental and spiritual imbalance. Healing can only take place when all aspects of your life come into proper balance.
Practitioners of naturopathy use holistic medicine and act as guides, mentors and role models while you, the patient, do the work to change your lifestyle and eliminate any bad habits to facilitate healing. Meditation might be prescribed along with naturopathic medication.
Therapies using holistic medicine
Examples of holistic medicine therapies include:
Acupuncture. This Chinese practice uses the insertion of tiny needles to unblock your body's natural energy force, called meridians or "qi" (pronounced "chee"). Heat or electrical stimulation can also be applied at precise acupuncture points, depending upon the location of your problem.
Ayurveda. Originating in India, Ayurveda promotes the application of healthy nutrition, herbal medicines, exercises, transcendental meditation and purification therapies.
Naturopathic medicine. This therapy is similar to other types of holistic medicine in that naturopathic practices are used to try to help patients maintain health by restoring normal body functions. Manual pressure or force is used during manipulations, but the techniques are different from those used in chiropractic therapies.
Osteopathic manipulation. While chiropractors focus entirely on realignment of joints, osteopathic manipulation believes that structural problems in the spinal column can affect nerves that directly impact the function of various organs and can cause disease.
Qigong. It's a system of healing with energy, also from China. Breathing techniques are used along with movement, meditation, body strengthening and promotion of healthy life energy circulation (qi).
Reiki. This Japanese technique focuses on stress reduction and relaxation to promote healing. "Laying on hands" is administered based on the theory that your unseen life force energy (qi) is what keeps you alive. When your life energy force is low, then you are likely to get sick or feel stress.
Reflexology. This therapy promotes the theory that your feet and hands are a road map to your body. Specific areas of your feet and hands correlate directly to specific organs in your body. Massage pressure is applied to stimulate energy and blood flow and to encourage healing.
What is holistic medicine? Understanding it better could help you discover ways to improve your health and lifestyle. Keep in mind that "spirit"-based healing is not meant in a religious sense. It focuses on the deeply held personal essence of who you are and what you hold inside yourself.
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