Let Us Talk About - Holistic Medicine - Marilyn Allen PhD
"Holistic medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person -- body, mind, spirit, and emotions -- in the quest for optimal health and wellness. According to the holistic medicine philosophy, one can achieve optimal health -- the primary goal of holistic medicine practice -- by gaining proper balance in life". (webmd)
"Holistic medicine practitioners believe that the whole person is made up of interdependent parts and if one part is not working properly, all the other parts will be affected. In this way, if people have imbalances (physical, emotional, or spiritual) in their lives, it can negatively affect their overall health" (webmd).
A holistic doctor may use conventional medication to alternative therapies. For example, when a person suffering from constipation pays a visit to a holistic doctor, who is likely to investigate all the potential factors that may be causing the person's condition, such as other health problems, diet and sleep habits, stress and personal problems, and preferred spiritual practices. The treatment plan may involve medication to relieve symptoms, but also lifestyle modifications to help prevent the constipation from recurring.
Principles of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine is also based on the belief that unconditional love and support is the most powerful healer and a person is responsible for their own health and well-being. Other principles of holistic medicine include the following:
All people have innate healing powers.
The patient is a person, not a disease.
Healing takes a team approach involving the patient and doctor, and addresses all aspects of a person's life using a variety of health care practices.
Treatment involves fixing the cause of the condition, not just alleviating the symptoms.
Holistic Medicine: Types of Treatments
Holistic practitioners use a variety of treatment techniques to help their patients take responsibility for their own well-being and achieve optimal health. Depending on the practitioner's training, these may include patient education on lifestyle changes and self-care to promote wellness. For instance:
Diet and Nutrition
Psychotherapy/Counselling
Biofeedback Work
Acupuncture
Chiropractic care
Homeopathy
Massage Therapy
Naturopathy
Aromatherapy
Auriculotherapy
Western medications and surgical procedures
Well-Being changes like exercise, pilates, yoga, meditation and many more
Practitioners
Holistic providers may include Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathy, Natural Medicine Doctors, Naturopathic Doctors, Chiropractors, and Homeopathic Doctors. As with all professionals, there are those who are good at their jobs and those who are not as good. Before choosing a Holistic Medicine Doctor, get a recommendation from someone you trust, or contact a credible health organization and ask for a recommendation.
When selecting a holistic doctor, find out as much as you can about that person’s training, experience, specialty, and association with professional organizations and hospital affiliations. Consider the doctor's treatment philosophy if it is similar to your own views.
Take into consideration how well you get on with your practitioner bearing in mind whether you feel at ease, if the practitioner is respectful of your case and beliefs? Holistic medicine takes into consideration, the patient and the practitioner, so make sure you feel comfortable, are listened to and respected. It might help to choose a practitioner who will spend enough time with you to fully understand of your needs. Be prepared to answer lots of questions, including questions about your diet, exercise, sleep habits, how you feel emotionally, your religious beliefs and practices, close relationships, and more.
When considering a treatment approach, ensure the practitioner examines all lifestyle factors, as well as medical factors that could be impacting on your health.
References
Ballentine R., Diet And Nutrition A Holistic Approach 1999 Himalayan Institute
Drouin P., Creative Integrative Medicine: A Medical Doctor's Journey Toward A New Vision For Health Care 2014 Balboa Press
Goswami A., Quantum Doctor: A Quantum Physicist Explains the Healing Power of Integral Medicine 2011 Hampton Road
Mitchell S., Naturopathy: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Healing Power of Nature 2001 Vermilion
webmd.com