Holistic Health - An Introduction?

Therapists who practice the holistic approach believe that the human body contains a very strong life force, life energy or vital force.

Holistic health focuses on the principle that human potentials unfold to be actualized as total beings functioning at their best.  It operates on the human desire for vitality, enthusiasm and a fulfilling and satisfying life.  Holistic health addresses not only the physical aspect but also aims to establish balance within the self at all levels -- body, mind and spirit -- as well as achieve harmony with the environment. Holistic health is an approach that affects one’s lifestyle, relationships and social interaction.  Holistic health also encompasses the management and elimination of stress.

Holism (the noun form of holistic) submits to the concept that an "entity is greater than the sum of its parts." Underscoring this functional relationship between the whole and its parts, holistic medicine does not prescribe treatment without a thorough study of an individual’s over-all physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.  Holistic medicine is nothing new as its philosophy dates to thousands of years back. However, it broadens the scope of therapy when practiced within the sphere of western health care system where patients’ roles are on the passive side.  In contrast, holistic medicine fosters a more active participation from the patients in the whole healing process.  The focus is on educating patients about their condition, the effects of their choices, actions and attitudes, and how to make the necessary changes to gain optimum health and regain balance in their lives.

People use different terms when describing systems and methods used in the scope of holistic medicine.  The most popular among the terminologies are alternative medicine, complementary medicine, and natural healing, all of which use procedures that are non-invasive.  What medical practitioners and the general populace call as alternative medicine refers to the various methods of healing and treating diseases that are used in place of conventional medicine. The alternative techniques used are mostly non-pharmaceutical and they may include ingestion of experimental drugs  or therapies that are not widely used or validated by scientific studies as effective means of treatment. However, public acceptance of alternative medicine has grown tremendously over the past few years that a few of its form are no longer considered as alternative. On the other hand, complementary medicine is recognized by mainstream medicine and is used in conjunction or together with traditional medical care. Modalities vary but all do not use pharmacological practices and medications and they act only as backup or supplement to surgery and other more conventional treatments. Natural healing does not also use pharmaceutical medication and procedures. Instead, it only uses physical healing or bodywork to stimulate the innate ability of the body to heal itself.

People striving to achieve holistic health can now choose from a big assortment of natural, alternative or complementary therapies some of which are aromatherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, naturopathy, medicinal herbs, Reiki, Tai Chi, and yoga.  Management and reduction of stress is a vital component of holistic health.  The objective is to lessen, if not eliminate, stress to enable the body to tap on its natural resources to heal itself, regain balance and be in harmony.