Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine is a system of medicine that looks at the whole person
when providing health care. It emphasizes optimal wellness of mind, body
and spirit and treats the cause of illness. Practitioners of holistic
medicine offer therapies that address the physical, nutritional, social,
emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and see beyond the symptoms
of illness to the source of disturbed health. Education and prevention
are critical components of the process and individuals become important
team members in their own health care.
Holistic medicine is frequently described by "conventional" practitioners
as complementary and alternative medicine. While there are many definitions
of holistic medicine, it is generally based upon a philosophy of using the
least invasive health intervention first. If patent medications
(pharmaceuticals) and surgery can be avoided and alternatives are available,
then that is where treatment will begin. Only when non-invasive therapies and
non-patent medication techniques fail are more conventional therapies used.
Even when patent medications and surgery are required, their effectiveness
improves when used along with natural modalities.
Therapies used in holistic medicine may include massage, chiropractic care,
biofeedback, yoga, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, naturopathic
medicine, and other non-conventional techniques. Patients may be prescribed
homeopathic and botanical medicines and nutritional supplements to treat
illness and correct deficiencies. Practitioners of holistic medicine
emphasize the role of nutrition, sleep, adequate exercise, stress reduction,
avoidance of toxic substances, detoxification when needed, creativity, good
relationships and spirituality in the achievement of optimal health. Patients
are encouraged to examine lifestyle choices and make changes that promote
wellness.
Holistic medicine is ideally suited for the treatment of chronic illness,
which is often not responsive to conventional medical care. Individuals
suffering from cancer frequently benefit from natural therapies used in
conjunction with conventional care to reduce side effects and promote healing.
By reducing the use of patent medications there are accordingly fewer patent
medication interactions and side effects. This is particularly important among
individuals more susceptible, such as the elderly. Treatments often take less
time and are frequently less expensive than conventional care.
Holistic medicine empowers patients in the healthcare process and enables
them to make choices that work with their lifestyles. It’s an important
factor in the increasing number of people who choose this system of medicine
to meet their healthcare needs.
