Holistic health - does that phrase conjur up images of health trends from China, India or other cultures?  While holistic health does incorporate some elements of alternative therapies from different cultures that have been scientifically proven to work, it can best be understood as an approach to medicine that focuses on wellness and prevention, rather than just treating diseases. 

 

Holistic Healthcare - Treating the Whole You

Holistic health is about caring for the whole person — your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social needs. Holistic care practitioners understand that all these dimensions affect your overall health, and that being unwell in one dimension affects you in the others.

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Take stress, for example. It's a psychological response, but it can also cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and muscle pain. It can also go the other way too, as being physically ill can cause you to feel anxiety or depression. Likewise, your spirituality and your social relationships can boost your emotional and physical health. Studies have shown that having close friendships lowers your blood pressure, reduces your stress, and can even improve your chances of surviving cancer.

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Understanding this, doctors who take a holistic approach to health don't just ask you about your symptoms. They ask about you — your overall health and your life — so they can make highly customized recommendations to improve your overall wellness.

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Holistic doctors treat and manage many different health concerns, and they use a diverse mix of scientifically proven treatments— from surgery and pharmaceuticals, to dietary changes and exercise plans, to psychological and spiritual counseling. We also recommend evidence-based alternative therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, and even yoga, for supportive care.

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For example, if you're experiencing chronic pain, a holistic doctor might prescribe medications, initiate physical therapy and even suggest surgery to address an injury, but they'll also show you how to increase your endorphins (natural pain hormones) by exercising more or doing extended stretches. They'll focus on your diet, and explain to you how certain foods increase inflammation. They'll ask you about stress, anxiety, and depression — all of which can cause pain, or be caused by it — and include therapy in your treatment plan as needed. Moreover, they may also suggest massage to relax your muscles, acupuncture to help with nerve pain, or mindful meditation/biofeedback to help with pain management and stress relief.

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In a nutshell, rather than just prescribing some painkillers, they'll treat the whole person, and use all the resources available to do it resulting in a healthier, more complete YOU.