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Holistic medicine is an ancient system of health care that dates back thousands of years ago, however the expression is of much more recent vintage. The word "holism" was coined by Jan Christiaan Smuts in 1926 to describe the concept that living beings are "greater than and different from the sum of their parts.” The word "holistic" wasn't widely used until the 1970s. Now that you know a little bit more about the history of the term, you may be wondering: "What is the definition of holistic medicine? To understand more, it helps to explore three essential elements of the philosophy behind it. It takes the whole person into consideration. Have you ever visited a doctor of traditional medicine and get the feeling like the whole picture of your health wasn't being evaluated to make a diagnosis? Western medicine often focuses on treating symptoms, as opposed to always trying to determine the underlying causes of a condition, which is a focus of holistic medicine. The American Holistic Health Association (AHHA) describes it this way:
Mind, body and spirit — these aspects of each patient are considered to be intertwined and essential to achieving optimal health. Human beings are comprised of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual elements is another way to look at it. It focuses on natural healing. While holistic medicine may incorporate treatments from mainstream health care, drugs and surgery are not the line of first defense. These are some of the focuses of primary care treatment in holistic medicine:
By definition, holistic medicine is about lifestyle changes, noninvasive remedies and improving the flow of a person's life-force energy, along with enhancing the body's own ability to heal itself. It's patient-empowering. Holistic health is a lifestyle. It doesn't stop and start when you walk in and out of a practitioner's office. What the patient does on a daily basis to tend to their mind, body and spirits is as important as any treatment or herbal remedies they receive. According to the AHHA:
Many people opt for holistic medicine because it's a way for them to feel empowered in their own health care. They don't have to wait for drugs to work or surgery to fix them, they can take measures to enhance their well being on their own. If you're interested in training to become a holistic health practitioner, Acupuncture and Massage College offers degrees in massage therapy and Oriental medicine. Contact the school for more information at (305) 595-9500 or by emailing us at . We are located at 10506 N Kendall Drive, Miami, FL 33176. Holistic health providers have been prescribing herbal medicines, such as turmeric, Oregon grape, bupleurum, and coin grass, with the belief that they may reduce gall bladder inflammation and relieve liver congestion. From: Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition (Second Edition), 2005
The human body has a wonderful capacity to heal itself, yet many people deprive their bodies of that ability by solely focusing on traditional medicine for most ailments. Holistic medicine takes a whole-person approach to medical care and wellness. As more and more people want to feel better without reliance on drugs, this is an area growing in demand. Let’s take a closer look at what holistic medicine is, where it comes from and how it is making a difference in the health and wellness of patients in the 21st century. What Is Holistic Medicine?The word holistic means “dealing with the whole.” From this definition, we understand holistic medicine involves the wellness of the whole person. A holistic practitioner will treat not only the physical ailment or condition, but also the emotional, mental and even spiritual aspects that aggravate the condition. Take, for example, a headache. The holistic practitioner will look at the patient’s health and then beyond, taking note of stress levels, lifestyle and more. The practitioner may examine the patient’s diet for any deficiencies, such as low vitamin levels, that can contribute to the headache. Often addressing these other areas can reveal treatment and prevention options for the patient, meaning even greater wellness. Holistic Medicine—A Brief HistoryHolistic medicine is a newer buzzword in the western medicine world, but it’s not a new concept. In fact, in the 6th century (BC) India, Ayurveda was a form of herbal medicine that focused on healing the energies within the body using the medicinal properties of plants. The herbal treatment used in modern holistic practices originated in Ancient Greece and Rome, gradually making their way to Europe and then to the Americas. Even Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, took a holistic approach to treating disease. He encouraged self-healing of the body. The discovery of germs and their role in the cause of disease caused doctors to move away from holistic healing and created a greater focus on treating symptoms and conditions with medication. Interestingly, in the 1960s, a shift started as people started to move away from modern drugs and medical technology and push for more natural healing methods. In 1975 the National Conference on Holistic Health was held in California, and just three years later the Holistic Medical Association came into being. Today, holistic practitioners have to go through rigorous training similar to that of a medical doctor, but with a focus on herbal therapies, environmental problems, and nutrition in addition to conventional medication. Common Principles of Holistic TreatmentThere are several guiding principles central to holistic medicine and treatment, including:
These principles help practitioners work with patients to choose therapies that will promote better overall health: mind, body and spirit. Types of Holistic TreatmentsEach holistic practitioner will have his or her own chosen path to wellness, but there are several example treatments common to holistic practices, including: 1. Acupuncture and Acupressure Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate areas of the body to release energy or activate the nervous system to help ease chronic conditions. Acupressure does the same thing, but instead of needles, it uses a small amount of pressure. 2. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy uses the sense of smell to help calm the body and soothe some ailments. For example, aromatherapy may use lavender oil patches to improve sleep in patients with insomnia or anxiety. 3. Ayurvedic MedicineThe Ayurvedic practice uses herbs, metals, and dietary changes to address health issues. This practice also focuses on how people and their environments are closely connected. 4. Chiropractic CareChiropractic care uses gentle manipulation of the spine and neck to improve the body’s function by improving the function of the nervous system. This can help support the treatment of physical and muscular pain, headaches or even illness. 5. NaturopathyNaturopathy uses natural treatments, including herbs and dietary supplements, to support overall health. A naturopathic practitioner may also encourage exercise and dietary changes to help patients feel better. 6. Massage TherapyLoosening tight muscles and tissues with massage therapy can support overall health and wellness. Many holistic practitioners will use massage in their treatments. 7. Nutrition CounselorsWellness covers the whole body and that includes proper nutrition. Nutrition counseling helps patients take charge of their health by eating well to support the work holistic practitioners are putting in. 8. Mental Health Counseling Because holistic medicine takes a mind-body-spirit approach to healing, it often involves mental health therapy. When a person is equipped to manage stress and deal with mental health needs in a healthy manner, they are better equipped to heal. 9. OsteopathyOsteopathy is similar to chiropractic care but involves more than the spine, it covers the whole body. An osteopath can manipulate the entire musculoskeletal system to help improve the function of the muscles and nerves and support a strong, healthy bone structure. 10. YogaYoga is more than just a form of exercise. It helps with the mind-body connection and creates calmness in the spirit. This supports the holistic view of overall wellness. Holistic Vs. Conventional MedicineIf you visit a traditional doctor with an ailment or concern, the doctor will provide medical solutions to take care of your symptoms. These might include procedures or medications. If possible, the solutions will eradicate the disease and the germs that cause it. A holistic practitioner will dig deeper to find the cause of the disease or its symptoms. They will then use multiple types of therapies, often in conjunction with traditional medical practices, to treat not only the symptoms, but also their cause. In addition to prescription medication, they might encourage lifestyle changes and dietary changes that would help prevent the issue from returning. Benefits and Disadvantages of Holistic MedicinePros of Holistic MedicineA holistic approach to patient care and wellness has several benefits, including:
Cons of Holistic MedicineLike all treatment methods, holistic care does have a few drawbacks:
How to Pursue a Career in Holistic MedicineHolistic medicine is growing as an alternative to traditional medicine. Overall, integrative medical treatments are becoming more acceptable, even normal, in today’s healthcare climate. If you are interested in a career in holistic medicine, you will need to start with the right school. Not all medical schools offer training in holistic treatment. Look for one that offers certification and degree programs in a range of holistic and alternative medicine therapies. Then, decide which therapies you want to have in your medical practice, and earn certification in those therapies along with your degree in holistic medicine. Finally, get licensed to practice in your state and open the doors of your practice. Start Your Holistic Medicine Degree TodayPacific College of Health and Science is a leader in the education of Chinese medicine, massage therapy, holistic nursing, health coaching, yoga, and acupuncture treatments. Let’s jump-start your career with accessible certificates, degrees, and doctoral programs specifically designed for holistic health practitioners! We are one of the few schools dedicated entirely to holistic healthcare, offering a long list of on-campus and online programs to provide the flexibility you need to earn your degree. If you are interested in learning more about the programs offered at Pacific College of Health and Science, visit our admissions department or contact us today. |