The old word "holistic" is slowly re-emerging as people are taking responsibility for their own health. The word "holistic"originates from the Greek word "holos," which means "whole", "entire", or "complete". It refers to looking at the emotional, spiritual, social and physical aspects of a person as they relate to his or her health.
While there have been many great advances in medicine allowing practitioners to specialize in one particular part or function of the body, this approach to medicine has left many patients feeling alienated and overwhelmed. There has been a growing concern that patients are no longer being viewed as a whole person but instead an organ or an illness. Holistic medicine is becoming more and more popular as many patients are searching for answers, looking for drug-free or non-invasive treatments, feeling dissatisfied with their current healthcare or state of health, and seeking a doctor that will truly listen to their concerns.
What is a Holistic Doctor?
A Holistic Doctor uses natural remedies and alternative medicine including: acupuncture, herbal medicine, natural supplements, vitamins & minerals, educational and behavioral therapies, nutritional counseling, and functional medicine (i.e. lab testing) to reverse and prevent illness or disease.
Holistic Medicine approaches patient care differently, looking at the total picture. While a popping a pill may quickly alleviate your symptoms, it does not treat or prevent the condition from returning. There are numerous factors that can contribute to an individual's health and well-being (i.e. diet, exercise, environmental influences, lifestyle, emotional stress, genetics). Holistic Medicine takes all of these factors (and more) into consideration and each patient's course of treatment is unique and individualized. The Holistic approach also strongly emphasizes prevention. Not only does holistic medicine treat illness with a multi-facted approach, it helps patients prevent these illnesses from returning.
Is a Holistic Doctor is right for you?
Holistic medicine can treat a wide range of illnesses and symptoms from disease without the harmful side-effects of most pharmaceuticals or invasive approaches to medicine. It can also compliment many forms of treatment and increase their effectivness. A great example would be infertility treatments or IVF. If you are an individual looking to improve your overall well being, becoming an advocate of your own health, and wanting to learn about the best forms of prevention, Holistic Medicine is right for you.