Holistic healing has existed for many years, but it’s only recently that the term has been finding common usage among patients. This is partially the result of a rising habit of doing the bare minimum to keep our health in check rather than focusing on the health of our whole body. This habit isn’t restricted to the patient but can be found in mainstream medical practice as well. As we begin to understand the way the various systems of our body work together, holistic medicine becomes ever more important.
What Holistic Medicine Is And The Principles That Guide It
Holistic medicine could be said to have a history that goes back as far as 3,000 BCE, with the origins of its philosophy being found in China and India. In Greece, the philosopher Socrates was quoted as saying, “The part can never be well unless the whole is well.” When it comes to holistic medicine, this quote hits the nail squarely on the head. Our bodies are complex, interrelated systems, with physical and mental health coming together to create a complete, or holistically, balanced system. The foundations of the practice include:
- Care For The Mind – Our mind is the source of our perception of self, our health, and our emotional wellness. Sickness does more than affect the body, our mood, our ability to think, and how we view ourselves are all affected. Tending to our mental health is an essential part of caring for the mind.
- Care For The Spirit – To begin with, this is not a religious concept. Instead, spirit refers to a general sense of wellness and contentedness, and comfort with ourselves. Taking care of your spirit requires self-care in whatever means you find most effective, be it art, music, reading, exercise, or exercise.
- Care For The Body – Mind, and Spirit are housed within the body, and it requires significant care. From regular medical visits to personal hygiene to tending to illness and other complications, caring for the body is essential.
No part of our whole selves can be neglected in the pursuit of wellness. From the state of our emotional spirit to the health of our mind and body, everything touches on everything else. Holistic medicine focuses on this level of care.
How Holistic Medicine Approaches Wellness And Health
The central tenet of holistic medicine requires a complete approach to our health. As a result, holistic medical practitioners provide access to multiple areas of treatment and coordinate with a community of care. These treatment providers include mental health practitioners, yoga instructors, personal trainers, nutritionists, chiropractors, massage practitioners, and the usual assortment of medical and dental providers. Together these specialists work to bring you into balance on every level and help you achieve complete wellness. If you’re driven to get a better perspective on holistic medicine and how it can change the way you view health and wellness, reach out to our offices today. We’ll schedule an appointment and set you on the path to greater wellness today!
