The human body is a miracle of nature, and its abilities never fail to surprise us. Are you aware that the human body has an incredible ability to heal itself? Most of us have suppressed this ability to heal naturally by using traditional or western medicines. These days more and more people aim to treat their diseases holistically without much reliance on lab-manufactured drugs.
But what is holistic health and healing, and how does it work? If you want to know more about holistic healing, its history, and how it contributes to overall wellness in today's world, continue reading.
What is holistic medicine? History and meaning
In the most literal ways, holistic health means focusing on not just one physical condition or disease but treating the patient as a complete person, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. But this concept/treatment method isn't new. Holistic healing has been practiced since the 6th century BC in India, where Ayurveda- the use of herbal medicine focused on healing energies, was practiced. One of the well-documented forms of holistic healing is that of traditional Chinese medicine, which dates back to 2,200 years ago. Similarly, the ancient Greeks have also been practicing holistic medicine. Hippocrates- a famous Greek physician known as the father of modern medicine- emphasized the body's natural ability to heal and holistic healing methods to achieve wellness.
Holistic health care practitioners also try to prevent health concerns from ever forming by addressing the health of the body, mind, and spirit. Balance and equilibrium are the basis of this ideology. Integrative medicine is a comprehensive approach to health care that combines established therapies with alternative methods to achieve optimal health.
According to holistic medicine, absolute encouragement and care may be a potent healer, emphasizing personal responsibility for one's well-being. The following are other tenets of holistic medicine:
- The ability to cure oneself is inherent in everyone.
- People as a whole, not just a single disease, is the main focus of treatment.
Types of Holistic Healing Methods
Methods of holistic therapy may be found in a wide variety of configurations. Patients with a wide range of illnesses, such as cancer, are being studied for its potential advantages. Knowing some basic categories of different therapies can help you better grasp holistic health and what it involves. These are some examples:
Intuitive Healing
Heals the body by stimulating its cells with electromagnetic, ultrasonic, and thermal energy. An example of this is the treatment using pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs). This category uses the idea that energy passes through the human body before leaving. This treatment aims to alleviate the patient's anxiety and suffering by balancing the patient's energy.
Organic and Natural
Using plant-based or organic substances to treat or prevent certain illnesses is integral to integrative medicine. Aromatherapy and herbal medicine are two of the most prevalent forms of this treatment. The focus of therapy is on bioengineered drugs created in the laboratory.
Mind and Body Exercises
Psychological, behavioral, social, and spiritual interventions and treatments are all included in this category. There are several relaxation methods, but yoga, meditation, and deep breathing are some of the most well-known.
Therapy Based On the Body
Movement and physical contact emphasize this subcategory, which aims to alleviate patients' discomfort and discomfort. Chiropractors and other health professionals often use manual manipulation and massage treatment to treat physical abnormalities. Acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, homeopathy, Reiki techniques, naturopathy, and other alternative and complementary treatments are also included, along with the medical treatments and interventions used in the West.
Among those mentioned above, two of the most popular methods are Acupuncture and Reiki. Acupuncture is one of the critical components of traditional Chinese medicine that dates centuries back. It involves the insertion of extremely thin needles at specific strategic points on your body, aiming to balance the flow of energy or lifeforce, known as Chi. Acupuncture treats pain, lowers stress, and improves overall body wellness. Reiki is yet another healing technique that promotes relaxation and calmness, reducing stress and anxiety in the body through the touch of qualified Reiki practitioners.
Systems of Alternative Medicine
Non-Western medical approaches and non-conventional therapeutic approaches are often included under these systems of philosophy and practice. Traditional Chinese medicine is one of these systems.
The Advantages of a Holistic Treatment
There are several health advantages of holistic medicine encompassing the mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, it extends the advantages of more traditional approaches in the accompanying ways:
Benefits to the Body
- Pain is alleviated
- Joint stiffness is lessened
- Mobility is improved
- A better night's rest
- An increase in stamina
- Improved bowel movements.
- Boosted resistance to infection
- An improvement in the appearance of the skin
Psychiatric Advantages
- Mental exhaustion is lessened.
- A sharper intellect
- Benefits for the Emotions
- Stress and anxiety levels are lower.
- Emotional stability
- Confidence rises as well
Parting Thoughts
Holistic treatment aims to preserve or restore harmony within and among an individual's constituent parts. As opposed to treating a single ailment or disease, holistic treatment treats the whole person and their lives. For this very reason, so many Holistic Services have become so popular for people of all ages and walks of life.
Over the years, we have worked with some of the best Holistic Practitioners who specialize in a wide range of modalities. For a complete list of top-rated practitioners click here.