Holistic Medicine: What It Is, Treatments, and All About It
Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that considers the entire body part. It aims to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Holistic medicine is a form of medicine that blends conventional medicine with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The style of holistic speciality you choose will determine your specific care strategy.
What is holistic medicine?
In treating and preventing illness, holistic medicine involves considering the whole individual, mentally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. It is based on the idea that there is a link between our physical fitness and our overall ‘well-being.’
In a holistic approach to medicine, it is believed that our health depends not only on what is happening directly in our bodies in terms of sickness or disease, but rather on the near interplay between our neurological, emotional, social, cultural, and environmental states.
These various states may all be similarly important. They should be handled together to treat an individual as a whole. Indeed, others argue that the term holistic should be spelt “wholistic.” With a systematic procedure, the psychiatrist is aware of the patient’s whole life condition.
Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that considers the entire person. It aims to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Holistic medicine is a form of medicine that blends conventional medicine with complementary and natural medicine (CAM). The style of holistic speciality you choose will determine your specific care strategy.
Holistic therapists come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some have a medical degree and are physicians. They can use holistic concepts in their procedures, making them a holistic doctor.
Other natural practitioners are not medical physicians in the traditional sense. In their profession, they can be referred to as “doctors,” but they are not qualified to practice medicine.
Holistic therapy isn’t intended to be taken in place of conventional medical treatment in general. It’s usually suggested as a supplement to other therapies.
Holistic medicine principles
Holistic medicine is founded on the following principles:
- Physical, physiological, behavioural, moral, and social well-being are all components of healthy health.
- illness is exacerbated by a disorder in the whole organism, rather than a particular case or body portion
- illness is exacerbated by a disorder in the whole organism, rather than a particular case or body portion
- Care includes a variety of approaches, including counselling, self-care, complementary and alternative medicine, and conventional medicine.
- An individual’s illness should not describe them; the medical result is determined by the interaction between a psychiatrist and the person being handled.
What does it mean to be a holistic doctor?
A holistic practitioner is a doctor who specializes in holistic medicine. Holistic doctors come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Osteopath
An osteopath, sometimes known as a practitioner of osteopathic medicine (DO), is a registered physician who uses osteopathic coercive medicine to manage health issues. The musculoskeletal structure is physically manipulated in this form of medicine.
The musculoskeletal structure, which involves your organs, bones, and nerves, is thought to affect the whole body.
An osteopath, like a doctor of medicine (MD), is a specialist doctor. They are doctors with a certificate to practice medicine.
MDs and DOs all go to medical school, choose a specialization, and finish a residency program. To become a licensed practitioner, they must pass the same test.
MDs and DOs use traditional therapies for handling an illness. Unlike standard MDs, some DOs can use musculoskeletal manipulation.
Integrative physician
Integrative practitioners are licensed medical professionals who practice integrative medicine. This entails incorporating traditional complementary and alternative therapies.
Integrative medicine is intended to be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment. It may also have a variety of treatments.
Integrative medicine does not require a standardized education. Rather, an individual goes to medical school, becomes a licensed practitioner, and then gets training or expertise in complementary and alternative medicine. They may also pursue integrative medicine board certification.
Ayurvedic doctor
Ayurveda is a system of medicine used by Ayurvedic doctors to cure various ailments. Ayurveda is an old Indian medical method. Ayurveda means “awareness of existence” in Sanskrit.
Health disorders, according to practitioners, are exacerbated by imbalanced dashes, or existence forces. Ayurveda uses complementary medications, nutrition, natural therapies, and behavioural improvements to help stabilize these dashes.
Ayurvedic medicine is a predominant healthcare scheme in India. To become an Ayurvedic doctor, practitioners must undergo professional, formal training at an Ayurvedic college and hospital.
However, there is no national certificate or credential for Ayurvedic practitioners in the United States. Ayurvedic physicians are not regarded as medical professionals.
Naturopathic doctor
A naturopathic specialist, also known as a doctor of naturopathic medicine (ND), is a physician who specializes in natural medicine.
To manage health problems, this method of treatment incorporates Western research, natural remedies, and treatments. Natural remedies may be used as a direct therapy or as a supplement to such medications.
Naturopathic doctors train at a naturopathic medical institution, where they take the same classes as conventional doctors. They may still pass a professional board test to be qualified, but they are not considered medical practitioners.
Practitioner in Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a form of Chinese medicine that dates back thousands of years.
Every human, according to TCM, has a life force, or qi. A healthy qi balance or flow is important for good health. However, illness occurs when the qi becomes unbalanced or blocked. Acupuncture, natural therapy, and lifestyle treatments are used in TCM to regulate qi.
TCM physicians in the United States are those that perform acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine.
Three to four years of schooling are needed, as well as a qualification test. Doctor of Oriental Medicine degrees are offered by certain universities. These degrees, on the other hand, are not known as medical doctor degrees.
Alternative and complementary therapies
Those treatments can be performed or prescribed by a holistic doctor. What are those holistic therapies, for example? Complementary and alternative treatments are mentioned below.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture entails the insertion of very fine needles into various areas of the body (called acupuncture points). This is thought to relax nerves and muscles, causing them to produce pain-relieving chemicals naturally.
It’s focused on the idea that when energy (or the ‘Qi’) gets ‘blocked,’ it may trigger health issues. Acupuncture helps to restore the flow of your Qi by unlocking the energy channels.
Acupuncture is more often used to treat headaches or severe discomfort, although some people believe it can also assist with stress and anxiety symptoms.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils (oils derived from plants) are used in aromatherapy to promote healing. Some people find that smelling such oils makes them calm, sleep well, ease discomfort, and lift their spirits. Lavender and chamomile essential oils, for example, are believed to be soothing and sleep-inducing when used correctly.
The oils may be used in a variety of forms, including creams, oil burners, treatment, and applying a few drops to a warm wash.
If you have any questions about allergies or responses to the oils, you can see an aromatherapist before using them.
Ayurvedic medicine
This is focused on ancient Indian philosophy which utilizes plant and mineral-based remedies to maintain body balance. Massage and panchakarma are both parts of Ayurvedic medicine (therapies that aim to get rid of the toxins in the body using massage and herbal oils).
Bowen technique
The Bowen technique (named after the therapy’s creator, Thomas Bowen) is a type of contact therapy in which the therapist touches you, but it is a very light touch and can be achieved with light clothes. They make slow rolling movements with breaks in between.
It’s often used for physical issues, although certain people report that it helps them feel less down, anxious, and stressed.
Homeopathy
To cure physical and mental wellbeing issues, homeopathy means utilizing highly diluted (watered down) natural ingredients. According to homeopaths, the most diluted a drug is, the safer it is – and the less probable it is to produce unwanted side effects.
Some people find that using homeopathic treatments for tension, anxiety, and depression improves their mood.
Many physicians, on the other hand, are skeptical of homeopathy. According to the NHS, research suggests that homeopathy is a little safer than a placebo (a sugar pill). It also warns that choosing homeopathy as your primary treatment can prevent you from exploring other options that may be more effective.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy entails inducing a deep state of calm in order to access subconscious views, emotions, and experiences that can influence the conduct.
Hypnotherapists utilize suggestions and increased self-awareness to help you alter unwanted emotions and behaviors through hypnosis. Under hypnosis, you are still incomplete charge, and the doctor can only utilize techniques that you have committed to and are familiar with.
Depression, anxiety, phobias, fatigue, frustration, addictions, and low self-esteem are also common problems that people use to handle.
However, hypnotherapy might not be appropriate for you if you have been diagnosed with a personality condition (it may exacerbate your symptoms) or if you are scheduled to testify during a tribunal.
Massage Therapy
Massage utilizes contact in a gentle and respectful manner, taking into consideration the clinical conditions, overall health, and lifestyle. Shiatsu, Indian head massage, and aromatherapy massage are only a few of the several forms of massage therapy available.
Meditation
There are many schools of meditation, but they both seek to relax your mind and place you in a state of calm, stillness, and rest. Mindfulness is a component of certain forms of meditation.
Although the data for meditation’s effectiveness in addressing mental health conditions is mixed, many people believe it to be a good way to relieve and manage tension and anxiety.
Many DVDs, games, and free online tutorials are available to show you meditation techniques.
Mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness entails paying heed to what is going on in the current moment. Its aim is to make you become more mindful of your thoughts and emotions so that you can peacefully react to them.
Many people believe mindfulness to be beneficial in coping with stressful emotions and tension.
Reflexology
Reflexology is focused on the premise that the nervous system connects various points on your feet, hands, face, and ears to other areas of the body. A reflexologist will apply soft pressure to these points with their hands during a normal session.
This medication is recommended by reflexologists to alleviate anxiety, increase morale, and aid sleep.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese practice that entails the ‘laying of hands on various body parts such as the head, back, chest, and feet. It’s focused on the belief that our bodies have a ‘life force drive’ that runs through them. When our energy levels are down, we are more prone to get ill.
Reiki therapy is designed to help you relax and remain healthy by restoring your life force capacity. It helps some people feel more comfortable and less nervous.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
TCM uses acupuncture, tuina (a form of massage), and natural therapies to help the body’s energy systems rebalance.
For more than 2000 years, it has become China’s primary medical infrastructure.
Western herbal medicine
These can be used to cure health issues in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs can, but herbalists typically follow a therapeutic approach rather than a disease-focused one.
Read More: Reduce Stress and Anxiety by 18 Easy and Effective proven method
Yoga
Yoga includes philosophical and physical activities such as bodywork, breathing techniques, reflection, sound, and visualization to improve self-awareness.
Hatha yoga (moving through postures to achieve balance), Bikram yoga (done in a hot room), and Iyengar yoga are only a few examples (using blocks and straps to support yoga moves).
Yoga has been shown in many research to be effective in suppressing the effects of depression and anxiety.
Before doing the poses on your own, it’s a smart idea to take at least a couple of lessons with a trained teacher (in a collective or individually), since performing them inappropriately may result in accidents.
However, once you feel comfortable and secure, there are a plethora of books, DVDs, and free online services available to help you get started.
Cupping therapy and Hijama
Cupping therapy is an old complementary treatment in which a doctor suctions the skin with special cups for a few minutes. It’s used for a variety of reasons, including pain relief, inflammation, blood pumping, relaxation, and well-being, as well as as a form of deep-tissue massage.
Wet cupping is also known as Hijama (Arabic: حجامة lit. “sucking”) or medicinal bleeding. Al-hijamah, and Hejamat – is an old therapeutic and medical technology to improve the natural immune system and cure several disorders, which differs from Chinese Cupping Therapies.
What to look for in a reputable holistic physician?
Examine the credentials of a holistic specialist when making a decision. Take a look at:
- schooling
- certificates
- certifications
- work experience
- affiliations
It’s also a smart idea to double-check if their credentials follow the requirements of your jurisdiction.
Some Frequently Asked question about Holistic Medicine
What is the difference between homeopathy and holistic medicine?
The distinction between the two procedures might be that a homeopathic physician prepares a solution in liquid or pill form, while a holistic practitioner might provide their patient a prescription medication in addition to complementary medications, which may require a homeopathic remedy.
The term holistic derives from the Greek word holism, which means “total, complete, whole” – As such, the word ‘holistic medicine’ encompasses a broader definition of therapy that is not always compatible with traditional medicine. More specifically, holism is a theory that emphasizes the holistic treatment of the person and the unity of the mind, body, and spirit.
Holism advocates the notion that all three components must be addressed together in order to be fully cured, since sickness or accident is the product of discord in the mind, body, or spirit, and are both regarded as one in the holistic belief system.
Homeopathy is a branch of medicine that emphasizes a therapeutic and natural approach to disease treatment. As in holistic medicine, homeopathy views the person holistically rather than relying only on a single symptom. Homeopathy is based on natural substances and medicines prepared in compliance with FDA guidelines.
Homeopathy is often derived from Greek and translates to “like sickness” – that is, the drug used is similar to the illness being treated. The homeopathic provider will choose the treatment with the most similar materia medica (drug picture) to the patient’s disease characteristic. The homeopathic prescription is administered to the patient in order to promote healing: like cures.
Is holistic medicine safe?
Yes, herbal treatment is completely healthy as administered by a board-certified medical practitioner. Indeed, preventive medicine centered on prevention and recovery has been found to assist patients with more efficiently managing their own wellbeing.
Does insurance cover holistic doctors?
Both providers are liable for compensation under California law provided they offer services beyond the legal limits of their certificate. In the state of California, naturopathic medicinal physicians double as primary care practitioners.
Do holistic doctors prescribe medication?
Naturopathic physicians in California have the ability to freely administer natural and synthetic hormones, as well as injectable supplements. Additionally, our physicians have a monitoring arrangement with a licensed practitioner, which allows them to administer pharmaceuticals.
Does a holistic doctor have a medical degree?
A naturopathic practitioner must undergo the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations after earning their degree (NPLEX). Holistic medical practitioners are specialists who have earned their medical degrees in the traditional manner. Usually, they have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree (DO).
What is a holistic medicine approach?
A comprehensive solution entails providing care that considers the person as a whole, not just their mental wellbeing needs. Additionally, the support should take their physical, mental, social, and moral well-being into account.
What is a holistic medicine lifestyle?
Holistic life entails maintaining a healthy equilibrium of mind, body, and spirit. It entails purchasing fresh, consuming more natural foods, meditating, being physically healthy, taking a meditation instructor, and receiving a massage, among other items.
Is a holistic doctor a real doctor?
Other practitioners in holistic medicine are not “true” medical physicians. Since they are referred to as “doctor” in their profession, they are not qualified to practice medicine. By and large, alternative treatment is not intended to be taken in lieu of conventional medical treatment. It is normally prescribed in addition to standard therapies.
What is a holistic medicine diet?
A holistic diet is more about consuming nutritious foods in their normal environment for optimal health and well-being. Unrefined, unprocessed, sustainable, and locally produced whole grains are hallmarks of holistic feeding.
What are a few examples of holistic medicine careers?
You will discover average wages for popular comprehensive professions by clicking on the links below.
- Acupuncturists – Acupuncturists are practitioners of acupuncture. Acupuncturists use accurate needle positioning to alleviate discomfort, cure disease, and promote general wellbeing.
- Life Coach
- Massage Therapist
- Naturopath
- Nutritionist
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a physician that takes a comprehensive approach, a holistic doctor might be a good fit. They will make recommendations for complementary treatments for the symptoms or priorities.
Holistic medicine is not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical treatment. Consult a conventional medical practitioner prior to attempting holistic therapies, especially if you are currently taking prescribed medication. This would guarantee that you get the highest-quality, safest treatment available.
