Holistic medicine is concerned with healing the whole self, which is understood as being mind, body and spirit. The interconnectedness and balance of these three elements are key concepts and when an imbalance occurs, illness or disease generally follows. Holistic edmicine is broad and diverse in terms of techniques and methods and good health is not evaluated as being free of disease and illness, but a state where optimal health and wellness is experienced.
Prevention is Better than Cure
Traditional medicine concentrates on eliminating symptoms of an illness, with less attention paid to root causes. Holistic medicine, on the other hand, is not designed to merely treat symptoms, but aims to uncover the source of the problem and apply appropriate methods of treatment. The ideal for holistic health is to reach and maintain the highest levels of wellness, while empowering the client to take control of his health by paying attention to lifestyle, diet and physical, mental and spiritual health to prevent illness and establish optimal health.
Various Forms of Holistic Medicines
Holistic medicine is composed of an assortment of individual treatments sometimes referred to as alternative or natural medicines. The most common forms of treatments are traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), naturopathy, homeopathy, ayurveda, massage therapy and chiropractic.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an intricate and ancient healing system focused on the interconnection of mind, body and spirit. This theory understands the human body as being a reflection of the universe, also having the five elements---earth, water, fire, wood and metal---which are related to organs. Other concepts of TCM are qi, the intelligent and energetic life force; meridians, or energy channels, of which there are 12; and yin and yang, the masculine and feminine components of each individual, correlating to harmony and balance. Cupping, qigong, tai chi, and herbal applications are some of the techniques applied in TCM.
Naturopathy
Naturopathy is based upon the philosophy of the body having the ability to heal itself naturally with encouragement. It's also focused on treating the cause not the symptom and concentrating on mind, body and spirit. When treating a client, the naturopathy practitioner must have the intention to do no harm, while educating her on ways to prevent illness and encouraging her to take control of her health. Medical history, stress, lifestyle, exercise and mental and spiritual health are evaluated towards prognosis.
Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient healing system with origins in India. It focuses on the balance of mind, body and spirit. Ayurvedic ideology is based on an understanding of the interconnection between all things in the universe, and the predisposed constitution of an individual, called prakriti. Dosha, which translates as life force, is another concept; each individual is dominant in vata, pitta or kapha. The use of plants, massage, aromatherapy, yoga, diet regulation, breathing and stress reduction techniques are incorporated to reestablish balance and harmony.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is based upon the premise of the body's ability to heal itself with appropriate manipulation. Attention is paid to the spinal column, which when injured can seriously impact the nerves, organs and the muscular skeletal system, hampering function and causing pain and discomfort. A series of exercise, physical, and rehabilitative therapies are often used in conjunction of chiropractic sessions to enhance healing. Chiropractors encourage patients to be proactive and seek out therapy before injuries occur, as a way of prevention.
Self Help
The ideology of thoughts manifesting into reality is a major concept in the theory of self help, also a part of holistic medicine. Self help practitioner Louise Hay has written many books on the connection between mind, body and spirit and the ways in which specific illnesses and disease can develop by way of negative attitudes, thoughts and emotions. This theory places responsibility of health in the hands of each individual. Positive thinking, visualization, meditation and affirmations all serve as exercises to improve and maintain optimal health of mind, body and spirit.
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