Holistic medicine is a life practice involving the prevention and treatment of physical and mental conditions through the use of natural techniques. Three specific concepts of holistic medicine are: treating the whole person, both mind and body, by practicing a healthy lifestyle; focusing on prevention with a healthy lifestyle, rather than simply treating diseases and conditions after they occur; and involving the doctor, patient, family and friends in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of afflictions.
Step 1
Find, retain and work with a holistic practitioner to discuss your current state of health and wellness, and to develop a plan of healthy living. You and your practitioner will discuss your physical and mental history, including childhood illnesses, current physical condition, and any emotional or relationship conflicts that might prevent you from attaining total health.
Step 2
Include your traditional physician in your planning. Holistic medicine does not rule out the use of mainstream medical treatment. Your medical doctor may diagnose a disease and prescribe a conventional medicine approach to treatment, while your holistic health practitioner may concurrently recommend additional alternative approaches.
Step 3
Identify potential diseases and conditions that might afflict a person of your age, gender, weight, race and so on. For example, middle-age and older men will want to address prostate cancer and heart disease. Older women will want to consider menopause, osteoporosis and certain cancers. African Americans will want to examine their potential for sickle-cell anemia and diabetes.
Step 4
Create a plan for addressing any likely diseases and conditions for which you may be at risk. Diet is a major component of holistic medicine, and a professional dietician can help you create an eating plan based on your health needs. Reducing stress is a key element of holistic medicine and can help address high blood pressure, lack of sleep, hyperactivity and other health problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, health issues like cholesterol and osteoporosis improve with holistic treatments like aerobic and weight-bearing exercises.
Step 5
Create a general health and wellness plan that addresses disease prevention. Exercise, diet and stress reduction are key components of holistic medicine, and you should create a life plan that addresses all three in your daily life. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, approximately 38 percent of U.S. adults use some form of holistic medicine, from the use of supplements to breathing exercises, massage therapy, meditation and yoga.
Step 6
Bring your family, friends and co-workers into your health and wellness plan, where appropriate. Explaining to members of your life circle why you choose not to drink, smoke or eat certain types of foods, or why you need to exercise or pursue other lifestyle activities, will reduce stress by reducing awkward situations and allowing your friends to be more sensitive to your needs.
Things You'll Need
- Holistic health practitioner
References
- American Holistic Health Association: Holistic Health
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the U.S.
- Mayo Clinic: Exercising with Osteoporosis: Stay Active the Safe Way
- "Alternative Medicine: Why so Popular?"; by Hans R. Larsen, MSc ChE
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