As a whole person, contained within your physical structure, or body, you have mental, spiritual, emotional, genetic and biological components. Holistic is the idea that all parts influence the well-being of the whole. One way holistic medicine treats you as a whole is through the mind-body connection. See your doctor before starting a holistic approach, especially if you have any health conditions.
Deep Breathing
The act of belly breathing, or expanding your abdomen downward with your inhale in a slow, rhythmic fashion through your nose, is the most popular holistic approach to the mind-body connection, according to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey. Dennis Lewis, author of “Breath Into Being: Awaken Who You Really Are,” believes deep breathing requires the integration of body, mind, spirit and emotions to treat your whole self. According to Lewis, deep breathing massages your internal organs, which helps your immune, cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems function better. Other benefits might include muscle relaxation, stress release, self-awareness and spiritual consciousness.
Meditation
Originating from ancient religious and spiritual traditions, the holistic therapy of meditation involves focusing your attention inward with an open attitude and calm mind, while holding a comfortable position in a quiet location. According to the NHIS, 20 million people in 2007 used meditation to relieve stress, pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and symptoms related to physical and emotional chronic illnesses. Practicing meditation might affect your involuntary nervous system, which controls your breathing, heart rate and digestion, and your brain activity that allows you to focus clearly and become spiritually aware.
Yoga
The intention of yoga is to create a state of relaxation while balancing the mind, spirit and body through the integration of meditation, physical poses and breathing activities. Originating more than 2,000 years ago as a way to attain spiritual enlightenment, practicing yoga might help you decrease stress, anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate, depression and insomnia. Other benefits of yoga might include increased flexibility, strength, fitness, mood and sense of well-being. If you are pregnant, speak with your yoga instructor because some poses during pregnancy are not appropriate.
Progressive Relaxation With Guided Imagery
The coordinated process of tensing a muscle group followed by complete release is called progressive relaxation. This mind-body connection method starts with the toes and ends at the top of the head, while lying down or sitting in a chair. Introduced in 1929, progressive relaxation also includes a visualization technique that calms and soothes the mind. Progressive relaxation might be an effective treatment for depression, stress, hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, and neck and back pain.
