Holistic medicine has become a buzzword amongst health practitioners. Contrary to popular opinion, however, holistic medicine is not a "new age" or "anything goes" approach to health. Rather, a holistic perspective expands the view of modern medical treatment by treating the whole person. By addressing mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions of sickness and health, holistic medicine integrates the best of modern medicine with evidence-based healing modalities from other cultures.
Benefits for the Body
The benefits of holistic medicine start with an emphasis on wellness. Many complementary medicine practices such as qi gong or chiropractic care treat the human body to prevent future sickness. This preventive approach is proactive, whereas traditional medicine is reactive, addressing only symptoms after damage has occurred. A holistic approach to wellness looks beyond symptoms and includes treatments known to support energetic living and a strong immune system. For example, according to the American Cancer Association, a cancer sufferer may be directed to make diet changes, attempt relaxation techniques, and try new exercise routines such as yoga in order to reduce constant pain, even though these treatments do not directly affect the success of ongoing chemotherapy.
Benefits for the Mind
Holistic medicine recognizes that health is in the mind as well. Attitudes, beliefs and mental health can greatly influence how a person approaches healing. One benefit of holistic medicine is its focus on a strong relationship between doctor and patient. Patients are seen as unique individuals and treated with unconditional respect. This compassionate feedback between doctor and patient allows for more specialized treatment plans. Also, practices such as meditation or creative musical play are encouraged. These modalities, well known in the field of psychology, are increasingly being integrated into modern health plans. For example, in April 2003, the American Journal of Public Health published research suggesting that group drumming is effective in the treatment of addition. Researcher Michael Winkelman reported that drumming, when combined with more traditional treatment plans, can release emotional trauma and create a sense of "connectedness" with others.
Benefits for the Spirit
Spirituality is probably the most confusing term to enter the medical world. As Philip Boyle, editor of the Park Ridge Center Bulletin, asks "Do alternative therapies represent the medicalization of spirituality or the spiritualization of medicine?" Boyle points out that the American Medical Association still frowns on many complementary treatments, largely because religious practices have the potential to do harm as well as good. Carefully prescribed holistic treatments, however, can incorporate spirituality and spiritual practices for their anxiety-calming effects. This is particularly useful in the treatment of life-threatening and terminal illnesses such as breast cancer. Traditional medicine cannot help relieve the tremendous mental anguish and uncertainty of those faced with a potentially terminal illness, especially when patients refuse pain-reducing medications that also rob them of vitality and mental clarity. In these situations, spiritual practices such as prayer can provide strength and courage when facing the unknown, and make a sizable difference in the success of a difficult and painful treatment.
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