Holistic medicine is a form of medical care that focuses more on natural treatments for illness and disease processes than merely drugs. Holistic medicine takes into consideration the whole body, mind, spirit and soul, while conventional medicine focuses on specific problems in a body organ or tissue. According to the Canadian Holistic Medical Association, several factors, such as the environment, a person's emotional state, spirituality, nutrition and lifestyle, are taken into consideration when treating a patient This approach to medical offers a number of advantages.
Treating the Whole Person
Holistic medicine treats the whole person, rather than just a small part of the human body. Holistic medicine practitioners try to understand a person's lifestyle habits, beliefs and feelings regarding his specific symptom or illness. The importance of mental and emotional health in holistic medicine when approaching treatment is a major aspect of making treatment decisions.
Non-Invasive Treatment
The first approach to holistic healing and treatment is to try non-invasive methods first. Treatment of a symptom of illness begins with changes in diet and exercise before medications and drugs, state the experts at the American Holistic Medical Association. Changes in lifestyle and habits are also utilized, as is discussion with the patient regarding her emotional state of being.
Individual Respect
Holistic medical approaches treat every patient as an individual, not as a collection of symptoms or complaints. Treatment programs are designed to suit an individual in every case, taking into consideration habits, choices and events that lead to illness and disease in many cases, states the American Holistic Medical Association and Dr. Edward Pearson of Holistic Seek, an holistic education center. The patient is the main point of focus when it comes to determining a treatment plan, not the symptom or illness.
Medical Partnership
Holistic medicine utilizes a partnership approach between physician and patient, states Dr. Edward Pearson of Holistic Seek. Discussion regarding therapies and treatment recommendations are explored by this unique partnership in which the patient must feel comfortable and respected for optimal benefits from treatment. The physician and patient work together to design a course of treatment that provides the basis for a holistic approach to medicine.
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