Holistic healing dates back thousands of years and has been used throughout history in its various forms. Holistic medicine centers around natural methods of healing that are outside of orthodox treatment. Alternative medicine offers the patient hope and other options when traditional medical treatment is not the answer.
History
Holistic medicine is thought to have originated from ancient healing methods in China and India. Chinese and Indian traditions used herbs for healing various conditions. The ancient Egyptians as well as the Greeks also valued plants for their medicinal purposes. The Chinese focused on the body/mind/spirit healing system which is based on the idea of interconnectedness. They believed that physical illness manifests because of an imbalance in the body/mind/spirit system. Holistic treatment aims to balance the energy and restore harmony.
Types
There are several types of holistic treatments such as Reiki, Aromatherapy, Energy Medicine, Flower Essence, Yoga, Reflexology, Acupuncture and Acupressure. Several methods that are not actually holistic medicine but complimentary or alternative therapies often get classified as holistic medicine. Healing methods that are not traditional may be referred to as holistic. More mainstream and holistic medical practitioners are beginning to use holistic, traditional and alternative therapies in conjunction with one another.
Benefits
Holistic medicine strives to treat the whole being rather than just the physical symptoms that are manifesting in the body. Holistic treatment seeks to bring the body, mind and spirit back into balance so that the person will once again be in harmony. It is believed that a state of harmony is necessary for good health. Holistic practitioners can help patients learn techniques to restore balance and harmony which is beneficial to the healing process and maintaining health.
Effects
Patients who seek holistic medical treatment should realize that no healing technique, whether traditional or alternative, is a cure all. Holistic medicine, however, can offer positive effects. Holistic medicine is generally based on the premise of interconnectedness meaning that everything affects our health and well being. Even traditional medicine acknowledges that diet, emotional states, environmental and other factors do affect health. Holistic medicine often incorporates several techniques such as the use of herbs, hypnotherapy and yoga to bring the body, mind and spirit into balance, thereby reducing stress and anxiety, which often accompany and aggravate physical health conditions.
Significance
People who have known health conditions and want to try holistic treatment should consult their physician before making any changes in health treatment, especially if taking prescribed medications. Seek a qualified holistic practitioner and let provide her with detailed medical history before beginning any treatment. Some treatments such as those that involve the use of herbs could cause interactions with prescription medications. Holistic medicine can be a perfect complement to traditional health treatment.
Tags: Holistic medicine, body mind, body mind spirit, mind spirit, alternative therapies, believed that