Skeptics claim that holistic health care is all about the placebo effect. But, studies show that holistic health is real and powerful.
Here are 8 amazing facts about holistic health.
1. Holistic Health Care Has Been Around for Thousands of Years
So many people avoid holistic health doctors because they worry that alternative medicine is too new-age and unproven.
But in fact, ancient healing traditions form the foundation for the holistic health of today.
5000 years ago in India and China, people understood that healthy living was about harmony in the body and the mind.
Holistic health approaches can bring health and healing to so many people who are suffering. Especially those with chronic conditions for whom Western medicine doesn’t help.
2. Holistic Approach Focus on the Whole Person
It is non-sensical to treat one part of a system without looking at the whole. Even appliance repair people and mechanics look at the big picture before trying to fix the problem.
Unfortunately, a lot of popular medicine today looks at just alleviating symptoms. Holistic health care is different. It looks at all aspects of a patient’s life to fix the cause, not just provide a solution for the symptoms.
Holistic therapy adheres to the belief that an individual is a whole made up of interconnected physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts. When one part isn’t working well, it impacts all the others.
So, anxiousness over tests or anger at a co-worker can result in physical ailments such as migraines, arthritis and more.
Alternative medicine practitioners work to find the root cause and go from there.
3. Health is More Than Not Being Sick
The principles of holistic health state that health is more than just not being sick.
Imagine that your wellness is a straight line. The mid-way point represents feeling ill.
Being just over the mid-way point is a state where a person doesn’t feel sick. Yet, there’s so much room for improvement in your health and wellness.
Holistic health is an ongoing process. It’s a lifestyle that requires you to commit to continuing along the path of wellness.
Everyone can improve their level of wellbeing, even if there are some setbacks, progress is possible.
4. You Can Learn to Control Your Heart Rate, Blood Pressure and More!
One of the most amazing aspects of holistic treatments is biofeedback. This is a relaxation and mental technique that allows you to have control over bodily processes that are usually involuntarily.
When you can control your blood pressure, skin temperature and muscle tension you are truly in control of your health. You can improve various conditions such as headaches, high blood pressure, and chronic pain.
Patients can use biofeedback to reduce negative effects on your health. There’s research to back this, too!
In 2017, researchers looked at biofeedback and sports performance. They found that 85% of athletes improved their performance by controlling their own heart rate using biofeedback.
5. Holistic Health Uses a Variety of Treatments
Holistic medicine is the most comprehensive option for treating any health issue.
Practitioners may use lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise as well as alternative therapies such as naturopathy, reiki, massage therapy and more. When appropriate, practitioners will recommend Western medications and surgical procedures.
All in all, holistic health doctors can offer a wider range of treatment options than Western medicine including the following:
- Traditional Chinese medicine
- Yoga and meditation
- Massage therapy
- Herbal medicine
- Emotional and mental counseling
- Homeopathy
- Aromatherapy
6. The Connection Between Mind and Body Matters
Holistic medicine has always focused on the connection between mind, body, and spirit.
Now, modern scientists are beginning to study this connection as well. Psychoneuroimmunology is the study between the mind and the body’s susceptibility to disease.
The science community has begun to understand stress and its effects on health as well as the link between lifestyle and immunity.
That’s why yoga and mindfulness are so important in complementary medicine.
6. Aromatherapy Decreases Physical and Mental Health Problems
Researchers have found results when studying aromatherapy and its effect on anxiety, depression, pain relief, nausea, and insomnia.
In a 2017 study, researchers found that female nurses working night shifts slept better after using essential oils.
Likewise, another study showed that women in labor became less anxious during labor.
Learn about essential oils and how it can help you with your health.
7. Digestion Matters
Many people visit nutritionists for help with weight management or for other health conditions.
A holistic nutritionist mainly focuses on digestion. Of course, what you put into your body matters. Yet, if your body isn’t absorbing the nutrients, the healthiest diet in the world isn’t going to work for you.
A healthy diet affects your energy, stamina, weight, and mood. That’s why it’s important to look at the body as a whole in order to find solutions.
8. It’s Not One or the Other
Some people mistakenly believe that if you choose holistic primary care, you must askew conventional medicine.
That isn’t true. Both natural and conventional approaches can be used to meet your health care needs.
In fact, the divide between these types of medicine is shrinking. These days, more and more medical schools teach some type of complementary medicine.
Final Word on Holistic Health Care
There you have it! 8 incredible facts you might not have known about holistic health care.
We hope this article has opened your eyes and given you a greater understanding of your health. Come back again soon for more articles on health, family, fashion, beauty, and the home.
