Holistic health practice is now a more widely accepted part of the medical world.
It offers an improvement of necessary interventions that answers to the new model of health care.
For too long the biomedical model in medicine was considered the unquestioned authority, but today it is seen as offering only a “mechanical” view of health that is seen as incomplete.
Holistic health covers a lot of things.
Read on to discover what this practice is all about and why it is fast becoming the better choice when it comes to addressing health issues.
The definition of holism
There are many definitions when talking about a holistic approach, but to simplify what this means in the context of health and medicine it is defined as the treating of the whole person. In other words, holistic health does not only mean addressing symptoms of a sickness but also addressing the mental, emotional and social factors that contribute to the health issue.
For a long time the practice of medicine has been accused of being insensitive and impersonal to the feelings of the patient.
This is where the holistic practice’s differentiation is more obvious.
The patient is therefore not just a case of specific sickness like what many doctors are trained to focus on, but a living, vibrant person deserving to be heard and respected throughout the process of treatment.
The values of holistic health
Holistic health is rooted in key values, such as:
- compassion
- competence
- respect
- self care and
- open mindedness
These are all expected to be practiced both by doctors and patients when they decide to embrace a more holistic approach to health care.
Holism in medical practice also means accepting the concept of a team. Patients and doctors are expected to work closely with each other as this opens up the channel of communication, a key component in efficient and effective treatment of diseases.
Holism also believes that every patient is unique, part of a family, community, and culture.
A patient is not just someone who is suffering from physical symptoms, but a person consisting of different, interconnected aspects such in the physical, sociocultural, psychological, and spiritual sense.
The components of illness in the holistic health context
When talking about illness or disease, there are many components to its causation. Here are some of those which will prove to be central in the practice of holistic health.
1. The social dimension of illness
Sometimes illness is caused by where people live.
Research has proven for example, that living in poverty or sleeping in poor housing can lead to the development of various diseases. This is why in holistic health the environment where a person lives is considered in the process of treatment.
2. The cultural dimension of illness
Illness can sometimes be specific to a culture depending on its practices and customs.
Even their cultural achievement can also affect the state of their health. This is also the reason why holistic health practice wants to know more about a person’s culture as they are assisted in the improvement of their health.
3. The psychological and emotional dimensions of illness
It is not uncommon for people to relate their current sickness to something that have happened to them that caused them so much pain, stress, and anxiety. It is common in holistic health practice to let patient engage in counseling or psychotherapy as it understands that some conditions are psychosomatic.
The holistic health practice covers a lot more in the treatment process compared to the conventional medical practice.
Perhaps it is a good time to reconsider your options.