What Does The Term Holistic Health Mean

Ideally holistic health is the realization of our potential as humans as total beings, and our desire to live fulfilling and satisfying lives. The overall goal is not just to be physically healthy but also to be in harmony with oneself and the environment at all levels, body, mind and spirit. Relationships, social interaction and lifestyle are also factors that are considered when dealing with a holistic approach. Managing, or eliminating stress is a basic component of holistic health.

Holistic Medicine is a term that emphasizes the functional relationship between the whole and its parts. Holistic Health, or holistic medicine attempts to treat the whole self, including mind and body.

Holistic medicine is not a new concept or theory. In fact holistic health is more of a philosophy that has been in existence for thousands of years. Holistic medicine however is new to western medicine and our health care system. 

When holistic medicine is applied into traditional health care, the approach to therapy takes on a whole new dimension. Patients roles are changed in that they become more involved in their treatment by being made aware of their condition and how their thoughts, behaviors and attitudes are attributed to the situation and they are taught how by making changes they can be actively involved in their own healing process.

There are several terms that are often used in conjunction with, or are associated with holistic medicine. Alternative medicine, complementary medicine, and natural healing are probably the most common. Alternative medicine is a term used by both medical professionals and the general public to describe medical techniques or procedures that are not generally recognized or accepted by traditional or conventional practitioners.

These techniques include non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical methods as well as experimental drugs or therapies that are not in general use or as of yet widely accepted as means of effective treatment.

The attitudes about alternative medicine are changing and in recent years many of the practices have become widely accepted so much so that a few are now actually considered conventional. Complementary medicine is usually a term used by conventional or traditional medical practitioners to describe non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical practices that are used in conjunction with or to compliment surgery and prescription or over the counter drugs. 

The implication is that these practices are the primary tools used in the healing or treatment process and that the unconventional techniques are just used as a backup or supplement as needed. Natural healing refers to non-invasive techniques as well but does not usually involve the use of any drugs or supplements of any kind. Natural healing is usually a reference to physical healing or bodywork only.

Take a hike, well you don't have to go that far, a 20 minute walk each day would be good. Work it into your schedule whenever you find you have some time. Any time you have during the day is good, or whenever you feel the stress building up inside you, get out and talk a walk to clear your mind.

There is a wide variety of natural, alternative, or complementary practices that are used to attain holistic health. Some of these practices include aromatherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, naturopathy, medicinal herbs, Reiki, Tai chi, and yoga. Stress reduction is a fundamental principal of holistic health. The reduction of stress is believed to allow the body's natural healing abilities to go to work.

Natural Stress Cures for Today

08/28/2008
Respecting the unexpected, Part 2 of 2 (New York Amsterdam News)
“[Cancer] is no respecter of persons. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional, an executive, insured or uninsured, we can all go through this traumatic, dramatic experience.

Respecting the unexpected, Part 2 of 2 (New York Amsterdam News)

08/23/2008
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Alternative medicine: Cure or comfort? Kathleen McMahon swears by chiropracty. "I come out and I want to dance. You want to jump for joy because everything feels in line."

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08/12/2008
Ferguson Construction gets outpatient center contract (The Findlay Courier)
Blanchard Valley Health System officials announced at a ground-breaking ceremony Monday that Ferguson Construction will be the general contractor for the $11 million EasternWoods Outpatient Center.

Ferguson Construction gets outpatient center contract (The Findlay Courier)

09/04/2008
Peek at the Week (Niles Herald-Spectator)
Submissions for Community Calendar are required 10 days preceding the date of publication. Send to: Nicole Wagner, Managing Editor, Pioneer Press, 130 S. Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge IL 60068. Information may be faxed to (847) 696-3229 or e-mailed to nwagner@pioneerlocal.com.

Peek at the Week (Niles Herald-Spectator)

08/28/2008
Respecting the unexpected, Part 2 of 2 (New York Amsterdam News)
“[Cancer] is no respecter of persons. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional, an executive, insured or uninsured, we can all go through this traumatic, dramatic experience.

Respecting the unexpected, Part 2 of 2 (New York Amsterdam News)

08/12/2008
Ferguson Construction gets outpatient center contract (The Findlay Courier)
Blanchard Valley Health System officials announced at a ground-breaking ceremony Monday that Ferguson Construction will be the general contractor for the $11 million EasternWoods Outpatient Center.

Ferguson Construction gets outpatient center contract (The Findlay Courier)

08/23/2008
Post a Comment (Stuff)
Alternative medicine: Cure or comfort? Kathleen McMahon swears by chiropracty. "I come out and I want to dance. You want to jump for joy because everything feels in line."

Post a Comment (Stuff)

08/18/2008
Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)
Many Canadians hold negative attitudes towards people with mental health issues, says a new poll released Monday by the Canadian Medical Association.

Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)