MORE IN HOLISTIC MEDICINE
Introduced by Jan Christiaan Smuts [1] in 1926, the term “holism” refers to a way of viewing living things as "entities greater than and different from the sum of their parts.” Holistic health acknowledges each patient’s mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health, and looks to see how each component might be informing another. Is there a connection between stress and the nausea you feel before a big meeting? Between your thirst and your migraine? A holistic health practitioner examines every part of your life to find the underlying cause of illness instead of treating only the outside symptoms. Once a diagnosis is made, your practitioner may recommend other forms of treatment, from reassessing your diet with a nutritionist to addressing emotional and mental issues with a psychologist. Since holistic medicine considers every aspect of a patient’s life, a holistic doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or learning to take some time for yourself.
In making some common sense adjustments, you choose to take responsibility for your overall wellness, which translates to a consistent awareness of your body’s needs and a dedication to making choices that best serve your long-term health.
History
The concept of holistic medicine—that is, treating a patient as a whole entity, not only as a series of symptoms—can be traced back to the ancient healing practices of China and India and to Socrates and Plato who advised doctors to acknowledge the connection between mind and body. Even Hippocrates, emphasized the body's ability to heal itself and cautioned doctors not to interfere with that process. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that the term “holistic” started to become part of the path towards wellness in the U.S. The tenets of holistic medicine were also embraced as people became increasingly suspicious about modern medicine’s “drugs (and surgery)-can-cure-all” attitude. Today, holistic medicine has become a legitimate option for those seeking a comprehensive system of healthcare that considers every aspect of their lives. For example, holistic oncologists may treat cancer not only with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, but also with dietary changes, support groups, herbal supplements, or alternative and complementary treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnosis, and yoga.
Context
Today, an increasing number of traditional doctors—and dentists too—have incorporated holistic philosophies into their practices. It is easier than ever to find a health care practitioner who is open to including alternative therapies into the overall treatment of a disease or condition. But, even with such widespread acceptance of holistic thinking, there isn’t a great amount of scientific research to support the positive effects of holistic health care. Though there have been studies on individual aspects of holistic medicine, like specific alternative therapies, there has yet to be a study on holistic medicine as an isolated practice that may or may not influence the treatment of disease. Regardless of the scientific proof health professionals are starting to realize that a patient’s health is contingent on the healthy balance of physical, psychological, and cultural influences.
External Links:
Wikipedia - Holistic Health [2]
The American Holistic Medical Association [3]
American Holistic Health Association [4]
Further Reading:
Holism and Evolution : The original source of the holistic approach to life [5]by Jan Christiaan Smuts, Sanford Holst
The Complete Self-Care Guide to Holistic Medicine : Treating Our Most Common Ailments [6] by Robert S. Ivker