There is enormous demand for holistic medical treatments with the market set to be worth 411.4 billion by 2030. Whether you’re currently ill or are well but hoping to improve your overall health, you may be intrigued by this alternative form of medicine.
But you might be reluctant to take a less conventional approach to looking after your health if you don’t know what it’s based on or how it works. This is understandable, and we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to help you learn more about the concepts of holistic medicine.
Keep reading to learn more.
Table of Contents
What Is Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine takes the complete person into account when looking for the cause of symptoms. A holistic physician believes that an issue with one part of the body could come from a problem in another, and they will look at many aspects to help you heal. Here are 4 important elements a practitioner will consider.
Physical
A holistic doctor will inquire about your diet, ask how much exercise you take, and check if you are sleeping well. They’ll also want to know about your hygiene habits. While this may seem intrusive, the information will give them an overview of your physical well-being.
Mental
People are becoming increasingly aware of how their mental health can affect their daily lives. This is a central tenet of holistic medicine. Your physician will want to make sure you are not feeling stressed and that you have effective coping strategies to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed.
Emotional
If you are struggling with your emotions, a holistic practitioner may find this is affecting other aspects of your health such as your mental well-being. Being honest about how you are feeling is an important part of the assessment process.
Spiritual
Being spiritual could mean that you feel you have a purpose in life or that you believe in something that is bigger than yourself. It doesn’t have to mean religion, and this is another factor when forming a holistic viewpoint.
What Are the Benefits of Holistic Medicine?
Even though most people are more familiar with traditional Western medicine, many people are seeing the benefits of an alternative approach. This could be instead of, or as an addition to, conventional medical treatments. Here are a few advantages complementary medicine can offer.
A Natural Approach to Your Health
Holistic medicine doesn’t disagree with using prescription drugs to treat conditions. However, it also looks at other ways to treat illnesses. If you prefer not to take traditional medicines, your doctor could provide other options that are natural and don’t involve pharmaceuticals.
A Two-Way Relationship With Your Physician
A holistic physician needs to work in partnership with you to get a full understanding of your health situation. This means they want your input, and you can explain to them how you feel and explain which types of treatment you would prefer.
A practitioner will listen to you and take your opinions into account. Although they may not agree with some of your suggestions, you will be encouraged to take an active role in your health care.
Long-Term View
By treating your symptoms, a holistic doctor will aim to provide short-term relief, but they will also take a long-term view. By finding the root cause of your symptoms, holistic physicians can create healthcare plans that prevent the problem from reoccurring.
If you’d like to know more about this aspect, contact a Holistic Mobile Integrative Medicine practitioner to book a consultation.
Increased Self-Awareness
As you’ll be learning about why a problem with your health has arisen and how to treat it, you can become more self-aware. This can help you notice when you are engaging in practices that could be detrimental to your health. You may then find it easier to look after yourself and increase your overall well-being.
Types of Holistic Treatments
There are many types of medical care when it comes to holistic treatments, giving you numerous choices when consulting with your doctor about a treatment plan. These are some of the ways you can boost your holistic health.
Massage Therapy
Focusing on relaxing the nervous system, massage therapy can reduce the level of stress hormones in your body. It can also boost your immune system and help improve circulation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncturists use needles to stimulate your central nervous system which can lead to your body producing natural chemicals such as endorphins. These substances can reduce pain and increase your sense of well-being.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis can be a powerful tool when it comes to holistic medical care, impacting a wide variety of issues such as trouble sleeping and chronic pain. Being hypnotized can also be useful if you’re trying to quit smoking but need professional help.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT aims to help patients change their thought patterns and engage in more constructive behavior patterns. While you can attend sessions with a qualified CBT therapist, you can also participate in self-care using the lessons you’ve learned when you are at home.
This form of treatment can help you manage stress and feel less anxious.
Holistic Care Could Improve Your Health
Holistic medicine can offer many advantages such as providing a natural alternative to traditional medical approaches. You can also benefit from the many available treatments that could help you resolve your health problems and reduce the risk of them reoccurring. In addition, taking a holistic viewpoint could give you a better understanding of your overall health.
If you’ve found this holistic medicine post helpful, be sure to read more of our terrific articles before you go.
