Author: James Anderson

Holistic Health: Definition, Benefits, Tips

According to the holistic medicine philosophy, you can achieve the best possible health by gaining proper balance in life. Integrative medicine isn’t just about fixing things when they’re broken; it’s about keeping things from breaking in the first place. And in many cases, it means bringing new therapies and approaches to the table, such as meditation, mindfulness and tai chi. Sometimes, integrative approaches help lead people into a complete lifestyle of wellness. Integrative medicine describes an evolution taking place in many health care institutions. This evolution is due in part to a shift in the medical industry as health care professionals focus on wellness as well as on treating disease.

  1. There’s an emerging and growing body of research around the benefits of holistic therapy.
  2. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
  3. Many people in therapy resist at this level and deny any responsibility for their emotions, but only once the decision (conscious or unconscious) to repress each emotion has been realized can work in the holistic sessions continue.
  4. But it can be especially helpful if you have a long-term (chronic) or complex condition.
  5. The idea behind integrative medicine is not to replace conventional medicine, but to find ways to complement existing treatments.

Under the direction of a trained provider, science-backed complementary therapies are typically very safe and with minimal risk. We’ve asked two physicians who specialize in wellness and preventive health to walk us through some of these common terms and to explain what those practices entail. For example, prioritizing sleep can positively affect all aspects of health. The key is recognizing that caring for your health includes a variety of strategies that create sustainable (long-term) self-support. Wendy Wisner is freelance journalist and international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).

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So if you have imbalances (physical, emotional, or spiritual) in your life, it can harm your overall health. The first step is to find a professional in your area who practices holistic therapy. Online therapy may be an option in some cases, but many of the more hands-on practices (massage and Reiki, for example) require in-person appointments. Because of the wide variety of techniques and approaches utilized in holistic therapy, it can be difficult to evaluate its efficacy. However, it often incorporates other empirically validated therapies such as CBT and brief dynamic psychotherapy. The wellness practices that are frequently utilized in holistic therapy are often used more generally to help people deal with tension and stress and to promote overall well-being.

She also says that someone who was recently traumatized or severely traumatized likely should not start with meditation. She typically has the person try out a technique, such as breathwork, so they have something to practice in between sessions. A small 2017 study of 63 participants indicates that somatic breathing might be effective for people with PTSD. Crawford believes that this series of events helped holistic healing gain credibility.

Holistic Medicine: Types of Treatments

Two decades ago, consumers had little access to research or reliable medical information. Today, clinical trials and pharmaceutical developments are more widely available for public knowledge. Always consult a medical provider before starting any new herbal supplement or dietary regimen. Choose a provider who will spend enough time with you so that they can gain a full understanding of your needs. By Kendra Cherry, MSEdKendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the “Everything Psychology Book.”

Dr. Barry

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change. Sumpf and Crawford believe anyone can try holistic therapy, but certain types of therapy may not be best for some individuals. Sumpf typically has clients fill out a comprehensive intake form before the first session. She asks about previous experience with holistic therapy, trauma history, family, sexual preference, and gender identity.

Issues with the mind were typically treated with talk therapy and symptoms in the body were addressed with drugs and surgeries. However, you might meet with someone who suggests an herbal remedy or supplement that should not be used to treat your condition or that interacts with a medication you take. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s always safe, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. Treatment includes identifying triggers and addressing health concerns through nutrition, lifestyle, and behavior shifts. Unlike some other forms of holistic health, functional medicine often includes significant testing (e.g., blood tests).

Before choosing a holistic medicine doctor, get a recommendation from someone you trust, or contact a credible health organization and ask for a recommendation. Take time to investigate their training, experience, and their association with professional organizations and their hospital affiliations. Is he or she board certified in holistic medicine by a credible medical board?

Principles of Holistic Medicine

A 2019 randomized control trial of 230 adolescent females in India suggests that individuals who underwent a 1-month holistic-based stress management program were less stressed, anxious, and depressed than the control group. Crawford says evidence, rather than anecdotes, has helped bring credibility to using holistic therapy in the mental health space. Though the practice of holistic therapy has existed for centuries, Crawford says it’s only recently that practitioners in the Western hemisphere have begun integrating it into their practices.

Here are three of the top reasons why more and more people are exploring integrative medicine. Traditional Western medicines and surgical treatments are carefully studied and extensively tested, and ongoing research shows their effectiveness. But there hasn’t been as much research demonstrating that all complementary therapies are effective. For instance, one study found that cancer patients receiving holistic medical care were less likely to be distressed by their condition and more likely to be involved in their own care. One concept analysis and review of holistic health found that holistic care consistently helps people advocate for their care and assume responsibility for their health. This helps them manage their health and illness more effectively and improves their well-being.

Getting started with complementary therapies

This can be particularly helpful in daily life when people are facing situations that can trigger stress, anxiety, or changes in mood. In addition to these elements, therapists incorporate psychotherapy approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, and person-centered therapy. For example, Sumpf says people should check with their healthcare professional before trying sound baths if they are pregnant or have a history of epilepsy. Sumpf points out that trauma is sometimes thought of as a mental health condition, but it can manifest physically as well.