Holistic Health

What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is a philosophy of medical care that views physical and mental aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment. While frequently associated with alternative medicine, it is also increasingly used in mainstream medical practice as part of a broad view of patient care.

The holistic approach takes the broadest possible view of illness and disease, identifying multiple causes (both internal and external), and offering multi-dimensional "healing," as opposed to specific "cures." It is as concerned with one's propensity towards disease as it is with its transmission. These include natural diet and herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, exercise, relaxation, psycho-spiritual counseling, meditation, breathing exercises, and other self-regulatory practices. It addresses not only symptoms, but the entire person, and his or her current life predicament, including family, job, and religious life.

Holistic Health is harmony and balance within all aspects of self - body, mind, spirit and emotions. The whole lifestyle of the person is addressed, taking into consideration diet, exercise, the mind and emotions, one's spiritual outlook, and the interaction between family, friends, co-workers, society and nature.

The goal is a wellness that encompasses the entire person, rather than just the lack of physical pain or disease. This means that not feeling sick, does not necessary mean you are well, just that you are between Well and Sick.

Holistic health is not itself a method of treatment, but is an approach to how treatment should be applied. Holistic concepts of health and fitness view achieving and maintaining good health as requiring more than just taking care of the various singular components that make up the physical body, additionally incorporating aspects such as emotional and spiritual well-being.

Historically, Holistic health has not been widely practiced in North America and has not been legitimized as a valid process. According to Robbie Davis-Floyd in “Medical Anthropology- Modern Midwives, Issue 20”, she states that there are “links between tradition, ancestry, home remedies, the earth and the biomedical systems”.

The American Holistic Health Association (AHHA) is the free and impartial information resource for wellness and healing.

Further Information Regarding Holistic Health

Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular therapy is a system of soft tissue massage techniques that were developed in the 1930's by Dr. Stanley Lief in England. Neuromuscular therapy aims to balance the central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system correct any disorders brought about as a result of any imbalances between the two. Neuromuscular therapy enhances the function of joints and muscles, and speeds healing by facilitating the release endorphins.

Holistic Nutrition All About Oils
When it comes to holistic nutrition and all natural weight loss, choosing the healthiest cooking oil can be difficult. Rumors and opinions based on unsubstantiated facts circulate about which oil is best, which is toxic or which is most nutritious. Then there's the question of saturated fats vs. trans fats vs. polyunsaturated fats vs. essential omega fats and unless you majored in biochemistry in college it's easy to get confused.

Holistic Health Keeping Young
When we practice holistic health, we treat the whole body as one unit. Indeed, the human body is an amazing organism. And human beings embody the expression "'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

Holistic Chiropractic Health
Chiropractic is based on the understanding that our bodies are in a continuous state of healing. Healing takes place in all living people. This healing is directed by the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Holistic Health Care Facts and Statistics
The Baby boomers-those born 1946 through 1964-are the largest population to require health care than ever before. Medical practitioners and pharmaceutical companies are focusing on what pills, potions or surgeries the baby boomers-turned seniors will be likely to use in the next 30 - 40 years. Ironically, the majority of people tend to be concerned about their health after something major has occurred. The truth is if we consistently take good care of our health the aging process has little impact.