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HomeInsightsWhat is Holistic Health

11 Minutes

Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Sarah Boss
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In many cases, the definition of health is the absence of illness or disease. Although this definition is accurate, a broader perspective would be more comprehensive. You will appreciate this when you start looking at your holistic health wellness from a broader perspective. This implies that holistic health depends on more than just avoiding the viral infection each year.

Your definition of health and wellness will depend on your personality, biology, and environment. Because of this, your strategy should be unique. Everyone has in agreement that achieving wellness necessitates a holistic strategy.

The definition of holistic health differs from how we typically think of health and wellness. Wellness is frequently linked to physical health, especially in Western culture. The absence of disease or illness is how we define health. But that only tells a fraction of the tale. All the aspects of health and wellness must be viewed as interrelated parts of a larger totality in order to be fully understood.

Holistic health is a way of living that takes into account all aspects of wellness. It promotes respect for the whole person, including their mental, physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs. The person takes an active role in making decisions about their health and treatment, including choosing a lifestyle that promotes wellbeing.

Ancient therapeutic practices that assist people in achieving higher levels of wellness and avert disease are the foundation of holistic aspects of health. Body-mind-spirit interventions, Traditional medical systems, biological-based treatments, manipulative and body-based techniques, and energy therapies are some of these approaches.

The majority of these methods are used by mainstream medical to offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to health. These traditional holistic models focus on using food, supplements, teas, herbs, homeopathic treatments, and essential oils as “medicine.”

Activities that are incorporated into holistic techniques include movement, dance, chanting or singing, vibration and sound, prayer, drumming, mindfulness, meditation, and touch. Ayurveda, acupressure, acupuncture, massage therapy, biofeedback, chiropractors, manual therapists, naturopathic doctors, guided imagery, meditation, therapeutic touch, yoga, reiki, and other energy therapies are a few holistic health examples.

There are a few fundamental concepts that are universally accepted and used when it comes to holistic health and healing. We reduce our chance of getting sick tomorrow by ensuring good health today.

Optimal health: This idea focuses on being the best version of ourselves by keeping up with the following essential as of health:

  • Mental
  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Spiritual
  • Social

The healing power of love: Love has been recognized as a potent healer since the dawn of time. As a result, every individual is to be treated with respect and care.

The significance of prevention: Holistic health emphasizes illness and disease prevention rather than merely treating the symptom. This is accomplished through increasing people’s knowledge of things (and circumstances) that can be detrimental to their health.

Natural capacity for healing: The body has the innate capacity to heal itself internally from the inside out. Helping someone employ these innate abilities will enable the healing process to start.

Individualized, targeted care: Many people believe that traditional medicine employs a “cookie-cutter” approach to treating illnesses; if a patient displays specific symptoms, they are merely prescribed medication to cure those symptoms. On the other side, holistic medicine recognizes that each of us is unique and works to find the treatments that are most effective for the individual rather than the sickness.

Live and learn: For those who practice holistic health, life offers several possibilities for learning. The experiences of birth, death, joy, discomfort, grief, appetite and many other things can be used to learn about (and possibly prevent) a variety of health problems.

Set a good example: Instead of just talking about how holistic health is beneficial, the goal is to demonstrate these benefits by living by these principles and inspiring others to do the same.

The various environmental and contextual aspects that may be beneficial to or detrimental to our general health and well-being are also taken into account by holistic health. We consume meals that are deficient in nutrients, experience persistently high levels of stress or exhaustion, and are subjected to hundreds of potentially dangerous chemicals every day through our food, water, air, hygiene, and personal care products.

So what does holistic mean in health? When it relates to holistic health, we take into account all aspects of our being, including our mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. The ability to genuinely live each day in the healthiest, most joyful way imaginable is made possible by all of these five facets of the holistic model of health.

Physical

There are a few important habits for promoting physical health that is beneficial to everyone and have a significant impact on your general well-being:

  • Sleep for eight hours every night to give your body time to recuperate from the previous day.
  • Consume a diet rich in organic/pastured animal products and plant-based foods that are nutrient-dense. 
  • Reduce your consumption of processed foods and hydrogenated oils, which are highly inflammatory and can raise your chance of developing chronic illness.
  • By consuming snacks and meals that are high in protein, carbs, and fat, you can keep your blood sugar levels in check.
  • Every day, spend at least half an hour exercising your body.
  • Avoid excessive drinking and smoking.

Emotional

Even though it is sometimes disregarded, emotional well-being is just as crucial to maintaining as physical well-being, especially since, if neglected, emotional well-being can negatively impact physical well-being. Here are some techniques to promote your emotional well-being:

Consult a therapist if necessary. Therapy is a crucial component of maintaining our emotional well-being. You can effectively manage life’s daily challenges by engaging in mindfulness practices and stress-reducing behaviors.

To keep track of your thoughts and emotions, keep a notebook. Use this to keep a gratitude journal since it can help you stay positive during stressful times.

Social

The happiest individuals on earth have strong bonds with their family, friends, and community, according to research. Here are some strategies you can use to promote your social health:

Make time for face-to-face interaction. We still do not experience the same level of enjoyment from the virtual connection as we do from the physical connection.

Contribute to your community. This is one of the great strategies to enhance your happiness and social well-being.

Establish boundaries with those in your life who might cause tension or toxic energy. Additionally, don’t be scared to abandon relationships and friendships that are damaging your well-being.

Spiritual

How well you are communicating with your inner self and the larger universe should be the main emphasis of your spiritual wellness. Here are some techniques to promote your spiritual well-being:

  • Spend time outside
  • Spend a bit of time each day in meditation.
  • Invest some time in your faith.

Mental

Our physical and emotional health are frequently intertwined with our mental health. However, there is a significant difference between our emotional and mental health: while our emotional health primarily refers to our everyday emotions and moods, our mental health instead relates to our cognitive skills and intellectual capacity that have an impact on how our brain functions. Here are some strategies you can use to promote your mental health:

  • Look for learning opportunities and approaches to problem resolution that will expand your intellectual capacity.
  • Consume nutrient-dense meals that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to improve cognitive function and lower overall inflammation.
  • Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol.
  • Bone broth and other meals high in prebiotics and probiotics can help your gut health.

While holistic medicine is a traditional form of healthcare that extends back thousands of years, the term is far more contemporary. In 1926,  Jan Christiaan Smuts used the term “holism” to express the idea that living things are more than and distinct from the totality of their components. Till the 1970s, the term “holistic” was not frequently used.

After learning a little more about the roots of the term, you might be wondering: “What does “holistic health” mean? And how does holistic medicine approach health and wellness? It is useful to analyze three key tenets of the underlying philosophy to have a deeper understanding.

It takes into account the whole individual.

Have you ever gone to a regular doctor and had the impression that the full picture of your health was not being considered before a diagnosis was made? As opposed to always attempting to identify the root causes of a problem, which is the goal of a holistic health plan, western medicine frequently concentrates on treating symptoms.

According to the American Holistic Health Association (AHHA), this traditional method of healthcare analyzes the full individual and how he or she interacts with his or her surroundings instead of focusing on illness or particular body parts. It highlights the interdependence of the body, mind, and spirit. The ultimate state of well-being is one in which all aspects are functioning to their fullest capacity.

Each patient’s mind, body, and spirit are seen as interconnected and crucial to achieving optimal health. Another way to look at it is that human beings are made up of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual components.

It emphasizes the use of organic remedies and natural healing

While medications and surgery are occasionally used in holistic medicine, they are not the first line of defense.

In holistic medicine, primary care treatment may focus on any of the following:

  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Environment-related activities
  • Changes in behavior and attitude
  • Spiritual guidance and relationship therapy
  • Enhancing bioenergy

Holistic medicine is defined as the practice of altering one’s lifestyle, using non-invasive treatments, strengthening the body’s natural ability to heal itself, and optimizing the flow of the patient’s life force energy.

It empowers the patient.

Holistic health is a way of life. It doesn’t end and begin when you enter and exit a doctor’s office. What the patient does every day to care for their body, mind, and soul is just as vital as any therapy or herbal treatments they receive.

In doing so, holistic medicine encourages people to take responsibility for their own health, and thereby it is therapeutic in avoiding and treating chronic disease, vital in generating optimal health, and cost-effective in managing both acute and chronic illness.

A large number of people choose holistic medicine since it gives them a sense of control over their own healthcare. They can take steps to improve their well-being on their own; they don’t need to wait for medications to take effect or for surgery to fix them.

There is no one “right” approach to developing holistic health solutions; there are countless possibilities. One aspect of your life may occasionally take precedence over others as you learn more about how different facets of your life interact. There are times when a solution or action loses some of its positive effects. As you construct this new, holistic strategy for wellbeing, continue to be empathetic and open-minded.

The following ideas are fantastic ways to begin observing how one aspect of wellness affects the others. Pick the one that will be the simplest or most effective for you to put into practice, or use it as a springboard to develop a comprehensive strategy that works for you.

Include Time For Rest In Your Day.

When you have a lot to get done, it might be challenging to remain motionless. But getting enough sleep improves your productivity, originality, and happiness. Your whole health depends on getting enough rest, including all seven types of rest in addition to sleep. To help you remember to take breaks, try setting a timer. Take advantage of your downtime to engage in activities that will renew your creative and spiritual energies.

Consult A Coach

It might be challenging to understand how different facets of wellness might affect other aspects of your life. Your entire well-being can be improved by working with a wellness professional, therapist, or coach who can offer insight into what adjustments will have the biggest effects.

For instance, you might believe that your frustration at work is caused by the fact that you are not being appropriately compensated for your efforts. That might be the case, but how it affects your psychological, interpersonal, and financial health can depend more on how you’re feeling right now. You can find the most effective method to deal with your situations, identify the underlying cause, and accomplish your goals with the aid of life or health coaching.

Recognize The Link Between Mental And Physical Health

Our emotional and mental health is greatly impacted by our physical health. Your mood and cognitive function can be enhanced by maintaining good physical health, which includes getting enough sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and eating healthily. You can also include other aspects of holistic wellness, such as participating in a fitness class with a buddy or running a 5K to raise money for a worthwhile cause. Acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and mindfulness exercises are all effective techniques to take care of one’s entire body, mind, and spirit.

Take Care Of Your Relationships.

We can feel a sense of belonging through cultivating relationships that motivate us and improve our social health. By observing how others view us, we can develop our self-awareness and, in some ways, our self-esteem. Spend time cultivating relationships that are built on support, respect, and common interests. You’ll see a significant improvement in what you eat, how you feel, and how much money you can make as a result of these relationships.

Keep An Open Mind

Unconvinced by the benefits of practicing yoga, meditation, or receiving Reiki therapy? Try that anyway. People formerly said in whispers that getting too near to another person could cause you to “catch” a demon. Unless you believe it to be a basic theory of infectious disease, that sounds pretty far-fetched. We shouldn’t hesitate to try something just because we don’t fully understand how it operates. And if it helps you feel better, we support it wholeheartedly.

Do Something You Enjoy.

There isn’t much time for enjoyment when balancing work, relationships with others, and career development, but you should still make time for it a top priority. Maintaining your creativity by doing something you enjoy just for fun. The amount of time you spend having fun is closely related to how productive you are at work. It seems that your ability at play correlates with your ability at work.

Holistic health involves comprehending people as complex beings with varied, complex experiences. Our feelings at any one time are the result of how these aspects of our lives interact and overlap. Helping people live their healthiest, happiest, and most fulfilled lives requires a whole-person approach to health.

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Your program is designed based on your personal needs. The team will exchange daily information and adjust the schedule as we go. Our therapists will work with you treating the root causes and not just the symptoms and goes beyond your stay to ensure lasting success.
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Our biochemical imbalance can be affected by diet and stressful life events, but it often goes back to genetics and epigenetics. We do specific biochemical laboratory testing to determine an individual’s biochemical imbalance. Combining the results of the lab tests with anamnestic information and clinical tests, we prescribe an individualized and compounded vitamin, mineral, nutrient protocol to help recover from various disease states.
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Our experts combine the best from psychological treatment, holistic medicine to support you individually and providing complementary therapies all coordinated from one source working complementing each other integrative.
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Using latest cutting-edge technology-based therapies such as Neurofeedback, tDCS, and SSP, we can track the biological patterns of your body, giving us valuable insight into your health and well-being as well support your brain and body performance and recovery with neuromodulation.
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