Holistic Medicine aims to treat a patient by considering all aspects that make up a person (mind, body, spirit). Conventional medicine treats only the part of the body which is no longer working correctly and fails to deal with the imbalance which caused the problem in the first place. Holistic healing methods use non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical techniques as an alternative to the conventional medicine approach.

Holistic medicines include (also know as holistic healing and holistic health remedies) Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Homeopathy, which apart from being used for thousands of years, have known scientific basis and have been validated by many scientific studies. Despite this many conventional medicine practioners refuse to accept the worth of these practices. Other Holistic medicines and holistic healing methods that cannot be explained by popular science might include such therapies as Reiki or Spiritual Response Therapy, also know as energy therapies.

A more complete definition is give by the Canadian Holistic Medical Association as follows;

"Holistic medicine is a system of health care which fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health".

It emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no safe alternative exists. Holistic and alternative medicine focuses on education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well being.

Always take advice from your GP before accepting choosing holistic healing / health alternatives to your current treatment.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites