What Is Holistic Medicine?
The word holistic means “dealing with the whole.” From this definition, we understand holistic medicine involves the wellness of the whole person. A holistic practitioner will treat not only the physical ailment or condition, but also the emotional, mental, and even spiritual aspects that aggravate the condition. Take, for example, a headache. The holistic practitioner will look at the patient’s health and then beyond, taking note of stress levels, lifestyle and more. The practitioner may examine the patient’s diet for any deficiencies, such as low vitamin levels, that can contribute to the headache. Often addressing these other areas can reveal treatment and prevention options for the patient, meaning even greater wellness.
Holistic Medicine A Brief History
Holistic medicine is a newer buzzword in the western medicine world, but it’s not a new concept. In fact, in the 6th century (BC) India, Ayurveda was a form of herbal medicine that focused on healing the energies within the body using the medicinal properties of plants.
Why Is Holistic Medicine Important?
The holistic approach to medicine is a way of healing that prioritizes the well-being of a person. While traditional medicine takes into account only their physical state, holistic medicine cares about much more: the person’s psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects altogether.
Holistic care has plenty of methods and therapies, containing both conventional and alternative approaches. It recognizes the uniqueness of every individual, highlighting the absence of a standardized treatment approach that fits everyone. Holistic medicine presents a multitude of choices to accommodate the needs and preferences of patients. Adopting holistic therapy fosters a distinct healing environment, encouraging a meaningful connection between patients and healthcare professionals. The study of holistic medicine plays a beneficial role in the process of recovery.
Common Principles Of Holistic Treatment
There are several guiding principles central to holistic medicine and treatment, including:
The belief that all people have inborn healing abilities
Focusing on the mind-body connection to treat the whole person
The philosophy of treating a patient as a person, not the disease
The focus on fixing the cause of the ailment, not just relieving symptoms
Start Your Holistic Medicine Degree Today
Pacific College of Health and Science is a leader in the education of Chinese medicine, massage therapy, holistic nursing, and even provides an accreidted medical cannabis certificate. Let’s jump-start your career with accessible certificates, degrees, and doctoral programs specifically designed for holistic health practitioners! We are one of the few schools dedicated entirely to holistic healthcare, offering a long list of on-campus and online programs to provide the flexibility you need to earn your degree. If you are interested in learning more about the programs offered at Pacific College of Health and Science, visit our admissions department or contact us today.