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What is Holistic Medicine?

The process of practicing holistic medicine involves treating all aspects of the whole person including body, mind, and spirit. This process has a goal: to achieve optimal health and wellness to prevent illness and disease. This medical and spiritual philosophy deeply believes that people can achieve optimal health through proper balance. In holistic medicine, practitioners believe that if one part of the body isn't working correctly, it can affect the entire body. When a person is out of balance, it has a profoundly negative effect on their overall health and well-being. The incorporation of holistic care involves everything from conventional medicine to alternative therapies as a form of treatment to promote mind and body health positively. It also typically involves the patient making lifestyle changes to achieve optimum wellness to heal from or prevent disease.

What is Holistic Health Care?

The basis of holistic health is to treat the whole person rather than just one specific condition. The definition of holistic comes from "the whole," focusing on a person's complete self rather than just one particular issue they're experiencing. While this concept hails from principles used in Eastern medicine, it's also implemented in the Western world and is becoming a popular option for many patients all over the globe today. This holistic approach incorporates therapies that are scientifically proven to work while putting more focus on things like wellness and prevention. For example, if you're sick as a result of stress, there are more ways to treat your illness than just medication. Therapies, meditation, and natural remedies can also be incorporated to promote complete healing of not just the body, but the mind, too.

What is Holistic Wellness?

Similar to holistic medicine, holistic wellness focuses on the whole self rather than just one component or issue. Through this process, you may work with a holistic health coach to address any concerns you have to achieve better balance and healing. Through better nutrition, new therapeutic avenues like yoga or meditation, and emotional counseling, holistic wellness can boost and promote natural healing and strength. A holistic health coach can help you develop new healthy habits and learn more about yourself to achieve complete balance and better physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.

What is a Holistic Doctor?

A holistic doctor treats people using a whole-body approach. That means they focus on your body, mind, spirit, and emotions when diagnosing and treating you. Holistic doctors use traditional medicine and also consider factors such as your lifestyle, diet, sleep habits, and stress level. Holistic doctors believe there’s a connection between your body systems. They believe optimal health and wellness include a balance of your mind, body, and spirit. Holistic medicine doesn’t replace traditional medicine. However, it’s key to the practice of integrative medicine.

What Does a Holistic Doctor Do That a Traditional Doctor Doesn’t?

Generally, traditional doctors treat symptoms. They provide medical solutions to alleviate the disease. A holistic doctor treats the body as one. They aim to find the cause behind the disease, instead of just fixing the symptoms. This could require multiple therapies. For example, if you have eczema, a medical doctor may give you a prescription cream. But a holistic doctor may suggest dietary and lifestyle changes. The holistic doctor might also recommend using the cream, plus natural home remedies like oatmeal baths.

What is the Difference Between Naturopathic & Holistic Medicine?

The difference between naturopathic medicine and holistic medicine is that naturopathic medicine is its discipline of medicine with specific training rooted in natural remedies while holistic medicine is practiced by physicians with conventional medical training who have a holistic philosophy that centers on a mind-body-spirit approach to medicine.

Naturopathy uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It is a defined medical modality that uses primarily natural remedies such as herbs, massage, acupuncture, and exercise to restore and sustain health. Holistic medicine, however, is an ethos or philosophy of medicine used by physicians who have completed conventional medical training but also believe in treating the whole person—body, spirit, mind, and emotions—to restore and maintain health.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.

Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.

In contrast, many Western practitioners view acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. Some believe that this stimulation boosts your body's natural painkillers.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a system of primary healthcare that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It emphasizes the use of natural modalities—such as nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and botanical medicine—to promote wellness and treat illness. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) work according to a set of basic principles—the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine—that include such things as stimulating the healing power of the body and addressing the underlying causes of disease, rather than focusing on alleviating symptoms. The practice of naturopathic medicine requires understanding illness within the context of a person’s whole life.

The naturopathic approach to healthcare also emphasizes patient education and self-care. Naturopathic medicine can be used in conjunction with conventional medical therapies to support the body’s healing processes—an approach referred to as “integrative medicine.” In some clinics and hospitals, NDs work in collaboration with MDs, DCs, DOs, acupuncturists, and other healthcare practitioners, and they refer patients for emergencies and other situations when necessary.

While NDs primarily use natural healing approaches, they are also trained to perform minor surgeries, such as removing cysts or suturing superficial wounds, as well as to utilize prescription drugs under certain circumstances.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is an energy healing technique in which a Reiki master (who has undergone formal training in this healing art) uses gentle hand movements to guide the flow of healthy energy (what’s known in Reiki as life force energy) through the client's body to reduce stress and promote healing. Reiki is a form of complementary and alternative medicine; there’s evidence it can reduce daily stress and help with the management of some chronic diseases.

What are the Potential Health Benefits of Reiki?

Reiki is linked to a range of physical and emotional health benefits, including better sleep, improved mood, and pain relief in published studies. Research suggests Reiki helps the body return to a state of relaxation, which allows it to potentially better heal from damage brought on by stress, injury, or disease. There’s evidence that Reiki used as a complementary therapy with conventional or mainstream medical care can help people recover after surgery and manage symptoms of cancer and AIDS.

What Conditions can Holistic Medicine Treat?

Holistic medicine treats many wellness concerns, such as Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, anxiety, menstrual problems, arthritis, and more. Depending on your ailment, your holistic care provider could recommend a wide variety of clinically-proven therapies, including:

- Prescription of modern medication or surgical procedures

- Alternative therapies including chiropractic care, homeopathy, massage, naturopathy, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation

- Dietary supplements and herbal medicine

- Education on nutrition and exercise

- Psychotherapy and counseling

Can Naturopaths Prescribe Medication?

The short answer is yes, naturopathic doctors may prescribe certain medications to their patients. The medications which are allowed to be prescribed by naturopaths are regulated by the particular state where the naturopath is practicing and may vary from state to state. While naturopathic doctors are permitted to prescribe specific medications, this is not often their initial route as naturopathic doctors tend to emphasize holistic health and treating the entire body rather than simply treating a symptom. Naturopathic doctors will often pursue other, natural routes to health restoration instead of medication.

Is Holistic Medicine Safe?

Yes, holistic medicine is safe under the care and supervision of a board-certified medical doctor. Holistic care focused on prevention and wellness has been shown to help patients manage their health more effectively.  Many types of holistic medicine techniques are unlikely to cause harm—however, delaying treatment in an attempt to self-medicate with these methods alone can be dangerous. If you have concerns about your health, it is always best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

Brief History of Holistic Medicine

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. The herbal treatment used in modern holistic practices originated in Ancient Greece and Rome, gradually making its way to Europe and then to the Americas.

Even Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, took a holistic approach to treating disease. He encouraged self-healing of the body. The discovery of germs and their role in the cause of disease caused doctors to move away from holistic healing and created a greater focus on treating symptoms and conditions with medication.

Interestingly, in the 1960s, a shift started as people started to move away from modern drugs and medical technology and push for more natural healing methods. In 1975 the National Conference on Holistic Health was held in California, and just three years later the Holistic Medical Association came into being. Today, holistic practitioners have to go through rigorous training similar to that of a medical doctor, but with a focus on herbal therapies, environmental problems, and nutrition in addition to conventional medication.

What does a Holistic Practitioner do?

Holistic health practitioner (also known as holistic healers, integrative health practitioners, and wellness practitioners) employs a wide variety of wellness techniques to help patients achieve “full body” health goals, specifically honing in on the mind-body connection. With proper training and licensing, holistic health practitioners may treat a wide range of health conditions by examining the “root cause” of a specific health condition. They may also perform specific treatments such as acupuncture, massage, body movement therapy, and more. Although holistic health practitioners may choose to specialize in certain specialties such as nutritionist, herbalist, life coach, mentor, etc., there are certain day-to-day job duties that most holistic health practitioners may expect.

What Is Holistic Health?

Holistic health or holistic healing is often defined as a form of healing that looks at the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. This kind of holistic healing often involves multiple complementary medicines and alternative healthcare practices that can overlap with modern-day western medicine but will go beyond the singular treatment of symptoms to support more than just the body.

What is a Holistic Approach?

A holistic approach means providing support that looks at the whole person, not just their mental health needs. The support should also consider their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Each person will have a different experience of mental illness and a path to recovery that is influenced by their age, gender, culture, heritage, language, faith, sexual and gender identity, relationship status, life experience, and beliefs. It is important not to assume that how you interpret situations will be the same as the person you are supporting. Listening, asking, and checking are key skills to be able to provide a holistic service. A holistic approach focuses on a person’s wellness and not just their illness or condition.

Types of Holistic Treatments

Each holistic practitioner will have his or her own chosen path to wellness, but there are several example treatments common to holistic practices, including:

1. Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate areas of the body to release energy or activate the nervous system to help ease chronic conditions. Acupressure does the same thing, but instead of needles, it uses a small amount of pressure.

2. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses the sense of smell to help calm the body and soothe some ailments. For example, aromatherapy may use lavender oil patches to improve sleep in patients with insomnia or anxiety.

3. Ayurvedic Medicine

The Ayurvedic practice uses herbs, metals, and dietary changes to address health issues. This practice also focuses on how people and their environments are closely connected.

4. Chiropractic Care 

Chiropractic care uses gentle manipulation of the spine and neck to improve the body’s function by improving the function of the nervous system. This can help support the treatment of physical and muscular pain, headaches, or even illness.

5. Naturopathy

Naturopathy uses natural treatments, including herbs and dietary supplements, to support overall health. A naturopathic practitioner may also encourage exercise and dietary changes to help patients feel better.

6. Massage Therapy

Loosening tight muscles and tissues with massage therapy can support overall health and wellness. Many holistic practitioners will use massage in their treatments.

7.  Nutrition Counselors

Wellness covers the whole body and that includes proper nutrition. Nutrition counseling helps patients take charge of their health by eating well to support the work holistic practitioners are putting in.

8. Mental Health Counseling

Because holistic medicine takes a mind-body-spirit approach to healing, it often involves mental health therapy. When a person is equipped to manage stress and deal with mental health needs in a healthy manner, they are better equipped to heal.

9. Osteopathy

Osteopathy is similar to chiropractic care but involves more than the spine, it covers the whole body. An osteopath can manipulate the entire musculoskeletal system to help improve the function of the muscles and nerves and support a strong, healthy bone structure.

10. Yoga

Yoga is more than just a form of exercise. It helps with the mind-body connection and creates calmness in the spirit. This supports the holistic view of overall wellness.

What are the Different Types of Holistic Doctors?

Some holistic doctors have traditional medical degrees. They pair their conventional medical training with holistic approaches. Other providers may not have a traditional medical degree. However, they have degrees in various forms of complementary or alternative medicine. These doctors include:

1. Integrative Medical Doctor (MD): Integrative medical doctors are fully licensed medical doctors. They combine traditional medicine with whole-body techniques.

2. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): Osteopathic doctors are fully licensed medical doctors. They have special training in manually manipulating your musculoskeletal system.

3. Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (DC): Chiropractors use a hands-on approach to manipulate your joints. They work to reduce your pain and correct your body’s alignment.

4. Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND): Naturopathic doctors use a combination of traditional medical science, holistic approaches, and natural therapies.

5. Acupuncturist (LAc): Acupuncturists use the traditional Chinese method of inserting thin steel needles into your skin at certain points. This helps to rebalance your body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”).

6. Chinese Herbalist: Chinese herbalists use traditional Chinese herbal remedies to treat a wide range of sudden and long-term conditions.

Benefits of Holistic Medicine

There are many benefits to holistic medicine, including the following: 

1. Overall health improvement: Holistic treatments focus on improving overall health and healing a person’s:

- Physical health

- Emotional and spiritual health

- Social health

- Mental health

2. Natural methods: Holistic doctors mostly use natural medicines, herbs, and noninvasive methods in their treatment plans. Keep in mind, however, that this does not mean these medicines are 100% safe.

3. Personalized care: Holistic practitioners usually provide more consultation time and give more attention to their patients, since they are treating patients as individuals and not just a list of symptoms.

4. Emphasis on prevention: Treatment focuses on preventing diseases before symptoms show up, in addition to regular treatment of illnesses. Because of its focus on finding and eliminating the root cause of the disease, holistic therapies help avoid the need for repeated, expensive treatments.

5. Fewer side effects: Holistic treatment may not have as many side effects as many medications, although this may not always be true depending on a patient’s condition.

6. Empowers patients: Holistic medicine helps patients understand their innate ability to heal. It allows people to take control of their health and wellness through self-care, lifestyle changes, eating healthier, and exercising more.

7. Chemical-free: Patients may be able to reduce the number of pharmaceutical products they are taking or eliminate them from their treatment plan.

8. Easier on finances: Treatments may be less expensive than other treatments.

9. Treats a wide range of conditions: Holistic medicine can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and ailments, including:

- Insomnia

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Headache

- Back pain

- Chronic pain

- Skin disease

- Heart disease

- Stroke

- High blood pressure

- Fatigue

- Addiction

- Other serious issues, such as lupus and early-stage cancer

While there are many benefits to holistic medicine, keep in mind that it is not necessarily a replacement for traditional medical care. In some cases, certain holistic therapies can interfere with modern medications and do more harm than good. Make sure to talk to your doctor before trying holistic treatments.

Pros and Cons of Holistic Medicine

Pros Of Holistic Medicine

A holistic approach to patient care and wellness has several benefits, including:

- More personalized treatment—Holistic practitioners dig into the patient’s health history to find the elements causing the physical symptoms. They recommend personalized care approaches that address all of these issues.

- Empowerment of patients in their healthcare—Holistic medicine helps patients take control of their health and wellness. Patients see the benefits of eating better and exercising more. They are given the tools to help their bodies heal on their own.

- Better patient outcomes—When treating the whole body, holistic practitioners are better able to help patients achieve wellness, rather than just masking symptoms

- Merging conventional and holistic treatments—Holistic practitioners tap into traditional medical practices to help patients. They do not neglect science and modern treatments but rather focus on using them with holistic therapies to help patients feel well.

Cons Of Holistic Medicine

Like all treatment methods, holistic care does have a few drawbacks:

- Lack of insurance coverage—Some types of holistic medicine are not covered by some insurance companies, leaving patients to cover the cost of care on their own.

- Requires involved patients—Holistic medicine works when patients and their doctors work as a team. If the patient is unwilling to make the necessary changes, the therapies won’t work.

Principles of Holistic Medicine

Holistic medicine is also based on the belief that unconditional love and support are the most powerful healer and a person is ultimately responsible for their health and well-being. Other principles of holistic medicine include the following:

- All people have innate healing powers.

- A patient is a person, not a disease.

- Healing takes a team approach involving the patient and doctor and addresses all aspects of a person's life using a variety of healthcare practices.

- Treatment involves fixing the cause of the condition, not just alleviating the symptoms.

Where to Find a Holistic Provider

Holistic providers may include medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, and homeopathic doctors. To find a holistic practitioner in your area, visit the American Holistic Medical Association website. There you can use an online provider search to find a practitioner near you.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a holistic provider:

1. Don't go to just anyone. As with all professionals, there are those who are good at their jobs and those who are not as good. Before choosing a holistic medicine doctor, get a recommendation from someone you trust, or contact a credible health organization and ask for a recommendation.

2. Do your homework. When selecting a holistic doctor, find out as much as you can about that person’s training, experience, specialty, and association with professional organizations and hospital affiliations. Are they board-certified in holistic medicine by a credible medical board? Also, consider the doctor's treatment philosophy. Is it similar to your views?

3. How do you feel? Consider how comfortable you are with the provider. Do they make you feel at ease? Is the provider respectful of your concerns and beliefs? Remember, holistic medicine takes a team approach, involving you and the provider, so make sure you feel comfortable and respected and that they are someone with whom you would like to work.

4. Appointment time. Choose a provider who will spend enough time with you so that they can gain a full understanding of your needs.

5. Are the right questions being asked? To understand you as a whole person and not just a disease, be prepared to answer lots of questions, including questions about your diet, exercise, sleep habits, how you feel emotionally, your religious beliefs and practices, close relationships, and more. 

6. Treatment options. When determining a treatment approach, does the wellness plan go beyond pills? Make sure the practitioner examines all lifestyle factors, along with medical factors that could be contributing to your illness.

Sources:

Sofia Health

WebMD

Cleveland Clinic

Pacific College of Health and Science

Healthline

CentreSpringMD

Florida Medical Clinic

CNME

Premier Health and Holistic Medicine

Port Orchard Natural Medicine

Everyday Health

MedicineNet

Mayo Clinic

Escoffier

The Well Co

NSW Health

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.