Holistic Medicine - Holistic Approach In Medicine
Holistic medicine is not really an actual treatment system—it is more of a treatment philosophy. Throughout much of the history of holistic medicine this type of treatment has been considered highly alternative, and it is only recently that the mainstream medical establishment has begun integrating the holistic approach in medicine.
The Holistic Philosophy
The philosophy of holism is that the entire patient, rather than just their symptoms, is examined and treated. A patient and their symptoms are considered inseparable under the principles of holistic medicine, and the individuality of a patient—their emotional, spiritual, and physical state—is considered to be important. Whereas conventional medicine often considers and treats only the symptoms of a patient, while ignoring the overall well-being of the patient themselves, holistic medicine considers all aspects of the patient are equally important.
This means, for example, that when a holistic physician examines a patient, they don’t only investigate physical symptoms. They may also look at the patient’s emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, in addition to their physical condition. The goal with this treatment philosophy is to improve the patient’s well-being in all areas of their life, instead of simply addressing their physical symptoms.
Holism is a system of philosophy which can apply to many different types of treatment—homeopathy, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, and even conventional medical treatments, can incorporate aspects of holism. In addition, holistic medicine rarely, if ever, completely rules out or ignores any particular branch of medicine. The idea with holism is that the practitioner and the patient are both open to trying new approaches, within the goal of improving the patient’s health and well-being.
Important Principles of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine has some important principles which all holistic doctors strive to employ, regardless of the type of medicine they actually practice.
- The primary goal of holism is optimal health—including emotional and spiritual, as well as physical, health.
- The patient and their symptoms are not separate entities, and the individuality of the patient is never ignored.
- Holistic health care emphasizes prevention as well as curative treatment.
- Holistic treatment often emphasizes the body’s own innate healing power to help hasten the process of healing.
- Holistic physicians are typically open to investigating new treatment options—nothing is ever ruled out, even conventional medicine.
- The relationship between the patient and their physician is important to the healing process.