FAQ's

FAQ's

1. What is a holistic approach to health care?

Holistic health refers to the health of the whole person; i.e, their body, mind,
and spirit. A holistic approach or holistic medicine assumes a variety of
treatments most of which are natural, but may include conventional methods
as well. All are given equal respect. It is the circumstances and the clients’
choice that determine their use. An example of this is the holistic program for
heart disease orchestrated by Dean Ornish, MD. Patients with clogged arteries, for whom surgery has been recommended, choose instead to learn how nutrition, exercise, group counseling, and medication can cure their heart disease. Two excellent studies have shown this approach to be more effective and longer lasting than surgery, but not everyone is willing to do the work and make the lifestyle changes the program requires.

2. What is the difference between holistic, alternative, integrated and complementary medicine?

Holistic, alternative, integrated, and complementary medicine titles are confusing. Any technique outside conventional medicine fits under all of these titles. Nutrition and acupuncture could apply to holistic, alternative and complementary. It’s the title’s implied relationship to conventional medicine that differs greatly.

As mentioned above, holistic medicine encompasses the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. Alternative refers to all modalities outside of conventional medicine. This term fosters separation between the two approaches with the “instead of” meaning.

An integrated approach is akin to Holistic in that cooperation and respect exist between the different health providers. It differs from Holistic because of the assumption of the inclusion of conventional methods. An example of integration is demonstrated at Columbia University Medical School where, before bypass surgery the patient is provided with a variety of relaxation experiences. During bypass surgery a Therapeutic Touch practitioner is employed to send healing energy to the blood in the bypass machine. After surgery the patient is guided through principles of exercise and nutrition.

Complementary means supplemental to conventional medicine to support the well-being of the individual. Conventional medicine is assumed to be the core
treatment model.

3. What types of health care practitioners follow holistic principles?

Any health care practitioner may choose to incorporate holistic principles into
their practice. Among those who use holistic approaches are physicians, dentists, nurses, psychologists, counselors, massage therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.

4. What makes the holistic approach so unique?

The holistic approach is unique because it doesn’t assume anything, includes every-thing, and is the most adaptable to the circumstances and the client’s choices.

5. What is holistic medicine used for?

Holistic medicine has been used by millions of people around the world to:
• Heal chronic diseases
• Treat psychological disorders
• Successfully treat childhood illnesses
• Normalize weight
• Prevent disease
• Improve overall health and increase energy level
• Transform one’s outlook on life