Holistic Medicine: Part 1
An Alternative and Natural Solution to Adopt?
When it comes to our health, a large majority of us rely on their doctor or pharmacist. However, the holistic wave is gaining ground, offering possible solutions to certain chronic conditions for which conventional medicine is more limited, or even helpless. Let’s take a closer look at this form of medicine that should not be underestimated.
What Is the Holistic Approach?
The so-called « non unconventional » medicine has its roots to the 19th century. It may also be known as :
* Holistic
* Alternative
* Integrative
* Natural Healing
* Etc.
Elle est souvent adoptée en complément de la médecine moderne, mais elle peuIt is often adopted as a complement to modern medicine, but it can also be a substitute [2].
The word « holistic » is a derivative from the Greek word « holes » which means « whole ». It became a common adjective in our modern vocabulary in the 1970s. While conventional medicine defines health as a lack of illnesses, holistic medicine sees health as a physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being [3]. Elle travaille à prévenir et maintenir une bonne santé plutôt qu’à guérir les maladies.
Dimensions of the holistic approach
Also, modern medicine associates diseases to pathogens, bacteria, viruses and biochemical disturbance, while holistic medicine thinks they mostly are indicators of an imbalance in the human body [4].
How Is Holistic Health Practiced?
Holistic medicine can take several forms such as acupuncture, homeopathy or phytotherapy. Wearing Pure Hazelwood necklaces and bracelets may take part in the holistic process, since they have the property to bring a relief or soothe some inflammatory processes like teething pain, mouth sores, joint pain, heartburn or skin problems. In all cases, no drug treatment is used in the care of the sick or suffering person. [4].
Phytotherapy is the use of plants to heal and restore balances.
Les résultats, bien qu’ils ne soient pas immédiats dans la plupart des cas,Although the results may not be immediate with most holistic treatments, they are considered as more sustainable and less damaging for the system than when taking chemical substances [5]. For instance, let’s say your back aches: conventional medicine might suggest taking a medication to relieve the pain, but that is likely to create an addiction or to cause side effects. Meanwhile, holistic medicine may tell you to apply heat on the affected area, then to take an appointment with an osteopath in order to address the main cause of your pain.
Modern or Holistic Medicine : Which One Should You Choose?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Everything depends on not only the general condition of the person, but also his willingness to adopt a healthier lifestyle. New studies and articles are released regularly to support holistic medicine, this article which sets out "soft" solutions to some chronic painfocused on natural healing could also help you decide. Only you can determine the balance to which you aspire!
The 32nd edition of the Welfare, medicine and thalassotherapy fair hosted over 300 exhibitors and thousands of visitors a few days ago.
Available very soon : the second part of our article on holistic medicine, where you can discover renowned alternative medicine association to which you can refer. Register now to our newsletter in order to have access to this exclusive article!
[1] Holisticmed.com, “What is Holistic Medicine?”, http://www.holisticmed.com/whatis.html
[2] Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holism
[3] AHHA, http://ahha.org/rosen.htm
[4] WorldWideLearn, “Guide for Alternative Medicine Majors”, http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/health-medical/alternative-medicine-major.htm
[5] Web MD, “What is holistic medicine?”, http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/what-is-holistic-medicine
