Why A Holistic Approach?
The words "holistic" or "holism" can be a very controversial topic among healthcare professionals. In today's society, we are most familar with the concept of holism in the form of "holistic medicine or holistic therapies". Holistic healing is often associated with therapies such as chiropractic care, naturopathic medicine, massage, yoga, reflexology, reiki, meditation, accupunture, nutrition counseling and other similar therapies which are considered "complementary" to conventional medical practices.
The American Cancer Society states on their Holistic Medicine website page: "Today, holistic medicine is known as an approach to life and health that brings together the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of a person in order to create a total sense of well-being." (November, 2008)
The term "holism" was coined in 1926 by Jan Christaan Smuts, but the practice of holism dates back to ancient Greece. Hippocrates, the father of medicine emphasized the body's natural ability to heal and Plato advised physicians to respect the body-mind connection.
What is holism?
Holism is based on this premise: The body in balance has the intrinsic/built-in ability to heal itself naturally! Holism focuses on the unity and balance of body, mind, and spirit . Each of these bodies/parts affects all others. Health is not merely the absence of disease, but free flowing and balanced energy throughout our bodies.
Energy is the foundation of life. If free flowing energy equals health, then blocked energy causes illness and "dis-ease". Energy blocks are caused by persistent or ongoing physical, mental or emotional stress. Therefore, the ability to manage stress, the decisions we make and the lifestyle habits we form are major factors in determining our state of wellness.
Stress is a normal psychological and
physiological reaction to life. The body's energy
system is designed to respond to acute/emergent
stressful events . The body processes several
biochemical reactions to adjust to acute stressors.
When the stressor is removed, the body's natural
response is to rebalance and heal. Healing requires
rest, and obtaining balance requires a free flowing energy
system. When stressors persist (are ongoing), the body
doesn't rest, the system becomes overworked and
unbalanced.
Today, many people are on the go almost constantly multi-tasking and dealing with life's challenges. Persistent stressors (chronic stress) or "the feeling of being overwhelmed" with family responsibilities, relationship woes, financial concerns, work situations, inadequate sleep, poor nutritional habits, and unchecked depression are problematic.
Holism and a holistic approach to healing is about focusing on the whole person (body, mind, emotion and spirit) to facilitate optimum wellness- not just the illness or condition.
Healthy thoughts and feelings, lifestyle habits and choices nurture the connection of body, mind, emotion, and spirit.
Creating holistic health is an ongoing process that restores and maintains vital energy flow -allowing the body to prevent illness and heal itself naturally.
View the online resource page to obtain additional support to facilitate your holistic approach to wellness.
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Benefits of Holistic Health Services |
| Non invasive Complements conventional medicine Promotes relaxation Aids in healing process Improves sleep Helps lower blood pressure Helps restore energy |
Reduces stress & anxiety Energizes immune system function Restores harmony and balance to whole body Improves circulation and nerve pathways Reduces headaches and migraines Sharpens clarity and self-awareness, leading to personal transformation |
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