Holistic healing is a form of healing that considers the tripartite body: mind, body, and soul. Its quest is to elevate everyday peoples’ wellness, and it does this through balance. According to holistic medical philosophy, one achieves optimal health by being balanced. Here are a few things to know about holistic healing methods for your medical practice.
Principles of Holistic Medicine
Just because a doctor is practicing holistic medicine does not mean they avoid western science. The best doctors will incorporate a combination of conventional medication and alternative therapies. A person suffering from migraine headaches may benefit from a visit similar to an aged vet.
As a starting point, holistic practitioners believe that all people are imbued with innate healing powers. They further add to their outlook that all people should be treated like people, not numbers. Finally, these doctors believe that treating a disease means fixing the root cause.
Types of Holistic Practitioners
Not all holistic doctors obtain medical degrees, but most of them do. These doctors pair conventional medical training with holistic approaches. However, some providers get degrees in various complementary and alternative medicine forms.
Integrative medical doctors are actual MDs and fully licensed doctors. They market themselves as integrative doctors to show they incorporate other philosophies. A Doctor of Osteopathic medicine is another fully licensed doctor with a spinal specialty. They specialize in manual manipulations of the musculoskeletal system.
A Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine uses a hands-on approach to manipulate the joints. They are not fully licensed as western medical doctors, but they can help your alignment. A Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine uses traditional science, natural therapies, and holistic approaches. On the other hand, an acupuncturist must obtain a degree from a school of Chinese medicine.
Chiropractic Care
Each year, about 22 million Americans visit a chiropractor, and of these, 35% of them want pain relief. Auto accidents, sports injuries, or muscle strains can cause this. In addition to these complaints, people may see a chiropractor for the neck, arm, or legs.
Chiropractors usually employ hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments. They theorize the body’s musculoskeletal structure must be in alignment. Otherwise, it slows down healing and disrupts energy flows. Range of motion and mobility is restored by manipulation. These injuries could have occurred because of a traumatic event, falling, or stress.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an age-old tradition inherited by the Chinese. Currently, over 3 million Americans utilize acupuncture, but it is even more popular overseas. In France, one in five people has tried it at some point.
Acupuncturists seek to elicit the body’s natural healing response by stimulating chi. Chi is the natural life force present inside everybody. Scientifically, some believe the needles cause localized endorphin release. These are the body’s natural painkillers, and they boost blood flow. In addition to boosting blood flow, endorphins can change brain activity, altering consciousness.
Two large studies have shown that acupuncture’s effect on headaches was greater than placebo. In other words, stabbing yourself with a needle may relieve your headache.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapies vary widely, and over 80 known styles exist. Therapists employ pressures, movements, and techniques to accomplish their goals. Sometimes, they must dig into the back with their forearms, and sometimes they have to use their elbows. The American Massage Therapy Association said that 19% of Americans had a massage in 2018.
The most common form of massage is Swedish, and it involves soft, long, kneading strokes. This is combined with joint movements, usually during practice. Swedish therapy can stimulate and relax a participant by relieving muscle tension.
Ayurveda
At Ayurveda school, students learn that the Sankskirt words mean life and science. This ancient life science originates in India, and it fuses plants and exercise for a complete health approach. Three underlying concepts gird the whole system of thought. In India, Ayurveda is considered to be on par with western medicine or Chinese medicine. Practitioners in India must undergo state-recognized training courses.
Conclusion
Families or individuals can both benefit from holistic health. Too often in society, jobs do not accommodate mental well-being. However, using holistic health treatments can be your way back to balance.
