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| What Does 'Holistic' Really Mean ? |
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Lets start with some general terms.
“Conventional” or “allopathic” medicine is used to describe the
primary healthcare system in America. Also referred to as “western
medicine” and “the medical model” this practice focuses on the
prevention, treatment, and curing of disease. Practices that are
outside this cultural norm are considered to be “alternative” such
as Reiki, Homeopathy, Reflexology, Herbalism, Kinesiology,
Craniosacral, and Shiatsu to name a few. Often having Eastern roots,
these “new” healthcare forms are often based in ancient practice. In
general, alternative practices are non- invasive and
non-pharmaceutical.
Times are changing and these distinctions are becoming more and more
blurred as evidenced by insurance companies covering Chiropractic
care and Acupuncture (the latter only if provided by an M.D.)
Primary care offices and hospitals that are incorporating
alternative forms of care into their treatment teams are becoming
more prevalent. This is referred to as “Complementary Care” or
“Complementary Medicine.” Alternative care is booming as more people
are taking an active role in their health, demanding choice, and
wanting less invasive treatments. With side effects of some
treatments and pharmaceuticals, the question “which is worse, the
treatment or the disease?” is not an uncommon debate.
So where does “Holistic” fit in???
"Holistic" is defined as: "Emphasizing the organic or functional
relation between parts and the whole."
Holistic Medicine is defined by the Canadian Holistic Medical
Association as follows:
"A system of healthcare which fosters a cooperative relationship
among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the
physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health.
It emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including
analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social,
spiritual, and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated
modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery,
if no safe alternative exists. Holistic medicine focuses on
education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance
and well being."
Holistic care is a practice philosophy ~ one that honors the
patient/client as a unique being with individual needs; and honors
the choices in healthcare and self-care that each person chooses for
themselves, acknowledging that there are many paths to wellness.
By Lisa Keutman, psychotherapist
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