In today’s day and age, the importance of personalized and reliable healthcare simply cannot be overstated. A uniquely human touch is required to treat other people, and we believe that among the most important elements of healthcare are not just the trust patients place in us, but the compassion we are able to show them at every step of the way.
‘Holistic’ does not mean ‘anti-science’
A common misconception about holistic practices is that they attempt to be a replacement for traditional medicine rooted in strict, clinical settings. This is simply not the truth, however: health practitioners use both traditional and holistic treatments at their medical practices all across North America.
Holistic medicine can work in conjunction with traditional, research-backed methods–not against or in place of them.
The core tenet of holistic health is caring for the whole person; providing an individual with their physical, spiritual, and mental needs. It is rooted in an understanding that these aspects are crucial to the whole and the intrinsic health of a human being, and that ailing in one area affects you in others.
As an example, consider the topic of stress: It's a common and distressing psychological response to many countless external stimuli, but it can also cause physical symptoms in a person such as trouble sleeping, bodily aches, and hair loss. However, this goes both ways: being physically ill can also cause psychological symptoms, with depression being a notable example. Meanwhile, one’s spirituality and relationships can boost the mental and physical health of a person whose needs are met in that regard. Studies have reliably demonstrated that having close friendships lowers stress levels and reduces instances of elevated blood pressure.
In understanding these concepts, health practitioners who choose to pursue a holistic approach to medicine do not simply ask you about your symptoms; they look more into you as a person - your health on a larger scale, and your life, so that they can make more informed recommendations that are personalized to you and your wellness goals.
What Are The Benefits Of Holistic Healing?
Holistic modalities offer a wide range of benefits that encompass the mind, body, and soul. These approaches not only complement conventional medicine but also help to prolong its benefits in the following ways:
Physical Benefits:
Offering relief from pain
Offering relief from fatigue
Reducing stiffness of joints
Creating better mobility
Creating improved sleep
Helping to increase energy levels
Improved digestion
Strengthened immune system
Improved skin quality
Psychological Benefits:
Decreased mental fatigue
Sharper cognition
Better overall concentration
Reduced anxiety and stress
Improved emotional regulation
Holistic medicine practitioners follow a philosophy of whole-person care, which means that they believe the body works as an interconnected system and that optimal patient care includes a balance of not only the body health but mental health practices as well.
What Is The Difference Between Naturopathic And Holistic Medicine
These are terms that often get mixed up with one another. The primary difference between naturopathic medicine and holistic medicine is that naturopathic medicine is its own field of practice with specialized training rooted in natural-based remedies, whereas holistic medicine involves clinical work, and who holds a philosophy that holistic healthcare is necessary to best care for patients. Holistic Medicine considers the connection of the body, mind, and spirit.
Naturopathy uses these aforementioned natural remedies to help the body better heal itself. It is an established and defined medical modality which uses, primarily, natural products such as herbs, massages, and exercise to restore and sustain one’s health.
Because of its immense potential, naturopathy is also often used in conjunction with integrative and holistic medicinal practices, which we have previously discussed embrace conventional approaches to healthcare along with other modalities to achieve whole-person care.
Are you interested in learning more about holistic and integrative medicine? Reach out to Vitality Wellness today to book a consultation at (604) 217-2588 or send us a question via our webpage. We reply promptly.