We’re all familiar with conventional medicine, but you may not have heard much about holistic medicine. This article will give you a quick look at some key ideas in holistic health. It aims to help you understand the broader picture so you can make mindful and informed choices about your health.

What are holistic medicines?

Holistic medicines, also known as traditional, alternative, complementary, or even “unconventional” medicines, are ancestral practices that share three core concepts: Holism (viewing the whole person), Vitalism (the body’s self-healing capacity), and Vital hygiene (healthy lifestyle habits).

What does “holistic” mean?

Holistic means seeing a person as more than the sum of their parts. It’s like saying 1+1=3. Instead of just focusing on individual symptoms, holistic approaches consider the whole person, including physical, emotional, mental, social, cultural, environmental, and spiritual aspects, to better understand the root of problems.

What is vitalism?

Vitalism refers to the life force flowing through our bodies, known by various names like “chi,” “ki,” or “prana” across cultures. This intelligent energy sustains life and supports the body’s dynamic balance, known as homeostasis, and its self-healing processes.

What is hygieneism?

Hygieneism refers to our overall lifestyle habits. Vital hygiene involves being aware of everything impacting our bodies – physically, mentally, and energetically – understanding how they promote life or lead to illness. Examples include the food we eat, our environment, daily activity, and our thoughts.

What are the different types of holistic medicines?

Holistic medicine includes diverse practices worldwide. Among the most well-known are Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine from India, and Traditional European Medicine, which encompasses naturopathy and homeopathy.

What methods do they employ?

Holistic medicines offer various techniques to enhance the body’s rejuvenation. These include nutrition, physical activity, hydrotherapy, psychology, herbal medicine, reflexology, energy work, and more. Therapy choices are tailored to the individual’s biological makeup, health status, and preferences.

What are the differences between official medicine and holistic medicine?

Holistic medicines differ from conventional medicine (allopathy). Conventional medicine tends to focus on treating symptoms with medications, while holistic medicine looks at symptoms as signs of the body’s healing efforts. It emphasizes supporting the body’s natural healing abilities and understanding the underlying causes of illness.