What is Holistic Medicine? It is an approach to healing that uses a range of holistic practices to improve patient health. Holistic practitioners do not require special training to practice this kind of medicine. This practice is a general umbrella term that can apply to many different types of practitioners. Learn more about the benefits of Holistic Medicine. This article discusses the history of Holistic Medicine, the methods it uses, and the health benefits of various types of therapies.
Lessons from Ancient Greece
Before the invention of Western pharmaceuticals, the ancient Greeks practiced a wide variety of natural healing practices. While these practices were not necessarily cure-alls, they do provide us with a unique insight into the health goals of ancient humans. In addition to their traditional herbal treatments, the ancient Greeks also made extensive use of music and astronomy to improve their health. Understanding these practices can help us think about the healing potential of holistic medicine.
The Greeks recognized the value of the mind-body connection and used a number of non-medical strategies to treat various ailments. They also applied superstitions, astrology, and dreams to their practice. Many Greek physicians also incorporated music into their practice to treat physical pain as well as mental discomfort. These ancient Greek healing methods were based on the belief that the mind and body are intimately connected. They understood that the mind can heal the body, and that it can even influence the cure of an illness.
Lessons from Ayurveda
The ancient Indian system of health care, Ayurveda, teaches the patient how to recognize and correct imbalances in their body. Unlike western medicine, this system places a strong emphasis on the views of man and the environment. In addition to preventing and treating common diseases, Ayurveda is an interactive system that requires the full participation of the patient. For this reason, it is often referred to as the “science of longevity.”
Ayurveda emphasizes the fundamental union between the macrocosm and the microcosm. It teaches the wisdom of thousands of years to help people overcome imbalances and live a long and healthy life. This ancient system also stresses the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Ayurveda believes that our bodies are made of five basic elements, the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and we need to maintain balance in each of them.
Lessons from Functional Medicine
The Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine provides an example of how a holistic approach to healthcare can make a difference in the quality of care for patients. By implementing a multidisciplinary approach, the Center is able to provide a high-touch patient experience and implement disease-specific programs that target distinct consumer segments. The Center’s comprehensive approach focuses on identifying biochemical and metabolic imbalances that cause many health conditions.
The Cleveland Clinic has found that 30% of patients undergoing functional medicine treatment were new to the health system. This could help providers choose which practitioners to see based on their expertise. Because complementary and alternative medicine is set to reach $196 billion by 2025, it’s important for clinics to be among the early movers in the space. Functional medicine is an innovative approach that integrates traditional allopathic medicine with root cause analysis, examining the environment, genetics, and lifestyle determinants of health.
Health benefits
Many people have heard of the health benefits of holistic medicine, but what exactly is it? The focus of this form of medicine is on the mind-body connection, spiritual wellbeing, and preventing illnesses and diseases before they develop. Holistic practitioners use a combination of treatments, including natural herbal remedies, dietary supplements, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and homeopathy. In addition, some practitioners use acupuncture. In addition to these methods, holistic medicine also encourages patients to modify their lifestyles and adopt preventive measures.
The premise of holistic medicine is that the human body is an interconnected system and that optimal health occurs when all parts of the body function properly. Imbalances in any one area can increase the risk of illness. Holistic practitioners focus on the whole person, not just one symptom. Holistic treatments promote overall health and wellness, as well as reduce stress and pain. It may even be beneficial to prevent or overcome illness. Holistic practitioners work together with conventional physicians to find a balanced treatment plan for each patient.
Costs
A recent Gallup poll found that cost is the most significant issue facing Americans when it comes to health care. Many assume that holistic health care is more expensive than traditional care, but this is not the case. In fact, since holistic health providers use preventative care and collaborative approaches, they are generally more cost-effective. In addition, they are more patient-centered. However, that does not mean that they are free of risk. Holistic health care is not covered by all insurance plans.
The cost of complementary therapies can vary greatly, based on the practitioner’s training, the time the consultation takes, and the nature of the treatment. For example, acupuncture can range from $50 to $150 per session. While 32 percent of big insurance companies cover acupuncture, the coverage is generally limited to 20 visits per year. Biofeedback sessions can run $75 to $200. Homeopathy, on the other hand, is not covered by most insurance providers.
