The Canadian Holistic Medical Association defined Holistic Medicine as a system of health care which fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, leading towards best attainment of the physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health. The Holistic Medical System generally refers to a philosophy of medical care that observes physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life that closely interrelated and shares an important and equal approach to the treatment. It is considered as alternative medicine and it is increasingly finding place in the mainstream medical practice of late.
Holistic Medicine existed as a health concept among society for long time, but recently the modern medical establishments started to respect it. Holistic Medicine is being regularly used by millions of people around the world to heal chronic diseases, treat psychological disorders, successfully treating childhood illnesses, treating acute illnesses, normalize weight, prevention of diseases and to improve overall health and increase energy level etc.
The Holistic Medical system is not a method of treatment by itself, but it is an approach to how treatment should be applied to the patient based on some fundamental techniques like Food & Nutrition, Stress Relief Strategies, Yoga, Inner Healing & Transformation, Avoidance of Toxic & Unhealthy Substances, Adequate Sleep, Strength Exercises, Loving Relationships, Creative Expression, Spiritual Connection & Healing, Power of the Mind & Spirit. Traditional medical approach to the patient care is simply attempting to correct physical symptoms, using standardized methods such as the prescription of drugs or the undertaking of surgery, while the patient is only passively involved.
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When the concepts of the holistic medical system are put into practice within the traditional medical system; the total approach changes to a new dimension. The focus shifts from the disease to the whole person. The role of the patient also changes to being an active participant in the healing process. Some people get caught up in looking for a magic cure or herb but with Holistic Medicine treatment, this is a totally wrong approach. This method tends to lead to limited success often followed by long periods of little or no progress.
The holistic medical system emphasizes the need to look at the whole person rather parts of the body separately, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. This system includes all declared 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 of the individual.
The Holistic approach generally advises the use of herbal and homeopathic preparations generally as compared to their allopathic counterparts. Some times it may use Reiki or yoga as per that need of the patient. The process of healing may be awfully slow at times. Sometime it goes to the traditional medications or the surgery for the relief but the approach is always a coordinated one.
Some holistic medicine advocates pledge it to alternative medical practices which conventional medicine does not readily supports. Some practices such as acupuncture and chiropractic have not received acceptance by the supporters of evidence-based medicine, these people require rigorous scientific testing before putting them in to the course of normal treatment. Although some of these treatments may prove effective from a holistic perspective since they improve the overall well-being of an individual. A lack of experimental evidence may prevent holistic medicine system widespread acceptance in the public health care system readily. Although there is great activity in this arena and people are working relentlessly for further development of this system.
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