The word holistic is etymologically related to whole so holistic medicine refers to any treatment that works by treating the entire body and not just the affected area.
Another aspect of this wholeness is that holistic medicine sees health as comprising mental, social and spiritual aspects as well as the physical. So a holistic medical practitioner will analyse a patient's physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values while making his diagnosis.
Holistic medicinal treatment is generally associated with oriental medicines which use comprehensive diagnosis techniques and non-invasive treatments.
An example is acupuncture which works by freeing up blocked pathways in the body to allow the flow of vital energy. Freed from this blockage, the body is then better able to heal itself. Other techniques such as shiatsu and reflexology which are like acupuncture without needles work in the same way. Often in such techniques, the area stimulated is nowhere near the afflicted part of the body. For example, certain spots on the soles of the feet may be manipulated to treat ear or stomach problems.
Many herbal remedies work in the same way - that of strengthening the body's own healing systems so that the body heals itself. Ginger for example functions to boost the blood flow through the body and thus permits the body's own healing powers to better reach the affected area.
However, holistic medicine recognises that in certain conditions, conventional medicinal techniques such as surgery and drug therapy are necessary.
Another facet of holistic medicine is that of personal responsibility, in effect taking control of one's own health.
The terms Alternative Medicine, complementary medicine and natural healing are often used in association with holistic medicine.
Another aspect of this wholeness is that holistic medicine sees health as comprising mental, social and spiritual aspects as well as the physical. So a holistic medical practitioner will analyse a patient's physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values while making his diagnosis.
Holistic medicinal treatment is generally associated with oriental medicines which use comprehensive diagnosis techniques and non-invasive treatments.
An example is acupuncture which works by freeing up blocked pathways in the body to allow the flow of vital energy. Freed from this blockage, the body is then better able to heal itself. Other techniques such as shiatsu and reflexology which are like acupuncture without needles work in the same way. Often in such techniques, the area stimulated is nowhere near the afflicted part of the body. For example, certain spots on the soles of the feet may be manipulated to treat ear or stomach problems.
Many herbal remedies work in the same way - that of strengthening the body's own healing systems so that the body heals itself. Ginger for example functions to boost the blood flow through the body and thus permits the body's own healing powers to better reach the affected area.
However, holistic medicine recognises that in certain conditions, conventional medicinal techniques such as surgery and drug therapy are necessary.
Another facet of holistic medicine is that of personal responsibility, in effect taking control of one's own health.
The terms Alternative Medicine, complementary medicine and natural healing are often used in association with holistic medicine.