In today’s world, traditional or conventional medicine helps resolve countless medical issues, whether minor or major. Across the country, a good number of people report to their personal doctors for yearly checkups in order to learn about their current health. Others need urgent care and often seek aid from the appropriate facilities. However, some people prefer medical treatment that takes a different approach from the conventional ways of medicine. Holistic medicine combines medical treatments for the physical and mental sides of the body. Doctors who practice holistic medicine takes a whole body approach to find and diagnose health problems within their patients. As an alternative to traditional medicine, holistic medicine may be a solution to long-standing health problems in many people.

What does holistic medicine do for patients?

Holistic medicine is a type of medical approach that is known to treat the whole body. It is a type of approach to healing and health had considers the entire patient. Along with the body of the patient, the doctor also takes the mind and spirit of their patient in mind. When taking all three parts into equal consideration, holistic medicine practices help stimulate the natural regenerative ability of the body. As a result, the health of the patient becomes much improved and more resilient following treatment.

How does holistic medicine work?

Although holistic medicine practices take a different approach, it works similarly to conventional medical practices. Holistic medicine practices work to reduce and treat the general health and wellbeing of a patient. Many holistic medicine techniques are designed to help bolster the natural regenerative ability of the body. Holistic medicine also harbors another factor that separates the practice from traditional medicine. Providing the patient with the means to feel empowered about their personal health a big part of holistic medicine, a power that helps people ultimately heal both body and mind.

Holistic medicine practitioners generally take several factors in mind when determining diagnoses and treatments for their patients. These factors include emotional, environmental, physical, nutritional, spiritual, and other factors related to the lifestyle of a patient.

The basic characteristics of holistic medicine include:

• Holistic medicine practitioners provide safe and natural medical treatment options, such as suggestions for self-care and lifestyle changes
• Holistic medicine practitioners give patients alternatives to traditional prescription drugs and medical procedures, when possible
• Holistic medicine practitioners also treat implicit causes of medical conditions or diseases instead of attempting to outright stop symptoms
• Holistic medicine practitioners are partners with their patients, working with them to learn more about them as people
• Holistic medicine practitioners work toward prevention of medical conditions while helping facilitate the regenerative ability of their patients

Holistic medicine has a long history in the world. Many holistic medicine techniques were originally derived from ancient medicinal practices that have been practiced for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese medicine is a form of holistic medicine, having had been developed over 4000 years ago.

What to expect from holistic medicine techniques

Holistic medicine practitioners aim to optimize the health of the mind and body of their patients. In order to accomplish this, holistic medicine practitioners generally perform several treatments to help their patients recover.

These treatments may include herb-based medicine, which involves the use of herbs or herbal oils to promote healing. Other holistic medicine treatment options include manual medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, physical therapy, and biomolecular therapy. Sometimes, holistic medicine practitioners may use traditional prescription drugs and surgery to treat patients. Ultimately, the holistic medicine practitioner works with holistic and traditional medicine techniques to provide their patients with a well-rounded treatment plan.

Why consider holistic medicine today?

Today, more people are considering holistic medicine techniques as not just an alternative means to healthcare. They now seek immediate help from a holistic medicine practitioner for what is known as integrative healthcare. In integrative healthcare, the holistic medicine practitioner utilizes both traditional and holistic medicine techniques for treating patients.

Holistic medicine also gives patients another way to feel comfortable when going to the doctor or to a medical specialist. A typical holistic medicine practitioner visit may last longer than a traditional doctor visit. The holistic medicine practitioner works with patients for up to two hours to learn more about what their patients need to remedy their condition. This attention to detail helps a holistic medicine practitioner learn more about the entire person they treat.

Today, holistic medicine provides solutions to many medical problems that traditional medicine takes some time to resolve. Finding a way to heal the whole person appeals to prospective patients who may want a closer relationship with their healthcare provider. Holistic medicine practitioners also value forming strong relationships with their patients in order to find ways to diagnose and resolve their health issues. People interested in holistic medicine should inquire into local providers if they are interested in alternative medical treatments.