Holistic medicine is a combination of usual and alternative health procedures. It focuses on the entire person by attending to the body, mind, and spirit. Holistic health medicine recognizes the three are interconnected systems.
Furthermore, it also recognizes illness as a symptom of deeper health problems or imbalances.
For a brief guide on holistic medicine, keep reading.
Does Holistic Medicine Disregard Conventional Health?
Holistic medicine does not oppose conventional health practices. Instead, it recognizes the incompleteness of traditional medicine and takes a more comprehensive approach. The intention is to improve all aspects of physical, spiritual, and mental well-being.
Holistic practitioners focus on diagnosing the original causes of symptoms in patients. They recognize conventional health approaches. They also do not oppose medicine or surgical procedures if necessary. However, in most instances, they recommend organic and alternative remedies instead.
The philosophy of holistic health providers is to promote self-awareness in patients. They desire to fix problems at the root instead of just alleviating the symptoms.
For instance, they may have a patient complaining of a headache. Instead of only recommending a pain reliever, they may also inquire about other health elements. For example, they may ask about the patient’s diet, work patterns, sleeping habits, and other issues. The discussion frequently extends to emotional and spiritual aspects as well.
Does Holistic Medicine Have Any Benefits?
Holistic medicine has benefits stemming from its unique approach. Many prefer holistic medicine because it can get to the root of the problem.
Treatment of the Cause and Not Symptoms
Symptoms are a result of a condition. Therefore, holistic medicine practitioners strive to diagnose and treat an illness instead of symptoms.
Treating the cause might take longer than treating symptoms. Yet, to them, the approach is more effective. They prefer different forms of treatment because it heals both the symptoms and underlying condition.
Extensive Diagnosis
The conventional practice relies on the results of examinations and tests. A doctor cannot do much if medical labs and tests show everything is normal.
But, a holistic practitioner investigates the cause of discomfort beyond lab test results. They perform non-traditional tests. Plus, they use different approaches that can identify things that conventional physicians sometimes miss.
Minimal or No Side Effects
Holistic medicine uses natural substances and techniques. The goal of a practitioner is to prevent something more than treating it. They recommend natural medicine because it is safer than artificial prescriptions. The risk of side effects such as pain, weight gain, and compromised immunity is often lower as well.
If the natural medication causes side effects, they are mild and not harmful. In addition, natural remedies are not addictive like some prescription medicine. Hence, many patients prefer to go the natural route, if possible.
Treatment of Various Conditions
Holistic medicines can treat more medical conditions. Often, holistic medication may even be able to help beyond conventional medicine.
Some of the stubborn conditions that people seek a holistic practitioner for include:
- Weight
- Fatigue
- Autoimmune conditions
- Thyroid and hormone imbalances
- Skin disorders
Affordability
Holistic treatments are usually natural, simple, and more affordable. The therapy might include massage, homeopathy, acupuncture, exercise, and dietary supplements. Search Google with the term ‘massage near me Seattle‘ for a therapeutic massage center.
Furthermore, mental enhancement treatments include stress reduction, anxiety, and depression management. All these are affordable.
Relationship Between Holistic Medicine and Psychedelic-Therapy
Psychedelic therapy is the process of taking psychedelic substances within a therapeutic setting. It also includes psychotherapy.
People use it to treat mental conditions that include the following:
- Anxiety or depression
- Addiction
- PTSD
- Substance use disorders
- Suicidal ideation
Most psychedelic therapy takes place within clinical studies. Most often, it’s done in studies because it’s illegal in the United States.
There’s a similarity between psychedelic therapy and holistic medicine. Doctors use natural drugs. Although, most of their research is on psilocybin found in psychedelic mushrooms.
Below are the other drug options:
- LSD: A chemical in several plants
- MDMA: Substance found sassafras tree
- DMT: Chemical found in some plants
As mentioned, patients access psychedelic therapy through clinical trials. But it is also available in different forms of treatment.
- Psychedelics alone: A provider gives psychedelic drugs without additional treatment
- Drug assisted therapy: The provider combines psychedelics with traditional treatment such as psychotherapy
- Guided therapy: A provider guides a patient through a psychedelic high. During the process, they offer therapeutic suggestions that help to maintain calmness.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy has the potential to heal mental health. It may also improve a person’s well-being when administered by a trained professional.
Conclusion
Anyone planning to try holistic medicine should visit a trusted website. You can find the names of local licensed and certified holistic practitioners there.
It is also essential to inquire from a trustworthy person or a health organization. They can provide references of credible holistic practitioners before you pursue treatment.
