I have had people ask me what holistic healing is recently, so I thought it might be helpful to share here. Holistic healing is a type of healing that truly encompasses the entire person, mind, body, and soul. It may be viewed at a journey to optimal overall health. Holistic medicine philosophy believes that one can achieve optimal overall health and wellness, which is the main goal of holistic medicine practice, by learning and gaining the proper balance in life. The "physical" encompasses the physiology, pathology, biochemistry, immunology, anatomy, and microbiology of a person. Mental, or "emotional" health includes the psychoanalytic, cognitive, behavioral, cognitive, neurochemical. While spiritual then encompasses our personal beliefs, religious beliefs, inner strengths, the way we embrace life, here we find the things that give us hope, meaning, and purpose.
It's the belief that if one area of our overall wellbeing isn't working well due to our physical, mental, or emotional wellness, then the rest of our body/systems won't be functioning at 100% either. Each part of our overall wellbeing has an effect on one another. If one part of a person isn't functioning at full capacity, it has an effect on the rest of a persons functioning. If a person has imbalances in their lives, be it physical, spiritual, or emotional it can negatively affect their overall health.
I try to help client's realize that none of us are defined by whatever illness or disease we may be coping with. Every client is a person, not a disease. It's important for us to all understand that treatment for any disease or illness should involve correcting the root cause of the condition, not merely alleviating symptoms. For many, this may be taking a team approach and addressing all aspects of one's life using a melting pot of health care practices. This may include a variety of holistic providers, which may include a mix of may include medical doctors, psychotherapists, psychologists, osteopaths, naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, dietitians, spiritual counselors, massage therapists, chiropractors, life coaches, fitness trainers, and homeopathic doctors. Remember, holistic healing considers your entire overall person, and both the internal and external factors that may be affecting you overall.
The overall goal of holistic healing is to bring your mind and body back together, to a balanced place. In doing so your overall wellness improves and you are more likely to be your authentic self, whatever that may look like for you. Getting rid of toxins, both physical and emotional, and allowing yourself to recenter, refresh, and rejuvenate. In doing this you are not only able to be your authentic self, for yourself, but more able to be there for other people, places, things, and situations in every aspect of your life. The overall process of holistic healing puts the power in your hands, the power to work on yourself, your recovery, your wellness, it's a personal journey. For each of us, our individual wellness plans will look different. We all operate differently, so it only makes sense that we recharge and heal in different ways as well. When choosing what treatment approach will work best, take into consideration any physical or mental health challenges you have. Be mindful and recognize your motivation, what resources are available, what symptoms you have, what your personal end goal is, your stress levels, and allow yourself to view your entire person, to see your overall health. Remember that any progress should be considered a victory and celebrated, healing and recovery are not linear.
Your wellness plan might include modern medicine, pharmaceuticals, surgery, along with alternative therapies such as acupuncture as well. In order for it to be holistic it should also consist of things such as emotional healing, psychotherapy, meditation, yoga, forgiveness, acceptance, and nutrition to name a few. Just as we will all have a different treatment plan and different treatment goals, we will heal at different paces. The results may be quick, or for some, slower than others. You may be surprised with your results, others might even notice a change in your presentation. Address the problem, address the goals, but also be mindful and address the cause of whatever is going on for you. Allow yourself to nurture your entire being, don't get stuck on one part or problem. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, when we are open to change, we allow room for growth, healing, and to potentially fix whatever part of us we deemed damaged.
Your overall energy is dictated by how you think and feel about yourself, address any cognitive distortions and work on changing them. Stop trying to predict the future, stop assuming the worst, and let yourself think outside the box rather than being suck in a pattern of black and white thinking. Your overall energy system is grossly affected by the way you take care of your body, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Remember it's affected by each interaction your have along with environmental factors. When you allow yourself to heal, you will find that in a round about way you are helping heal others. By doing positive and healthy things for yourself, by allowing healing and growth, you will likely become more outgoing, confident, and positive. Thus, this will rub off on others around you, they will want to know what changed, how you learned to forgive, cope, manage, and heal. A holistic healing approach can do wonders for us, if you feel as though your mind, body, and spirit are not balanced, consider some holistic healing.
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