Holistic health is the practice of examining and addressing all parts of a person’s life: physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. Each component is interconnected to the others and each must be considered to understand and treat the whole person.
Integrative healthcare merges holistic and Western (“conventional”) medical treatment. Integrative medicine became popular in the 1980s-1990s, as people became interested in adding alternative methods to conventional medicine. The result: A focus on individual preferences and a unique combination of systems that promote the best outcome.
Today we’re fortunate to be able to choose among a variety of holistic, integrative, and conventional options (called “Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine” [TCIM] by the World Health Organization.) In a survey by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, nearly 40% of Americans use some type of holistic or complementary health approach.
Facts about Holistic Health
There can be confusion around holistic health. Sometimes it’s misinterpreted to mean any method that’s not part of conventional medical practice, including unproven—and unsafe–trends. People can become skeptical and dismiss any deviation from their routine health care as “quackery.” Also, Americans are more familiar with a system that treats symptoms with prescription medications, rather than alternative methods that can provide comprehensive and long-lasting benefits.
- Holistic health practices are ancient—and modern. Ayurveda (from India), Egyptian, and Traditional Chinese medicine go back up to 5,000 years. These ancient health practices relied on plants for treating illness and specific techniques for keeping the mind, body, and spirit in balance. Many botanicals are still in wide use: ashwagandha, basil, ginger, ginseng, licorice root, mint, and turmeric are found on the shelves at your local pharmacy. Other components of holistic health that continue to thrive today include acupuncture, dietary changes, exercise, massage, meditation, Tai Chi, and yoga.
- Holistic health is worldwide. Although India and China are usually cited as the oldest sources of holistic health, every indigenous population around the world has had someone able to treat others with herbal medicine and cultural practices.
Today over 50% of people in developed nations use some combination of TCIM and conventional medicine. Among developing countries, up to 80% depend on TCIM.
- Holistic health has proven benefits. Long before modern scientists could identify the medicinal chemistry of plants, ancient practitioners were familiar with how botanicals (roots, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds) could treat specific ailments. At least 40% of drugs in Western medicine are derived from plants that have been used for centuries. Holistic practices such as yoga and Tai Chi promote mindfulness while improving balance, flexibility, stamina, and strength, as well as reducing pain and inflammation. Meditation increases mindfulness while decreasing stress and anxiety.
Other Facts about Holistic Health
- Holistic health pairs well with Western medicine. Contemporary practitioners understand that holistic practices support conventional treatments. For example, a patient receiving chemotherapy may also choose acupuncture for pain management and guided imagery to promote relaxation. Modern holistic health has expanded to tackle issues such as sleep habits, weight management, and the gut microbiomebiodome. With wearable technology and mobile apps, patients can share data with their providers to develop individualized care plans.
- Holistic health encourages active participation. To achieve your best holistic health, you have to do more than take medications to treat symptoms. Prevention is key, so paying attention to life balance can avoid unhealthy complications.
Are you exercising regularly? How’s your fast-food intake? Do you make time for family and friends? What’s your strategy for dealing with stress? Would a new holistic health practice be beneficial? What needs to change?
Types of holistic health practice
- Acupuncture: Hair-thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body to reduce pain, balance energy flow, and stimulate natural healing.
- Body manipulation: Movement of the body to improve function, restore balance, and promote healing. Includes chiropractic, massage, reflexology, Tai Chi, and yoga.
- Guided imagery: A relaxation technique using all the senses to create a calming scene and immersive experience.
- Herbal medicine: Using plant-based products to treat symptoms or diseases and maintain health. Also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine.
- Meditation: A pillar of holistic health, involving focused attention and eliminating distractions. Promotes physical and mental well-being.
- Nutrition: Mindful eating that recognizes the mind-body connection, as well as a lifestyle supporting the environment.
- Reiki: Japanese therapy using light massage or hovering hands to restore natural flow of energy and correct imbalances.
Femme Pharma can help
Femme Pharma supports a holistic approach to women’s health. Our products are natural and developed with evidence-based scientific research. We create safe solutions that encourage women to achieve life balance that includes healthy intimacy and an overall sense of well-being.
When you choose our Mia Vita products, you’re receiving products made without hormones, and physician-endorsed approaches to health. Every product is manufactured in the United States following Good Manufacturing Practices.
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