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Holistic Wellness

Holistic Wellness

 

What is the definition of Holistic Health? (To make whole)

It is a wellness approach that addresses the body, the mind, the spirit, and the emotional aspects of our being. This holistic approach to total wellness does not view the body, the mind, the spirit, and the emotional as separate entities.

Holistic well-being encompasses all parts of ourselves. If our emotions are in turmoil or our mind is bombarded with negative thoughts, our health is compromised. It is important to create balance in all areas of your life. You do this by nurturing your whole person, which includes physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. It is the internal dis-ease which causes the physical manifestation of disease.

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Physical Well-being

Taking care of our physical bodies is an important element in caring of our whole selves. It is important to listen to our bodies when they talk to us. Pain is a signifier that something needs your attention. Holistic Wellness seeks the underlying causes; for example – the mental, the spiritual, and the emotional imbalances which manifest in the body. Treatment approaches are highly personalized for the unique needs of each individual. Pharmaceuticals and surgeries are only when absolutely essential. The patient and practitioner make decisions together as partners to develop the health care plan.

Do you maintain a healthy diet?
Are you physically active?
Do you fall asleep easily and sleep soundly?

Mental Well-Being

Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

Is your outlook in life, basically optimistic?
Do you enjoy high self-esteem, giving yourself more supportive messages than critical one?
Are you motivated to make productive, healthy changes in your life?


Spiritual Well-Being

Spiritual well-being is about our inner life and its relationship with the wider world. It includes our relationship with the environment, our relationships with others and with ourselves.

How routinely do you take time for prayer, meditation, or reflection?
How frequently do you make a conscious effort of being grateful for the blessings in your life?
Do you have the ability to forgive yourself and others?

Emotional Well-Being

Our emotional states are an important factor in our overall health. When our emotions are in flux, physical imbalances and illnesses are likely to surface.

Are you accepting of all your feelings, both positive and negative?
Are you able to comfort yourself when you are distressed?
Has shame or guilt led to productive self-reflection?

Principles of Holistic Medicine

Holistic medicine is also based on the belief that unconditional love and support is the most powerful healer and a person is ultimately responsible for his or her own health and well-being. Other principles of holistic medicine include the following:

    • All people have innate healing powers.

    • The patient’s attitude and belief system either becomes part of the problem or part of the cure.

    • Healing takes a team approach involving the patient and doctor, and addresses all aspects of a person's life using a variety of health care practices.

    • Treatment involves healing the cause of the condition, not just alleviating the symptoms.