Holistic medicine is not a specific branch of medicine, but a philosophy, an approach. It is practiced by individuals in all healing traditions. One tenant of this philosophy is to treat both the physical and emotional aspects of a person together. Physical disorders can cause emotional symptoms and emotional disorders can cause physical symptoms, so both are considered to be equally important factors. Holistic medicine also considers the root cause of conditions, as well as the symptoms, and addresses both to help prevent them from reoccurring. Furthermore, a person’s constitution and unique presentation are always taken into account, resulting in highly effective, individualized treatments. The goal of holistic medicine is not just to eliminate disease, but to achieve an optimal state of well-being. The practitioner and patient work together as partners, with this as their common goal. The practitioner treats and advises the patient, while the patient makes lifestyle and dietary adjustments in order to facilitate healing.
There are many benefits to holistic medicine. It is logically systematized to accurately diagnose your symptoms, even when test results have proven inconclusive or no cause can be found, leading to correct treatment of your condition. It can be an effective alternative to surgery and other invasive medical procedures. It has thousands of years of success helping individuals reach and maintain greater well-being, no matter what their current health status is. Holistic medicine considers your constitutional weaknesses and strengths as well as your presenting symptoms, resulting in individualized treatment plans that are extremely effective. It can be used to safely treat side-effects from prescription drugs or medical procedures, and can address conditions that have not responded to other medical treatments. It can also help you reduce the dosage and number of medications that you take.