For thousands of years, homeopathic practitioners have relied on the theory of treating “like with like.” This rather unconventional premise posits that a healing response to a disease can be elicited via substances that cause the symptoms of that disease in healthy individuals. These substances include not only prescription drugs and medications, but also herbs, honey, and other natural products.
Individuals without a particular disease will sometimes experience that disease’s symptoms after taking a medication for another disorder. Such medications are believed to be able to stimulate healing in those with the particular disease that presents with the same symptoms as those who didn’t have the disease, but experienced its symptoms upon taking a medication that elicited them. Here, we’ll examine the basics of holistic healing and explore how these ancient treatments are being used today.
The Holistic Healing Experience
Practitioners of homeopathy often claim it to be a form of holistic medicine, as it embraces the principle of utilizing alternative types of medicine. However, even though the homeopathic medical practice and holistic medicine share certain features, the former is not truly a form of the latter if it fails to address the mental and spiritual – in addition to the physical – aspects of a person’s health. Practitioners of holistic medicine integrate conventional therapies into treatment with alternative medicine. These plans may include a broad and diverse array of treatment options, including both common treatment practices and new or different unconventional methods of treatment.
People experiencing fatigue or other stress-related disorders, for example, might consult a holistic practitioner, suggesting that they would prefer to address their problem naturally rather than via a prescription medication. Diet modification, exercise, eliminating bad habits like smoking, taking more time for self-care, and seeking mental health care are common lifestyle adjustments that satisfy the preference for a natural solution. Similarly, daily meditation and even martial arts are other natural options that have been demonstrated to reduce stress in addition to providing several other health benefits.
Western vs. Holistic Medicine
Although some health care professionals continue to minimize the health benefits of meditation and other forms of alternative medicine, it has become increasingly difficult to dismiss the countless testimonials of those who have regained their health via daily meditation, acupuncture, massage, sauna, and other holistic practices. Regardless of the practice or remedy, the effects are encouraging for those who aren’t particularly keen on taking medications that seem to raise as many issues as they address. Many people are not interested in taking any kind of pill to solve their problems, and this is often the driving force behind their search for a solution.
A branch of medical practice that relates closely to both homeopathy and holistic medicine, integrative medicine incorporates some of the methods of each, as it aims to treat the entire patient, including all aspects of their lifestyle. If stress is tied to poor sleep habits, the physician would take a deeper look into what is causing it from every angle of their patient’s life: the workplace, social activities, interests, home life, habits, exercise, and diet, to name a few. When the cause is determined, treatment and healing can begin. Of course, the objective of all medical practices should be to improve patients’ health and longevity.
Meditation and Holistic Healing
Daily meditation is one of holistic medicine’s most advantageous remedies. The benefits of such a routine are impressive. Many who subscribe to it report substantial improvement in their quality of life. A reduction in the negative impact of stressful events is among the most amazing and important benefits. Mental clarity, heightened focus, and improved thought processing are other possible advantages associated with routine meditation. These are only a few of the potential mental health benefits that can be achieved by meditating.
See for Yourself
There is plenty of anectodical and scientific evidence that touts the many physical benefits of a holistic health approach, but it is important that you conduct your own research. Of course, holistic healing practices should not be used to replace a formal treatment plan without the recommendation of a professional medical provider. Having a conversation with a physician and asking about alternative treatments is an excellent way to make an educated decision about the best course of action.