What is holistic medicine

Marketing: Holistic medicine is a term implying that "other" practitioners focus on one aspect of health while holistic people deal with the body as a whole. It turns out to be a front in many cases for the sale of supplements. It also has been co-opted by non-medical people like naturopaths who indicate that their approach is holistic, not like the narrowness of conventional M.D.S.

A philosophy: As a residency trained and board certified physician, i take a holistic approach to health care. I prescribe medications, but also use other therapies and tests. To me it means finding the cause of problems and not just treating symptoms. There is a great deal of research available in these areas that support their effectiveness, including nutrition, vitamins/minerals, chelation, homeopathy, etc.

Holistic Medicine: At its heart, all good medicine is holistic -- whether practiced by md's, do's, or nd's. To me it's sad when physicians of any background forget the need to attend to the whole patient in their work, and overlook the role that healing plays in patient outcomes. Relationship is essential to this process. I believe we all can do better, and that patients like you need to remind us. Thank you.

Holistic medicine: It is the practice of medicine that takes into consideration the "whole person" in diagnosis and treatment. The causes of pathology are addressed through diet, lifestyle and environmental factors and treatments are designed to support the body and optimize the health of the patient.

Holistic Medicine: Is a form of healing that considers the whole person (body, mind, spirit, & emotions), to achieve optimal health & wellness. This is achieved by gaining proper balance in life. For example, if persons suffers headaches, treatments would involve looking at modifying diet, sleep habits, medications, stress, spiritual practices, etc. , in order to bring back the balance.

Treats the whole pt : Holistic implies that the complete individual is treated, not just the disease. That is, the stress, living situation, nutrition etc are taken into consideration when treating , say, the flu. This can be a good thing. Problem is it opens the door to many intuitively hoped-for but scientifically unproven theories such as ' energy imbalances or imaginary toxins., etc. Check http://NCCIH.nih.org

Natural healthcare: Holistic medicine is a term used to describe therapies that attempt to treat the patient as a whole person. Instead of treating an illness, holistic medicine looks at an individual's overall physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing and natural biocompatible remedies are used to fuind the cause of suymptoms and heal it.

Inclusive: One way to describe it ... Holistic medicine includes the physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual aspects. It may include natural supplements, vitamins, herbs and homeopathic solutions. Many holistic practitioners prefer to stay away from antibiotics when possible. These days many doctors are including treatments which previously may have been considered alternative treatments.