Holistic Medicine or Traditional Medicine for You?

We see the terms Holistic Medicine and Alternative Medicine a lot on the Internet today. They seem to be used interchangeably. But do you really understand the meaning of the terms? What is Holistic Medicine and how is it different from Traditional Medicine? It can be confusing.

The terms “traditional” or “allopathic” or “conventional” basically refer to the type of medicine practiced in the Western world. This approach to health is relatively new in human history when compared to the Chinese healing arts of 5000 years ago. Traditional medicine is scientific-based medicine. You must have data, you must have proof, and you must be able to show your proof in a laboratory setting.

Traditional Medicine believes something physical is present to cause disease, like a virus or a bacterium, and you must be treated for that disease by a prescription drug or, if necessary, surgery in order to get better.

The Holistic Approach to Health Care is quite different. This philosophy states that you become sick when emotional, psychological, or spiritual stresses overwhelm and weaken the immune system. Holistic Medicine works by finding the cause of the stress in the patient’s life, helping the patient cope with that stress, and supporting the body’s natural healing process with things like proper nutrition, herbal supplementation, and other non-invasive techniques. The treatment always boosts the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Some refer to Holistic Medicine as “Alternative” Medicine, as in an alternative to traditional medicine. According to Carolyn Myss and Norman Shealy in their book “Creation of Health,” the term “alternative” should actually apply to the various techniques used in the Holistic Health field, such as Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, and Medical Herbalism.

The term “Holistic” does not refer to a technique. It is an approach to health and healing that emphasizes the connection between mind, body, and spirit. The body is treated as a whole, with each state working in tandem with the others.

The Holistic approach empowers the patient to accept responsibility for his/her own health and treatment. The healthcare provider forms a partnership with the patient so that together they can develop the best possible treatment plan for the patient.

Holistic Health requires a commitment to the healing process. It is not a quick fix; pop a pill, and go home. You’re cured. It is a continuous striving toward optimal health, not just the absence of sickness.

Traditional medical doctors often refer to the “alternative” techniques they use in their practice, like Physical Therapy or Massage Therapy, as “complementary” to the drug and surgical procedures they regularly use. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a branch of the National Institutes of Health, has gathered compelling evidence of how well Holistic Health techniques work in treating disease and promoting health and well-being.

As more and more people search for alternatives to prescription drugs and surgery, Holistic Medicine and its natural remedies will continue to offer safe and effective treatments. Traditional Medicine will always be the major player in emergency care and acute, life-threatening illnesses. Ultimately it is up to each individual to decide which treatment option is best for his or her needs.

Holistic Doctor Mom

Stay-at-home moms, work-at-home moms, ivy league moms and professional working women can all be extremely successful both in the home and workplace, but there is nothing like a sudden illness in the family to grind life to a screeching halt. A child or spouse who is suddenly ill is a terrible strain and worry for many women. Long waiting times and high medical bills at the doctor’s office only make the situation worse. That’s why many smart work at home moms and professional working women are finding holistic remedies and alternative health medicine to be a great solution to many common ailments.

It is important to never use alternative health remedies without doctor’s supervision. Although these remedies are generally quite safe, allergies and correct diagnosis are critical. Always use common sense and see a medical professional for guidance before embarking on any remedy.

That said, many savvy stay-at-home moms and working moms know that sometimes a little natural health cure goes a long way towards healing. Alternative health, especially, can be a great solution while waiting for a doctor’s opinion. Consider that colds and flus are a very common problem that can be used quite substantially improved with home remedies. If a child or spouse is down and out with the flu or cold, studies have proven that hot chicken noodle soup actually helps ease sinus congestion and coughing. Doses of vitamin C during flu and cold season also help to speed recovery. Rest, lots of fluids, and careful hand-washing all help keep both the family and mom safe and healthy.

Another common problem in today’s families is allergies. Today, many children develop serious allergies as well as asthma and other respiratory ailments. Even with medication, some suffering is inevitable. Some natural remedies can actually help ease allergy problems, and can still be used with medication. For example, wearing natural fibers such as cotton and cleaning clothing in all-natural soaps can help ease some symptoms associated with pollen allergies and asthma. Staying indoors during pollen season and steering clear of industrial complexes and major highways means taking in fewer chemical irritants and exhaust that can worsen allergy symptoms.

For tension headaches, stress, and anxiety, aromatherapy is an excellent option. Lighting a scented candle with a soothing sent — such as lavender or chamomile — can have an instant calming effect. A warm bath or soothing massage with the same scent can also help. These tips are also great for calming down an overactive child before bedtime.