by Lauren Von Lehe

Created on: August 20, 2008

Holistic medicine, or the practice of treating the mind, body, and spirit rather than focusing only on specific symptoms, encompasses the whole body approach to healthcare. This ancient approach to medicine has proven to be highly effective and beneficial, even with today's advances in science. To appreciate holistic healthcare, you must first understand the history, process, and benefits of this approach.

History

Some scholars argue that the Bible is first to reveal concepts that would later lead to holistic health. With between 200 and 600 mentions of epidemics, quarantine, diet, preventative medicine, hygienic rules, and requirements for relaxation, Biblical principles are possibly the basics of alternative approaches to healthcare before it became a collection of practices.

Centuries later, Socrates promoted a holistic approach to health based on several ancient philosophies for healthy living and being in harmony with the natural world. Plato was another scholar who believed in this approach. He even worked as an advisor to the local medical community, encouraging them to recognize the relationship between the mind and the body. Hippocrates also advocated for the natural role of the body, encouraging doctors not to disrupt the natural healing process.

In 1926, Jan Christiaan Smuts named this traditional practice "holism," which was eventually changed to "holistic" in the 1970's. Today, doctors are able to receive training in treating the body as a whole. Those who practice holistic medicine believe it to be the first approach one must take to healing the body by bringing together the important aspects of physical, mental, and spiritual health in order to create the fullest sense of well being.

What Does it Involve?

The area of treatment through holistic medicine is very broad and includes practices such as aromatheraphy, craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, herbal remedies, healing touch, energy-based therapies, and prayer intervention. There are many possible directions to take when it comes to treatment that practitioners will adopt some of these, while deciding not to include others in their practice. Some professionals in the field even define holistic oncology as caring for both the emotional and spiritual regions, to the point of excluding the physical aspects. The many techniques a doctor might use depend on their training, background, the individual treated, and their illness. One thing that all holistic practitioners will share is that they all strive

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