Holism - Answers To Commonly Asked Questions

Holism in general means something as a whole. Yet we often hear the term applied to holistic medicine. It is no surprise to hear this term. Many people use holistic medicine every day of their lives. It is a philosophy and a life style that many people are embracing. They want to live healthier lives without the overuse of prescription medicines. They want to embrace the whole body rather than just parts. If you are someone curious about holism and holistic medicine in general, this article is for you.

What is holistic health?

Holistic health is a sum of the whole body. It encompasses the mental, psychological, sociological and medical issues that the body undergoes on a daily basis. It has only been recently that the medical community has begun to understand that treating a disease or problem must be tackled from the whole perspective of the human senses. It is not just some 'quack' medical practices as some people believe alternative medicine to be. For centuries people have practiced holistic medicine without knowing the exact terminology.

Is alternative medicine considered to be holistic?

Yes, alternative medicine is considered to be holistic. It is, after all, a philosophy that encompasses more than just one part of health. It is a discipline that also focuses on the mind and spirit of an individual as a whole. Alternative medicine is not a new practice. It has long been a method of treatment dating back thousands of centuries. People have always practiced some form of alternative medicine but it was not until the 1960's that it gained in popularity. It did decline during the 1980's and 90's but has recently began to enjoy a revival as more people want to do away with their standard medical treatments and begin focusing on their entire body as a whole.

Can I become a holistic practitioner?

You can indeed become a holistic practitioner. In the case of alternative medicine practices it takes going to school and learning about the different alternative medicine treatments that are given. You may have to learn acupuncture or reflexology as well as learn how the spirit is affected by certain illnesses. Many medical doctors are now taking alternative medicine classes as ways to help their patients combat certain conditions. The first step is to become educated on the different schools of thoughts when it comes to being a holistic practitioner.

What are the different holistic therapies in reference to alternative medicine practices?

There is a huge array of different alternative medicine practices. Some you may already be familiar with such as chiropractic services. More people are turning to a chiropractor for adjustments to their bones and joints. This is just one of the many treatment options that falls outside conventional medical practices. An alternative medicine practitioner may also study homeopathy, naturopathy and herbal medicine as ways to treat a person's condition without falling immediately into the prescribed medicine practices that are so prevalent.

Traditional Healing in Modern Medicine

You've heard that it's takes a village to raise a child, but Dr. Mehl-Madrona believes that it often takes a community to heal someone who is ill. The indigenous ways have much to teach us. In his books and this interview he tells us stories that he's told to his patients to help in their healing process. These stories give us universal wisdom and strength.

• Discover how to use the community to help your friends and family heal
• See how to integrate contemporary medicine with traditional healing
• Learn the traditional meaning of the Four Directions
• See how you can use stories to enhance the healing process
• Discover the hidden meaning of the Native American Medicine Wheel
• Be Inspired to live in harmony with the seasons and nature
• Learn about the real meaning of “success” in healing
• Explore how to use our ancestors’ spirits in healing and story
• Find out what the benefits of ceremony can be in your life
• Learn to create your own ceremonies for daily living
• See how the Ravens Beak story relates to modern health issues

Lewis Mehl-Madrona holds an M.D. from Stanford University and has been a practicing doctor for over 20 years. An experienced healer who has led many Native American healing ceremonies, Dr. Mehl-Madrona has also headed traditional medical clinics, helping AIDS and cancer patients as well as researching the benefits of relaxation techniques to aid in the natural correction of breech positioned babies. He is currently an Associate Professor of Family Practice at the University Of Hawaii School Of Medicine. He has been studying and working in the field of Native American and indigenous healing for many years.