Holistic healing is a form of health care that focuses on the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is based on the belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, and that this process can be facilitated by addressing the root cause of illness or imbalance rather than just treating symptoms.
While conventional medicine has its benefits, holistic healing offers an alternative approach that can be just as effective, if not more so, in the long term. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of holistic healing and provide scholarly study references to support our claims.
Benefits of Holistic Healing!
Improved Physical Health:
Holistic healing approaches often include a focus on natural remedies and healthy lifestyle choices. For example, a holistic practitioner may recommend dietary changes, exercise, and stress management techniques to improve physical health. These interventions have been shown to have long-term benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in people with prediabetes. Another study published in the journal Circulation found that a Mediterranean-style diet reduced the risk of heart disease by 30% in high-risk individuals.
Improved Mental Health
Holistic healing approaches also address mental health and emotional well-being. Stress, anxiety, and depression can all have a negative impact on physical health, so addressing these issues can have long-term benefits.
A meta-analysis of 10 studies published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that mindfulness-based interventions, which are commonly used in holistic healing, were effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice found that yoga was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with psychiatric disorders.
Improved Quality of Life
Holistic healing approaches can also improve overall quality of life. By addressing the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, individuals can experience greater satisfaction and fulfillment in life.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that holistic healing interventions, including acupuncture and yoga, were effective in improving quality of life in cancer patients. Another study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that massage therapy improved quality of life in patients with chronic pain.
Overall, I believe that while holistic care is not a fix all, or something that can entirely replace modern medicine, we have to really take a look at how we began, and what ancient remedies we have taken and over processed to give us what we have today and with that, the amount of side effects a lot of on the market medicines may have. As always, I urge my readers to always consult with your doctor, or primary care provider or holistic care doctor before anything. Do not stop taking medication without the guidance of a doctor or physician, and always be safe!
Scholarly Study References:
Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med. 2002;346(6):393-403.
Estruch R, Ros E, Salas-Salvadó J, et al. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a Mediterranean diet. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(14):1279-1290.
Khoury B, Sharma M, Rush SE, Fournier C. Mindfulness-based stress reduction for healthy individuals: A meta-analysis. J Psychosom Res. 2015;78(6):519-528.
Li AW, Goldsmith CAW. The effects of yoga on anxiety and stress. Altern Med Rev. 2012;17(1):21-35.
Lee SH, Kim JY, Yoo JH, et al. Effects of acupuncture on chronic fatigue syndrome and depression: A preliminary study. Korean J Fam Med. 2013;34(2):111-117.
Wilkinson SM, Love SB, Westcombe AM, et al
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