What do you think of when you think of Holistic Health or Alternative Medicine
You may say acupuncture, reiki, nutrition or herbal remedies. And you are correct, in part. The above represent just a few of the many holistic modalities familiar and available to many people.
Traditionally, holistic healing is generally defined as a philosophy of health care that focuses on the whole person and uses natural andor spiritual methods to bring about a cure. Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects are explored so that the cause of the imbalance can be addressed.
As with allopathic medicine, the primary reason people turn to holistic methods are physical concerns. But focusing on the physical alone is not enough. Researchers have now begun to prove what was believed to be true for some time. According to the Center for Disease Control, the Mayo Clinic and other leading health authorities, at least 90% of diseases are stress related. They have found that people process stress differently based on the programming in our cellular memory, much of which is put in place in early childhood.
When we hold on to negative emotions such as fear and anger, consciously or subconsciously, it weakens the immune system and creates a disruption in our energy system. Although it may take years, this fosters an environment ripe for disease. Some of these stressors are forgotten as they were formed and stored in early childhood. To the adult mind, little issues like a dropped candy or broken toy now appear to be non-issues. But if they were traumatic to the child you and not released, they are now part of your programming and cellular memory.
The good news is that this research is coming from the allopathic community. Although there is still much progress to be made, complementary modalities are making their way into the mainstream. There are Holistic Nurses, Naturopathic Doctors and psychologists who routinely use energy psychology techniques such as EFT with patients. Energy workers are welcome in some operating rooms. Some insurance companies cover acupuncture and massage.
A New Paradigm
In light of this integration, and the fact that both models have so much to offer, I would like to suggest a slightly different definition and model of Holistic Healing.
A philosophy of health care focusing on the whole person (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) using natural, allopathic andor spiritual methods to restore health based on the needs of each individual.
The primary focus of such care would be to remove the cause, not just the effect (symptoms). In other than emergency and critical situations, patientsclients are first educated and supported as they make necessary lifestyle changes and use natural means of healing before resorting to synthetic drugs or unnecessary surgery. Yes, compliance is a big issue and will also have to be addressed. This too is part of our programming and may be a good place to start.
Let me share an example of how this holistic model worked in my own experience.
After my teenage son had jaw surgery, he needed and took strong painkillers, yet he would repeatedly ask me for Therapeutic Touch treatments to help him handle the pain. At home I continued the treatments along with strong nutritional support (since I controlled his liquid diet). Healing was supposed to take six to nine months. Ten weeks after surgery, in total disbelief of the X-rays, the doctor released him, saying he had never seen anyone heal so fast.
For illustrative purposes I am providing a breakdown of the four levels of healing and a few modalities and practices often associated with each one. In reality, the lines are much more blurred. Aromatherapy, for example, can be used to address issues at all levels. In addition, these four energetic levels, although separate, do intermingle. What affects one layer affects all, sometimes imperceptibly, other times noticeably and dramatically.
The four levels
Physical- physical therapy, chiropractic, reiki, herbal remedies, pharmaceuticals, nutrition, supplements, exercise, massage, acupuncture.
Emotional- Emotional release techniques such as EFT and Z Point Process, Flower Essences, support groups.
Mental- Homeopathic medicine, change our thinking and belief systems, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), aromatherapy, education.
Spiritual- Meditation, forgiveness, gratitude, practicing presence, connecting to Source, loving ourselves enough to heal.
Until the system catches up with this holistic view, I hope you consider incorporating a whole self approach as part of your individual health care regimen. Your whole self will thank you.
Tags: cellular memory, complementary modalities, energy psychology, holistic methods, holistic modalities, negative emotions, new paradigm, physical concerns, psychology techniques, spiritual methods