I was recently listening to a few individuals discussing holistic medicine. I reviewed my list of articles and found that it had been some time since I discussed the issue.

Most of us are used to what is known as allopathic medicine. It is sometimes called by the term Western Medicine. It focuses on finding disease and treating it. The focus is on treating diseases once they occur. There are some preventive measures included, like immunizations.

It works very well for acute care or trauma. It works very well for surgical conditions. Infections can be treated. Chronic disorders can be treated with medication.

Holistic medicine goes by many other names. Sometimes it is called complementary medicine. Sometimes it is called integrative medicine.

The goal is to look at the entire person and address a variety of interactive factors. Of course, those factors can be physical. They can also be mental. They can be spiritual. They can be environmental.

Sorting out the role each of these factors plays is not always easy. However, we know very well that non-physical factors can affect the way we feel.

There is a focus on why things are happening. For example, nutrition might be playing a role in the patient’s symptoms. While medication might be helpful, perhaps a change in diet will work.

Poor sleep habits may be causing physical symptoms. For example, inadequate sleep can interfere with glucose metabolism. This can increase the risk of diabetes. Inadequate sleep can also increase risks for hypertension and heart issues.

Chronic stress can cause physical symptoms. It can affect the circulatory system. It can effect the GI system. It can effect the immune system. It can cause musculoskeletal symptoms.

Practitioners of holistic medicine look at these factors and their influence on health. There are many different kinds of these individuals practicing medicine.

Acupuncturists are known for treatment of pain. They can also treat some of the GI symptoms associated with chemotherapy. They can help with stress urinary incontinence. They might be able to assist with sleep related issues.

Chinese medicine practitioners use techniques other than just acupuncture. They may use herbal remedies. They may use massage therapy. They may use exercise therapy. They undergo rigorous training to learn these techniques.

Naturopathic doctors attend a four year accredited naturopathic college. Their emphasis is on allowing the body to heal itself when that is possible. They look for other causes like diet or stress or poor sleep. Their focus is on wellness and treatment avoidance.

The real issue with holistic medicine is that anyone can claim to be a holistic healer. Some of them might actually have good practices. Some of them might be the equivalent of a snake oil salesman.

If you want to see someone who practices holistic medicine, you need to make sure that their approach lines up with your desires. You also need to make sure that you are getting a real benefit from the approach.