Whenever I am asked to give a presentation on Holistic Health care to an audience that I feel is rather new to this topic, I always begin by asking how many have used or are currently using holistic techniques.  Depending on the audience, 10% to 40% of the individuals may raise their hands. I then move on to ask of those who did not raise their hands, How many take any vitamins? How many exercise?  I even go on to ask How many even think about exercising?  After a laugh, these questions result in a majority of the audience raising their hands.  I then welcome them to the world of Holistic Health.

Holistic Health simply refers to taking into consideration the "Whole

Person" when dealing with an individual.  It also gives reference to using more natural products and techniques when preventing or treating illness.

One of the most important facts is that it is not to take the place of traditional medicine.  Both forms of health care are needed and it is up to each person to decide what he or she is going to use from each category.

Traditional medicine serves extremely well in trauma cases.  For example, if I break my arm I am first going to Emergency Room for x-rays and a cast.  I will then begin to use holistic modalities to assist healing and reduce pain.  In addition, holistic health techniques are very valuable in chronic illness.

Examples of a few Holistic techniques are Massage, Hypnotherapy, Herbal Medicine, Reflexology, Healing Touch, Aromatherapy, and Holistic Nutrition.

Even movement techniques such as Yoga and Tai Chi often fall in the category of Holistic Health Care. The list could continue due to the variety of holistic modalities. Holistic Medicine is also often referred to as Complementary Medicine, Alternative Medicine or Integrative Medicine.  These are basically names for a health care process that takes into consideration all aspects of the individual's lifestyle, physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

When an individual is considering of utilizing a form of Holistic Medicine, the first process must be to consult with his/her current health care professionals.  Many physicians are very open to their patients using holistic health techniques. To find a physician that supports his/her patient's choices in health care, begin by calling local hospitals and medical centers.  With over 60% of the American population utilizing some form of Holistic Medicine, many hospitals and clinics are starting their own complementary health care centers.  Also inquire at local health food stores and businesses that support holistic care. Due to consumer demand, many of these businesses have referral lists for physicians. It is very important that an individual have a team of health care professionals that are willing to work together and support the patient's requests. It is also vital that the team be created prior to an illness. When one is going thorough a crises, it is sometimes difficult to bring together the right professionals.

It is also important for the safety of the patient that all of the healthcare professionals know what the patient wants. Of the 60% of

Americans that use holistic health care, 70% do not tell their physicians.

This can result in severe health problems for the patient. It is not the holistic health care or traditional medical care that is causing the problem; it is the lack of communication. Patients interested in adding holistic care to their life must assume responsibility for their own health care and yet this can empower the patient to achieve the level of health they desire.

About The Author

Patti McCormick, R.N., Ph.D., is Founder and President of the Ohio Academy of Holistic Health, inc., (OAHH), one of the only state approved and federally accredited Holistic Health Schools in the United States.  OAHH also houses the Ohio Wellness Center, the clinical division, which offers holistic health care services through   physicians and additional health practitioners.  Call 937-708-3232 for more information.

The information in this article is not to take the place of the care and knowledge offered by your health care practitioner.  Please discuss with your physician / health care practitioner your individual health issues.

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