Holistic health, also known as complementary and integrative health, focuses on the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This whole-body approach recognizes that being unwell in one aspect of your life can have a negative impact on the others. Holistic treatments include meditation, acupuncture, yoga, supplements, massage therapy, healthy eating, and regular exercise.
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FAQ
What are the core principles of holistic health?
Treating the entire person, not isolated symptoms, is the key principle of holistic health. It emphasizes disease prevention, and it empowers you to take an active role in your own health.
How does holistic health differ from conventional medicine?
Conventional medicine typically addresses specific symptoms, and it often looks at the body as a collection of separate systems and organs. Holistic health addresses the whole person, including your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
What practices are common in holistic health?
Mind-body practices such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and breathing exercises are some of the techniques used to keep the entire body balanced and healthy.
Can holistic and conventional treatments be used together?
Yes, that is often the case. Combining conventional medical treatments, like medications or surgery, with complementary and integrative medical techniques is both safe and effective.
How does lifestyle impact holistic health?
Much of holistic health revolves around making healthy lifestyle choices. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and social connection are all fundamental components of this wellness approach.
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Justin Laube, MD
Medical Reviewer
Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, a...
Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She comp...
Grant Chu, MD, is an associate clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Chu is also associate director of inpatient East-West consult services at the ...
Angela D. Harper, MD, is in private practice at Columbia Psychiatric Associates in South Carolina, where she provides evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for adul...
Heidi Green, MD, is board certified in psychiatry, addiction medicine, and lifestyle medicine. She currently divides her time between maintaining a small private practice and worki...
Seth Gillihan, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, who helps people find personal growth by making important changes in their thoughts and...
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