Holistic health, also called integrative medicine or holistic health, is a medical approach that focuses on treating and preventing disease while addressing multiple aspects of an individual's life, including mental, physical, spiritual, and social health.
Traditional medicine often focuses primarily on the physical symptoms of disease. Holistic health also focuses on how other aspects of a person's life, such as environment, spirituality, and culture, contribute to health.
Characteristics of holistic health include education, self-help, advocacy, lifestyle and behavior changes that promote better health, such as nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management, and relationship support.
Holistic health views the body as a whole system. It considers all aspects of an individual, including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, as contributing to overall health and well-being.
This approach to health promotes the idea that healing requires balancing the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of life. We focus on disease prevention for the whole person on an ongoing basis, rather than treating medical symptoms or conditions only when they occur.
Holistic health is often considered an alternative to conventional medicine and is sometimes classified as natural medicine. However, holistic health practitioners often work with more traditional medicine providers to optimize health outcomes. This is why it is called integrative medicine.
Medical and wellness care often includes traditional medicine, including medications and surgery. It also includes addressing mental and emotional health through self-care, education, and lifestyle modifications that promote better health.
Person-centered care
Holistic health is person-centered. It supports people to take an active role in their health and wellbeing and builds resilience – the ability to adapt to challenging experiences.
The holistic approach focuses on collaborative communication and goal setting. Healthcare providers and patients or clients share responsibility. They collaborate and together create a treatment plan based on each individual's needs, desires and current situation.
Many different types of medicine fall under the category of holistic medicine and can be used as part of a holistic medicine approach. Below are some of the more well-known types of evidence-based holistic medicine and examples of each.
- Mind-Body Therapy: meditation, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, guided imagery, tai chi; Art, music, dance/movement, expression/creative therapy
- Biologically based practices: Vitamin or dietary supplements, herbal supplements, and dietary changes
- Manual therapy or body-based therapy: Massage therapy, reflexology, chiropractic therapy
- Energy Healing: Reiki, therapeutic touch, reflexology, sound healing, chakra healing
- Overall health system: Ayurvedic medicine, Oriental medicine (TCM), naturopathic medicine, acupuncture
Holistic medicine includes complementary and alternative medicine. Complementary medicine is usually used in conjunction with more traditional medicine, while alternative medicine can replace more traditional medicine.
Integrative medicine is often more of a collaboration between multiple health care providers using different approaches.
There is evidence that a holistic approach to medicine can have serious impacts on health and wellbeing. For example, stress can increase your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Holistic health support includes stress management, which can reduce symptoms, lower disease risk, and improve overall quality of life.
Strengthens and promotes self-care.
One conceptual analysis and review of holistic health found that holistic care consistently helps people advocate for their own care and take responsibility for their own health. This helps patients manage their health and disease more effectively and improve their wellbeing.
Holistic health can also encourage greater self-care, which can increase self-esteem, self-regulation, personal growth, optimism, and dignity.
May reduce mortality
Holistic care can improve health outcomes for people with serious illnesses.
One study of stroke patients in Korea compared patients who received more traditional medical care with those who received a more holistic treatment approach. People who received more holistic care had higher health care costs and stayed in the hospital longer, on average. However, they reduced all-risk mortality 3 and 12 months after discharge from hospital.
Medical costs can be reduced
In some cases, holistic medicine may be more expensive. This often includes multiple types of care and more time with providers. Additionally, some full service providers do not accept insurance.
However, holistic medicine can reduce overall healthcare costs. For example, one study found that when people with pain received holistic care, their pain decreased and hospital costs decreased by 4%, saving an average of $898 per hospital stay.
Helps people cope with illness
Living with a serious illness can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Some studies have shown that people who receive treatment overall are better able to cope with their condition.
For example, one study found that cancer patients who receive holistic medical care are less likely to be distressed by their condition and more likely to participate in their own care.
Can increase patient satisfaction
People who receive care from comprehensive providers often experience high levels of satisfaction with their care. One small study examined the impact of holistic medicine on patient satisfaction. Patients surveyed reported increased satisfaction with their treatment and improved mental and emotional health. They also reported fewer symptoms.
Holistic health often means visiting a health care provider who takes a holistic approach to medicine. It also includes lifestyle modifications and activities that support all aspects of wellbeing. Holistic health puts you in charge of your health.
How do you add holistic health principles to your life? Here are some ideas:
- Physical health: Get regular physical activity and healthy, enjoyable exercise. Eat a healthy, nutritious diet. Consider dietary and vitamin supplements recommended by your qualified health care provider. Prioritize sleep.
- Mental Health: Practice gratitude or mindfulness meditation. Even a few minutes each day can help. Consider meeting with a licensed therapist or counselor to address any mental health issues you may be experiencing.
- Emotional Health: Learn how to manage your emotional health through strategies such as meditation, journaling, dance/art therapy, deep breathing exercises, therapy, or counseling.
- Social health: Connect socially with others frequently and consider social opportunities that improve your health and well-being, such as yoga or tai chi classes, dance classes, or hiking groups. Practice conscious communication. Stay present and communicate intentionally using thoughtful language.
- Spiritual Health: Find a spiritual outlet that aligns with your beliefs. This can include anything from practicing transcendental meditation, attending church or temple services, volunteering in your community, or spending more time in nature.
Many of these ideas fall into multiple categories. For example, prioritizing sleep can have a positive impact on all aspects of your health. The key is to recognize that health care involves a variety of strategies that create sustainable (long-term) self-sufficiency.
Many health care providers consider themselves holistic health professionals. Much more traditional doctors (MDs) often take a more holistic and preventive approach. Whichever service provider you choose, you will want to find someone who is qualified and highly trained.
Questions to ask potential providers include:
- What is your background, education, and certifications?
- How is the condition diagnosed?
- What disease is it and how is it treated?
- What research do you base your recommendations on?
- Will you be working with other health care providers?
- How often can I meet and communicate with you?
It may be helpful to read reviews of the holistic health professionals you are considering. A recommendation from your health care provider, close family member, or friend is very important.
Some experts who can help you get closer to holistic health aspects include:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) – e.g., integrative physician
- Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
- Functional medicine physician (MD or DO with functional medicine training)
- Functional Medicine Specialist (FMD)
- Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (DC)
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
- Oriental Medicine (TCM) Doctor
- homeopathic doctor
- Ayurveda Practitioner
- Qualified therapists (e.g. music, dance, art, creative therapists)
- acupuncturist
- massage therapist
- meditation teacher
- yoga instructor
- tai chi instructor
If you have a serious medical condition, consult your doctor before seeking care from a holistic doctor. Holistic care certainly has its place in more traditional medical models, but people with serious illnesses need to determine whether complementary approaches meet their medical needs.
There are many highly trained, holistic providers available. However, you may encounter someone who suggests herbal remedies or supplements that should not be used to treat your condition or that interact with medications you are taking. Just because something is natural doesn't always mean it's safe. This is especially true if you have an underlying disease.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new herbal supplement or diet.
Holistic Health in Medicine
Holistic health is becoming increasingly common in healthcare. Organizations with holistic health programs include:
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- U.S. Department of Defense Total Force Fitness Program
- Whole Health Institute
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
- Ornish Program to Reverse Heart Disease
Holistic health means considering all aspects of an individual, including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. This approach to health is often empowering. It can help prevent and treat a variety of conditions and increase overall satisfaction and well-being.
Many health care providers use a holistic approach combined with more traditional medical approaches for optimal results. Holistic health care can be incredibly valuable. However, if you have a specific medical condition, it is important to follow your doctor's advice.