This is a piece that I wrote about Holistic Health and everything that it encompasses. In this piece I go over the benefits of a holistic approach, holistic practices and a brief history of them as well as the focal points of a holistic practice.

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Holistic Health is an umbrella term for a group of different health and medicine practices. Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Plant Medicines and Yoga are some of the more popular practices. The culture of Holistic Health is a departure from the western health perspective and recognizes the interconnectedness of our body systems. It embraces the belief that optimal health and wellness can only be achieved through a balance of the mind, body and spirit. Instead of solely focusing on treating diseases or conditions, prevention is the primary goal. Holistic practitioners believe that our well being involves the whole body rather than just one isolated part. If one aspect is off, it affects the entire system

The term "holistic" comes from the Greek word "holos," meaning whole. It implies an approach to health and healing by considering all parts of an individual's being. For example, when a person experiencing muscle pain seeks a holistic doctor's help, the doctor will explore different causes. These causes may include things like diet and sleep habits, stress levels and even personal issues. By examining the whole picture, holistic practitioners address the root causes rather than simply alleviating symptoms.

Before antibiotics and MRI machines, people used what was around them for healing. The oldest evidence of plants for healing comes from a Sumerian clay tab of 12 recipes for medicine preparation. The tab refers to over 250 various plants, some being poppy and henbane. Ayurveda, a popular ancient medical tradition of India, dates back to the 6th century. Holistic health practices have been migrating to the United states since the 1900s and now the practices are gaining popularity in the United States. Individuals who are seeking a more personalized and clean path practice Holistic Health.

Holistic Practitioners recognize that wellness goes beyond physical health and includes our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social dimensions. Looking at the way that these parts of our life interconnect with each other is key to holistic health because they all have crucial roles in our well being. Mental wellness involves nurturing our cognitive abilities and managing stress. Physical wellness emphasizes the importance of exercise, nutrition, and taking care of our bodies. Emotional wellness focuses on understanding and managing our emotions. Spiritual wellness encourages connecting with our inner selves and our meaning of life. Lastly, social wellness speaks to the significance of relationships and having a strong network of friends and family.

Some of the things used in holistic health are teas, herbs, oils, supplements and food. Widely known practices such as Massage Therapy, Yoga, Reiki, Meditation, Acupuncture, and Yoga are common in the realm of holistic health. These practices aim to promote harmony and balance within the body, addressing not only physical symptoms but also mental and emotional well-being. Some traditional practices include movement, dancing, prayer and mindfulness.

There are many benefits to Holistic Practices. Meditation and Yoga have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting and improve brain function. Engaging in activities that nurture each dimension of our life such as yoga and exercise, eating better meals and meditation keep our life and mind balanced.

Prioritizing health is important, especially in the fast moving society that we live in. By adopting an integrated approach to our well-being, we can achieve optimal health, improve our quality of life, and find balance in the midst of the daily challenges we face. Let us embrace the holistic philosophy and nurture every aspect of our being for a happier and healthier life.