Holistic healing has been growing in Western medicine over recent years with more people seeing the benefits of how it supports their mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Sometimes people can be skeptical of holistic health, seeing it as a gimmick or “wrong” to mix the body and spirituality in healing. However, as the field continues to grow, studies are showing the benefits of treating all layers of health.
What is Holistic Healing?
Holistic healing is an approach to treatment that focuses on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It focuses on improving wellness, reducing stress, and improving the connection between the mind and the body.
Holistic therapies are often tailored to the unique needs of each individual, understanding that no healing journey looks the same. It incorporates traditional therapies with alternative approaches to promote mindfulness and heal the root of health problems.
Common Approaches to Holistic Healing
There are tons of holistic treatments available to support the mind, body, and spirit. Some holistic services may be used for wellness and stress reduction, while others are supplemented with standard therapies to support mental health disorders. Some of the most common approaches include:
- Massage increases circulation and decreases stress. It can help inflammation in trauma patients, manage pain like fibromyalgia, or help symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety.
- Yoga focuses on movement, meditation, and breathwork. It has benefits to support both physical and mental health problems. It can teach patients how to be mindful, reduce stress, and release trauma stored in the body.
- Reiki helps balance energy in the body. This is thought to encourage mental and physical healing.
- Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique used for 1,000 years to help alleviate pain and balance energy in the body. It uses tiny needles to stimulate energy points known as meridians.
Benefits of Holistic Healing
The benefits of holistic healing continue to grow as research uncovers how holistic therapies can support mental and physical health. Holistic therapies recognize that what benefits some, may not benefit others.
Empowers Patients
Holistic healing can help empower patients to have a voice and choice in their treatment programs. It is a person-centered approach to healthcare that gives patients more control over their services.
Non-Invasive
Holistic healing treatments focus on lifestyle changes and healing the body without procedures or medication. Services like yoga, breathwork, and movement therapy are non-invasive and medicine-free with little side effects.
Relieves Pain
Treatments such as massage, yoga, and acupuncture can greatly help reduce chronic inflammation that causes chronic pain. Stress can be toxic to one´s physical health and by focusing on the root of pain, rather than just symptoms, it can support long-term outcomes.
Promotes Mindfulness
Holistic therapies teach patients to increase self-awareness, live in the moment, and stay mindful of lifestyle choices. It can help them become more aware of their bodies and understand what benefits their health.
Helps Mental Health Problems
Holistic treatment has great results in supporting mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and OCD. They can be a great supplemental therapy paired with conventional treatment to help develop positive coping skills and decrease stress.
Improves Digestion & Sleep
Holistic therapies focus on improving the brain-gut connection with the understanding that the mind and body are connected. Many times this can include improving nutrition to eat a balanced diet that helps decrease inflammation, balance hormones and improve overall digestion.
It also focuses on the importance of sleep, which is essential for our overall health. Chronic pain, anxiety, and stress can all prevent individuals from getting a proper night of rest. Lack of sleep can increase underlying health problems and even shorten one´s lifespan.
What To Expect From The Holistic Approach?
Patients looking for holistic therapies can expect empathy, compassion, and treatment plans designed around their individual needs. Most holistic practitioners will take the time to understand your story, symptoms, and what you have tried in the past and set goals with you to meet your health needs.
Holistic approaches can look different for everyone. While some plans may focus on nutrition and an entire treatment plan to make drastic lifestyle changes, other plans may be as simple as indulging in a massage 1x a week.
Is Holistic Healing For Me?
Holistic healing can be highly individualized to treat several physical and mental health problems. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or chronic pain and have already tried conventional treatments, it may benefit you to try holistic healing.
Holistic Approach in Utah
Harper Clinic is a state-of-the-art functional medicine clinic treating mental & physical health problems. We focus on the root of sickness and healing the brain-gut connection to support your healing journey.
We offer holistic therapies such as massage, yoga, reiki, acupuncture, and more to support the mind, body, and spirit.
