There are many benefits to modern western medicinal practices. However, modern medicine tends to focus on relieving symptoms once they occur, rather than creating a wellness mindset that keeps a body healthy long-term. Doctors rely on prescriptions to minimize symptoms rather than altering the body’s natural response to the environment. Believe it or not, there’s another way. Holistic medicine, used alone or in conjunction with western pharmaceutical medicine, can be a great way to cleanse the body and build internal strength. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Holistic Medicine?
According to WebMD, holistic medicine considers the whole person–body, mind, spirit, and emotions–with regards to achieving wellness. The goal of this medicine is to get all the parts of the body working in sync and return balance to the body. Holistic medicine dates back to the time of Hippocrates and is still widely practiced in many non-western societies. In recent years, holistic medicine has started making a comeback in western societies, and includes these popular trends:
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Acupuncture
• Massage Therapy & Cupping
• Fasting & Juicing
• Focusing on Wellness
Holistic medicine is great used alone or in conjunction with modern western medicine, especially to treat long-term chronic conditions that western medicine struggles to combat. These conditions include depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and even cancer.
Pros and Cons
Holistic medicine is, in general, a much more natural way of looking at achieving long-term health and wellness than pharmaceutical medicine. However, holistic medicine does have its downsides. Scientific research is just beginning to understand the benefits of holistic medicine. Because of that, the use of holistic medicine is not always well-regulated in the United States. Holistic medicine practices, when performed poorly, can cause more harm than good. Additionally, some conditions may require medicine to treat a condition adequately.
However, the benefit of holistic medicine is that it relies on resetting the body rather than filling it with chemicals. This focus means that the benefits often last longer than western medicine and don’t have the same side effects.
Pursuing a Career in Holistic Medicine
There are a number of different careers you can pursue within the holistic medicine purview. The most high-paying popular job in holistic medicine is that of a holistic health practitioner.
On average, holistic health practitioners make six figures a year, with the majority of high-paid practitioners working out of hospitals. To work out of a hospital, most holistic health practitioners need at least a Bachelor’s Degree, although you can do private practice with just a certificate of study.
Other careers in holistic medicine include:
• Yoga Instructor
• Masseuse
• Naturopath
• Acupuncture Specialist
• Life Coach
Holistic medicine is one more tool a well-rounded individual can use to stay healthy. A focus on holistic medicine is a focus on wellness rather than on recovery from illness. One of the best strategies to stay healthy long-term is to use a combination of long-term holistic wellness and short-term pharmaceutical care when necessary.