HOLISTIC APPROACH WITH ACTIVE PATIENT PARTICIPATION:
The patient plays an active role in applying the holistic stimulus to himself or herself.
Here the role of the doctor is to help the patient find ways in which he or she can help himself or herself become healthier generally, in addition to alleviating or eradicating illness.
In REMEDIAL DIETETICS a change in one's eating habits can act as a powerful, holistic stimulus to health. This is because the food we eat is not only fuel for the body but also the raw material out of which the body must regenerate itself. Thus a healthier diet or even a short, medically supervised fast on fruit and vegetable juices can result in major changes in health and amelioration of symptoms. In this way changes in diet become the treatment or remedy but it is essential that the diet be carefully tailored to suit the needs of the individual. |
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STRESS RELEASE is another important holistic stimulus. There is little doubt that stress is an important aggravating and even causative factor in many illnesses such as irritable bowl syndrome, stomach ulcers, chronic headaches and high blood pressure. Meditation, breathing techniques, relaxation tapes and Autogenic Training - a powerful stress-releasing and stress-proofing technique - can allow people to releases a lot of tension, feel more relaxed and on the path to good health. This can result specifically in great improvements in their illnesses.
Regular EXERCISE, as we all know, makes us feel fitter and more vibrant in ourselves. This can result in an improvement in many of our symptoms. Hatha Yoga is a very sophisticated form of physical education stimulating not only the heart, lungs and muscles but also the internal organs of the body. Tai Chi is a refined series of movements causing the participant to feel energised and relaxed. The Alexander Technique teaches us to use our bodies more gracefully, helps to conserve energy and reduces wear and tear. Any form of sport or exercise, even a ten minute walk every morning, can act as a holistic stimulus and have a positive impact on health.
When we take on the responsibility for doing things to make us feel better, the renewed energy and positive attitude acts as an holistic stimulus on the whole body and can actually activate the healing process.
There are many other therapies in which we can actively participate in making ourselves healthier. Many of these may be used at the same time as using holistic therapies such as homeopathy and acupuncture or conventional medication. Furthermore, different types of treatment used simultaneously may also compliment each other - hence the term 'Complimentary medicine'. A sufferer from irritable bowel syndrome, for example, does not have to come off the prescribed medication to try an holistic approach. He may be prescribed a homeopathic medicine, encouraged to learn a deep relaxation technique and to eat a healthier diet all at the same time. As he begins to feel better and the symptoms of the illness improve, it will become clear to both doctor and patient that less and less medication is needed until sometimes it can be dispensed altogether.
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