What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health has gained a lot of popularity in the past few years, and rightfully so… but what exactly is it? Of course, it’s a “holistic” approach to health, but let’s talk about exactly what that means.

The definition of holistic according to Google is this: “characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.” You may have also heard that a ‘holistic’ approach is a ‘mind, body, soul’ approach. We’ll keep both of these definitions in mind moving forward.   

In medicine, there are several different types of holistic practices. Whether it’s a holistic nutritionist, or a homeopathic doctor, any form of a holistic practice means that to are take into account the WHOLE person, not just the ailment that they are dealing with. Because of this, they often find the root cause of this issue at hand.

There are several practices of holistic health. Here is a list of some with simple definitions:

• Homeopathy
  • Homeopathy is a medical practice rests on the principle that the body can heal itself. It may use herbs, nutrition, and other natural remedies to strengthen the systems of the body that need to be focused on.

• Chinese Medicine
  • Chinese medicine is an ancient practice used by the Chinese for healing the body. This includes but is not limited to acupuncture, cupping, massage therapy, and herbal remedies.

• Herbalism 
  • Used in the above topics, herbalism is the practice of using plants and their specific properties to treat illness or strengthen the body.

• Massage Therapy
  • Massage therapy is manipulating the body’s tissues, such as the muscles or fascia. There are several different approaches, all for the intention of healing muscle, joint, and stress-induced pain.

• Chiropractic
  • Chiropractic care is focused on the musculoskeletal system with a major focus on the spine and bodily alignment.

• Hot/Cold Therapy
  • This is a practice that alters the environmental temperature to shock the body, often making it more resilient. This includes ice baths, saunas, or other extreme temperature related activities.  

• Cupping Therapy 
  • Cupping therapy suctions sections of the skin with heated cups for pain relief, muscle relaxation, and increased blood flow.

• Psychotherapy  
  • Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental health issues with a medical professional through discussions and activities.

• Acupuncture
  • Acupuncture uses tiny needles that are inserted at certain pressure points of the body. This is used for several types of physical healing.

• Physical Therapy 
  • Physical Therapy is often used after an injury or diagnosed musculoskeletal issue. It remedies and heals the body through specific movements.

• Nutrition/Dietetics
  • Nutritionists and dietitians are a little different. While both focus on food & behavior, nutritionists give basic advice about food & healthy habits, whereas dietitians are more clinical and prescribe a food plan or regimen.

• Personal Training 
  • Personal training is the instruction of several types of exercises. These can help with several things such as weight management, sleep, appetite, circulation, and so on.

*Please talk to your doctor and do your own research if you are trying to treat a specific ailment, and check out my disclaimer.

Some of these treat the body, some the mind, and some the soul as well. Many times, the focus is to treat them all together. Holistic health isn’t limited to these practices, either. It can be practiced daily in a sure and simple way. As I previously mentioned, the mind, body, and soul are all connected. They should be treated and cared for as such. Nevertheless, let’s break down some things to consider for each category to see how they all work together!

Physical health can be defined by the way you take care of your body including hygiene, exercise, and nutrition. I like to see it as the outer manifestation of what’s going on inside. It’s the one we (as well as everyone else) are able to see with our own eyes, and often where we find the symptoms if we have any issues arise. To take care of your physical health is not just to go to the doctor once a year and answer some questions. Remember I mentioned before, holistic health is a lifestyle approach. It is a daily practice. Here are some things to take into account when considering your physical health: 

1. Sleep. Make sure you’re getting 6 hours minimum per night. Everyone’s different, but a general rule is 6-9 hours. An inconsistent or lacking sleep schedule can affect your hormones and in turn affect many other factors of your physical health such as skin health, weight, and energy levels.
   
2. Nutrition. Eating nutrient dense, whole foods is a must. Make sure you get your veggies, fruits, healthy fats and protein everyday, so you get your needed nutrients.
   
3. Hygiene. Yes, keeping clean is important for more than just the people around you. Brushing your teeth affects more than just your teeth. You must take care of them, it’s the only part of your skull you can see! Healthy hygiene practices can keep you from getting sick, keep skin clear, and keep the body healthy.
   
4. Exercise. It clears the head, strengthens the body, and takes care of the heart. Resistance training and cardiorespiratory training should be incorporated regularly, at least 2-3 times a week of each.
   
5. Getting outside. Sunlight and fresh air is life-changing. For example, you can go on a walk, take your shoes off in the front yard, or just sit in the sun directly. If you stay out in the sun without sunscreen for about 10-15 minutes, you’ll get your needed vitamin D for the day! Further, exposing yourself to the elements encourages the resilience of the body. Lastly, being in direct contact with nature (such as touching a tree with your hand or standing barefoot on the ground) can help your immune system and gut bacteria (crazy, I know)!
   
6. Reducing toxins in your environment. This is a complicated one, which I cover more in this blog here. Cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and even some foods have toxins that wreak havoc on the body’s systems. Certainly, it is good to try to opt for more natural or DIY options and avoid products with questionable ingredients.

Mental health is how you take care of your mental state. This category includes both your emotional health and social health (the health of your relationships). Mental health can be affected by many things, even some things in the physical health category (another reason why the holistic approach is the best). Here are some things to consider when taking care of your mental health: 

1. Therapy. Talking to a medical professional and hashing out your feelings and emotions is a huge help for many people, even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental illness. It’s great to see the root of your habits and reactions, and work through the emotions you have with someone who understands them.
   
2. Cultivating healthy relationships. Spend time with the people you love. Remember, you are the sum of who surrounds you, so make sure you love them (and they love you) & take time to spend with them! However, don’t forget about boundaries. Set boundaries, don’t overbook your schedule, and avoid toxic behaviors (whether from others or yourself). This helps to balance life and encourages the cultivation of healthy relationships, too!
   
3. Screen time. This is a hard one, I know. While I understand many are on a computer all day at work, it is good to try to limit or reduce the time you spend on a screen that is mindless. This means scrolling or TV binging. It’s often too easy to let it crowd out other things in life, so stay aware of how much time you’re spending in front of a screen.
   
4. Physical health. Again, every factor of physical health can help clear your mind and help your mental health, such as working out, a healthy diet, or a non-toxic environment.
   
5. Stress management. Another hard one. Take inventory of what areas of your life are stressing you out the most and act accordingly. Don’t make too many commitments, take time for yourself, and do things that reduce the bad stress in your life such as working out or practicing a hobby.
   
6. Reading, journaling, or another hobby. Some people love reading or journaling. Others see playing an instrument as a good emotional outlet. Some people just want to go on a walk and think! Find the activities that clear your mind and make you feel good, and incorporate them regularly.
   
7. Staying organized. Keeping an organized and clean environment can totally change how you feel about life. Planning and analyzing your schedule can reduce anxiety significantly. Whatever form of organization you prefer, don’t neglect it. Anxious and sad feelings can come from an unknown day or a messy area.

Spiritual health is the foundation of mental and physical health, and it may mean something different to each person. In general, it is taking care of your spirit by learning more and fully pursuing your personal values and beliefs. Spiritual health, some may argue, does not have to do with religion, and includes things like meditating or spending time in nature. While those things are great and necessary, if you have a religion you practice, your spiritual health depends on it. My personal spiritual health is based on Christianity. Here’s how I take care of my spiritual health, and you can act accordingly to what fits your life!

1. Prayer, listening, meditation. This is a daily thing that helps me lean on God, bring all of my cares to him, and seek His expertise. It is also very quiet, and is good for mental clarity in more ways than one.
   
2. Music. Historically and currently, music is a means to praise God and connect with Him, who is the Creator of the universe. This is powerful and extremely helpful to your spiritual health!
   
3. Reading. Reading Scripture changed my life, and it holds the keys to developing character, love for others, and the foundation of my belief. I also enjoy reading books about my own religion to strengthen my foundation. It is also good to learn how other religions & philosophies work to learn about the spiritual practices of others and how they may differ from my own.
   
4. Application. Sticking to your beliefs and applying them to your life is a spiritual practice. My religion calls me to live out the things I read and worship God through my daily life.
   
5. Taking care of my mental & physical health. Though I may sound like a broken record, body, mind & spirit really are all connected. My personal religion affirms this, calling followers of Jesus to treat their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, avoid gluttony & idols, and have self-control. Also, there are also several instances in Scripture of Jesus healing people with emotional & spiritual treatments for their physical bodies! How fitting.

Aside from my own religion, isn’t it interesting that almost all of the religions of the world have some type of rule or guidance around food? Isn’t it interesting that there are similar practices such as prayer, fasting, meditation, or reading? Many of these practices are also associated with mental health in our current culture, aside from religion.

With the culture we have in America (that’s where I’m at!), unhealthy food is glorified and obesity and chronic disease are on the rise. There are many unhealthy behaviors encouraged, whether its to look a certain way or feel a certain way. It is clear to see that we have fallen from grace in this category. Christianity agrees, as do many other ways of thoughts and religions— your physical & mental health has everything to do with your spiritual health. 

In conclusion, holistic health is a mind, body, & soul approach that is actually pretty simple. Though there may be many medicinal approaches based on holistic health, it begins with your daily habits. Considering your physical, mental, and spiritual health may be the key to helping you live a better life! Make sure you don’t neglect any area, and if you need treatment, consider some of the holistic health practices mentioned above. Much love, and see ya next blog.