Pros Cons On Holistic Approach In Medicine
Holistic Approach In Medicine
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Holistic Medicine Definition
As a concept, Holistic Medicine is a model in medical practice upholding that all aspects of people's needs,
psychological, physical and social, should be taken into account and seen as a whole. Holistic medicine
recognizes that the mind, spirit, lifestyle, environment, and other aspects of a person's existence significantly
affect the functioning of the physical body.
The practical mission of Holistic medicine promotes the healing philosophy that views the patient as a whole
person, not as just a disease or a collection of symptoms.
The Holistic Approach in Medicine
The holistic approach in medicine uses the tenant that Holistic health deals with a wellness approach that
addresses mind body and spirit synergy for the individual in their everyday life. A holistic approach in medicine
emphasizes the body or physical aspect of wellness directly.
In other words, the holistic approach in medicine does not ignore the mind or the spiritual aspects of wellness,
but, rather, deals with it in conjunction of the physical aspect directly.
In addition, the holistic approach in medicine encourages input as well as responsibility from the patient or
client. It is the health practitioner’s responsibility to help provide the knowledge necessary for the individual
client or patient to assist in their wellness. In this way, the client or patient can be a true partner with their
Physician or Health Care provider.
Holistic Medicine Practitioners
In the simplest terms, any licensed health practitioner educated in holistic, alternative, or wellness therapies or
practices, can qualify as a holistic medicine practitioner. In addition, the qualified health practitioner must
actually promote and practice the tenants of holistic healing.
The types of holistic practitioners that practice holistic medicine is great; even if the number of holistic
practitioners for each type is small.
Types of Physicians that are Qualified to practice Holistic Healing:
Allopathic Physicians – MD’s
Osteopathic Physicians – DO’s
Podiatric Physicians – DPM’s
Naturopathic Physicians – ND’s
Dental Physicians – DMD’s
Chiropractic Physicians – DC’s
Other health practitioners qualified to practice Holistic Healing includes:
Acupuncturists
Massage Therapists
Herbalists
Other alternative practitioners
Not every practitioner qualified to practice holistically actually does.
Pros cons on Holistic Medicine
There is wide agreement that the benefits and advantages to a holistic approach in medicine are great. However, in the interest of objectivity, there are those that say
there are some cons on holistic medicine. But, even some of the healing practice detractors would say that the pros on holistic medicine outweigh the cons. The
pros cons on holistic medicine are as follows:
Pros
Path to true wellness
Few would argue that a holistic approach in medicine is one of the best ways to approach true wellness. True wellness is not the fountain of youth, but it is as close
as we can get. A holistic approach takes into account mind and body. We know from science, that our emotional and environmental state has a great effect on our
physical state. Therefore, the best way to achieve true wellness is through a holistic approach in medicine.
Lower Cost of Health Care
One of the hallmarks of American medicine is the fantastic way that it deals with acute medical situations. We have some of the best technology and critical care in
the world. However, this comes at a price. Literally, the price for acute and critical care is high. Researchers have known for some time that a holistic approach in
medicine that involves preventative care can dramatically reduce the cost of Medical Care.
Better Quality of Health Care
A lower cost for Medical Care, means nothing if the quality of the care suffers. A holistic approach in medicine is a great way to look at the client are patient as a whole.
Because the patient or client is seen as a whole, it forces medical practitioners to consider many more factors. The increase in factors considered and the emphasis
on the whole person will dramatically increase the quality of the care a client or patient receives.
Better Future Adaptability
Health care is changing all the time. The technology involved with healthcare changes even faster. What may be an acceptable and helpful treatment today may be
overtaken by something better tomorrow. A holistic approach in medicine assures that far reaching examinations and conclusions are made about each client for
patient. Because this is done practitioners have better adaptability to better treatments in the future.
Cons
Encouragement of unrepeatable Agents
Because many of the approaches and therapies and holistic healing involve issues that are spiritual or a motion all, therapies may be forwarded to patients and
clients that do not work. There are many unscrupulous individuals that prey on the hopes and fears of vulnerable patients are clients. Holistic and wellness medicine
seem to have more than their share of less than reputable agents. The best way to avoid problems is to only deal with a qualified, licensed professional.
Decreased Objectivity and Clinical Rigor
The public needs to make sure, that holistic treatments have an objective and clinical bases for their use. Too often, treatment success is based on what one or two
people say. Not everything in any aspect of medicine can always be conclusively proven. There are many things that we still do not know. But, we must still rely on the
clinical judgment of licensed, expert practitioners that have clear objective reasons for the procedures and therapies that they propose.
Greater Demand on Assessment
Until now, it has been difficult to objectively assess progress from holistic approaches. Current research and science is constantly developing new an easier ways to
assess the whole body health of a patient are client.