Holistic healthcare focuses on the mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. It involves the use of natural, alternative, and complementary medicine. Holistic treatment not only addresses physical symptoms, but also a person's nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and spiritual and emotional well-being.

The Rapid Growth of an Ancient Tradition

Most of the holistic and alternative treatments originated in countries such as Egypt, Tibet, Persia, and the Far East. India and China are now using their knowledge of alternative medicine to cultivate medical tourism. The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the benefits of holistic treatments. WHO considers conditions such as asthma, eczema, digestive disorders, and headaches, as illnesses that can be improved with holistic and alternative treatments. A study conducted by the Harvard Medical School has shown that complementary and alternative medicine has become a permanent part of medicine. The wave of interest in complementary and alternative medicine in the late 20th century and early 21st century is evident from the increased use of alternative healthcare therapies. Harvard reported that visits to practitioners of alternative therapies have increased 47 percent since 1990. In 1997, Americans spent at least $27 billion on alternative therapies. It is estimated that Healthcare professionals trained in oriental medicine will increase to 24,000 by the year 2010. The number of chiropractors will nearly double from 55,000 to 103,000. (Healthcare Review, March 13, 2003 by Todd Hanson) Today, four out of ten Americans use some form of complementary or alternative medicine, and some projections speculate that by the year 2010 at least two-thirds will. (Psychology Today, March 2001, Guide to Natural Health by Norine Dworkin)

Progressive Thinking

More people are combining conventional medicine and alternative treatments in their search for better health. Although most people view holistic healthcare as modifying personal actions for self-improvement, the same holistic principles can be used to treat any disease or chronic condition. Alternative therapies tend to fall into five general categories: traditional systems (Chinese, Ayurvedic), mind-body interventions, hands-on body work, biological-based therapies (vitamins, herbs) and energy therapies. Whether conventional, complementary, or alternative, the holistic practice can be applied to any healthcare issue. As well, most practitioners of Western medicine in China use some form of Chinese medicine in their own practice.

The Future of Alternative Medicine

The increasing demand for alternative treatments is due to public concerns about healthcare accessibility, its rising costs, and conventional medicine's doctrine on the treatment of disease. Holistic practitioners teach their patients to be accountable for their own health. This approach tends to be cost-effective and key to optimal health. For instance, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, alternative therapies enhance each patient's quality of life through healing methods that address the body, mind, and spirit. Complimentary therapies offered include various types of massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, meditation, guided imagery, music therapy, and nutritional counseling. Patients are also offered classes in yoga, tai chi, and chair aerobics. (Healthcare Review, March 18, 2003, by Todd Hanson)

Conventional medicine is still the recommended choice in the treatment of trauma and emergencies, but complementary alternative methods of therapy to help manage such conditions as chronic pain is increasing. Consumers are fueling the growth of alternative medicine. More conventional doctors are realizing the importance of alternative therapies. As well, more alternative medicine papers are appearing in conventional medicine journals.

Alternative medicine no longer sits on the periphery of health care. It is important to understand that alternative and holistic treatments originated thousands of years ago and have been successful in healing millions of people worldwide.

A good resource for locating alternative medicine practitioners and hard to find therapies is AlternativesForHealing.com, a national holistic directory.