Recognising the whole in order to heal. At the heart of medicine with a holistic approach is the identification of body, mind and spirit as components of a unified system.
Looking at the individual in their bio-psycho-spiritual unity: this is the starting point of holistic medicine. Despite the powerful tools of biomedical research, experience has shown that acting on individual parts of a compromised whole is not enough to repair it entirely. Increasingly, a form of medicine capable of treating the patient in their totality, with a holistic approach, has been gaining ground.
The term "holistic" derives from the Greek word "olos", which carries the meaning of totality and wholeness. In medicine, this concept refers to the state of health in its entirety, and therefore to the union of body, mind and spirit. In practical terms, this translates into the concept of the holistic approach, which entered everyday language around the 1970s. It was during that period, in fact, that the Western world began seeking alternative solutions to conventional medicine. Holistic therapies, however, had already carved out a place within ancient healing traditions. Indian and Chinese medicine, dating back more than five thousand years, are concrete examples of this. Within Western societies, and in ancient Greece in particular, the holistic approach can be traced back to Hippocrates (460–370 BC). Known as the father of medicine, he believed that the factors underlying human health were multiple, and did not exclude environmental influences or emotional factors.
Holistic medicine is the broadest term used to encompass and describe a variable number of alternative therapeutic disciplines (as will be explored further below). The public's growing interest in this approach is due, in part, to the lack of curative solutions for various emerging or chronic conditions, but also to the high cost of modern medicines, their associated adverse effects, and the rise of phenomena that undermine available treatment tools, such as antibiotic resistance.
On the other hand, the holistic approach does not, at present, position itself as a reality that seeks to oppose or reject conventional medicine. Today, many doctors accept the demonstrated benefits of any alternative and/or integrative approach, sometimes drawing, in clinical practice, on modern and complementary methods. Such a scenario has, among other things, also helped to increase awareness among non-specialists and potential recipients of holistic medicine, in terms of its applicability and associated safety profiles.
Whatever the area of application, holism promotes and highlights the concept of the intimate correlation between the elements that make up the human being — the aforementioned body, mind and spirit. As a consequence, the healing of an individual affected by a potential health problem cannot be separated from this interconnection. Treatment must ultimately address all of these elements as a whole, rather than the individual pathological condition alone. Before proposing a treatment, in essence, the holistic practitioner examines the patient's general wellbeing, taking into account both physical and mental aspects.
Modern holistic medicine has by now attained marked popularity, gaining recognition across the world. It is certainly no coincidence that, as things currently stand, millions of people adopt the holistic method for their own healthcare.
In the vast universe of holistic medicine, several disciplines stand out for their effectiveness in treating the individual in their totality. Among the most widespread therapies are
Integrating these therapies into one's holistic care journey can offer tangible benefits, improving quality of life and strengthening the connection between mind, body and spirit. The choice of the most suitable therapy should be made according to individual needs and, where possible, with the guidance of a professional who is expert in the holistic field.
By way of practical guidance, the following are some aspects that may potentially be addressed with a holistic approach. In every case, it is essential to rely on expert practitioners in each specific field of application.
Holistic medicine can be an important source of support for those who have decided to have a child, improving both the chances of natural conception and the rate of assisted conception. A holistic approach to enhancing fertility does not overlook the importance of diet, focusing on its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory character, as well as micronutritional completeness, in order to support the process of fertilisation. In this context, herbal medicine can complement dietary choices. Among the most recommended herbal remedies, Maca is noted for its suitability in improving both male and female fertility, alongside red clover and raspberry gemmo-derivative for female reproductive function.
Holistic treatments can also be very useful in skin care, particularly for younger people, who are often afflicted by the problem of acne. Through reflexology, for example, it is possible to work on certain points to reduce the problem. For those who also wish to draw on the bioactive components of aromatherapy, certain essential oils are an option. Among those most recommended for eliminating facial impurities, chamomile and lavender oils are notable examples.
When it comes to daily diet, various measures can promote psycho-physical wellbeing. Caring for one's diet with the aim of restoring hormonal balance, as well as cleansing the body of toxins and free radicals, are the goals of a holistic dietary approach. Among its various objectives is also a dietary framework that does not prove stressful for those who follow it.
According to Istat data published in 2013, the number of Italians who have turned to holistic medicine and non-conventional therapies is estimated at almost 5 million, equivalent to around 8 per cent of the population.
Tradotto da Redazione