What is holistic science or integrative medicine (holistic medicine)?
Compiled by:
Dr. Nader Afravi (Ph.D.)
International teacher of Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda (Yoga Therapist)
Acupuncturist, Hydrotherapist, Massage and Manual Therapist
Member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)
President and Founder of the International Holistic Yoga Therapy Institute (IHYTI)
Introduction
Holistic medicine is a concept in the medical profession that considers all aspects of human needs, including psychological, physical, and social needs, and views them as a whole. As defined above, this comprehensive perspective in medical science has been widely accepted. Various definitions of holistic medicine claim that illness results from an imbalance in the physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental aspects of the body. Holistic medicine has gained significant acceptance over the past two decades. This can be attributed to the philosophy of holistic medicine, which does not merely rely on the symptoms and signs of illness but instead focuses on the patient themselves and the root causes of the disease. For example, in treating allergies using a holistic approach, it is not limited to treating the acute symptoms of the allergy; instead, multiple traditional and alternative therapeutic methods with scientific foundations are employed.
Despite the growing popularity of holistic medicine, many people are still unfamiliar with its scientific roots and methods. This lack of awareness leads them to avoid well-known and effective treatment methods offered in holistic medicine and miss out on its benefits. Familiarity with these benefits will undoubtedly lead to greater trust and increased use of these therapeutic methods.
In this article, we aim to introduce you more deeply to holistic medicine and its benefits. Holistic medicine encompasses a wide range of methods, philosophies, and therapeutic approaches that have evolved throughout history and across various cultures. In today’s medical world, what is often observed is an approach that views body parts and organs separately and in isolation. For example, not only is the eye examined separately from other organs, but different parts of the eye are also evaluated by various specialists. This compartmentalized view of the body systems has advanced to the point where even biochemical reactions in different body parts are analyzed independently of other areas. However, the body truly functions as an integrated system, and each part is influenced by changes and developments in other parts.
Holistic medicine, as a comprehensive and all-encompassing approach to healthcare, examines and treats diseases from a general perspective, considering the entire body and mind of the patient. Unlike specialized approaches that focus on symptoms, holistic medicine pays attention to the complex interactions between various aspects of health and illness and believes that improving individual health must include attention to all dimensions of a person’s life—physical, mental, and social environments.
Essentially, throughout history, the field of medicine has addressed health, illness, and disease prevention from a holistic perspective (HOLISTIC MEDICINE). Almost all ancient and traditional cultures across the world had their own unique healing methods that met the primary medical needs of their communities—such as Traditional Iranian Medicine, Ayurveda from India, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ancient Egyptian Medicine, Native American Medicine, and Mayan Medicine. In almost all of these therapeutic methods, those practicing medicine were referred to as “Hakim” (wise person). The term “Hakim” originates from Iranian culture and civilization, but each culture had its own word for such individuals.
A “Hakim” referred to a wise and knowledgeable person who, in addition to being proficient in the science of medicine and the knowledge of diseases, was also skilled and experienced in other sciences and arts. Essentially, in the traditional medicine of authentic cultures, there is no record of anyone practicing medicine alone without knowledge of other sciences. For example, in Iran, individuals like Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Al-Razi, Jorjani, and others were not only experts in medicine but also in philosophy, jurisprudence, mathematics, art, astronomy, and other sciences. These pioneers of human knowledge believed that in the subject of health and healing, one cannot focus solely on a person’s “disease” and ignore other surrounding factors such as psychological and emotional issues, lifestyle, etc.
This approach and perspective remained intact until the Industrial Revolution. Unfortunately, over the recent centuries—especially since Newton introduced his theories on physics and mathematics and explained many of the world’s phenomena through the principles of mechanics—the holistic view (HOLISTIC MEDICINE) began to fade. However, over the past hundred years, due to the inadequacy of mechanical science and calculus in describing many phenomena in the universe, and with the advancement of physics… And mathematics and the presentation of theories of relativity, quantum, and chaos theory… once again the holistic view (HOLISTIC MEDICINE) is expanding in most sciences, especially medical science.
What is holistic science or integrative medicine (holistic medicine)?
In holistic medicine, it is believed that the spiritual aspect of the patient should also be considered in medicine. Holistic medicine is not limited to a unique treatment method but consists of a set of different identification and treatment methods that together form a comprehensive treatment system aimed at restoring the patient’s complete health. Holistic medicine focuses not on apparent symptoms, which are only signs of disease, but on the overall health of each individual. Holistic medicine specialists consider the human body as a system composed of interconnected parts, where the malfunction of one part can affect the function of the whole body. Therefore, prevention is prioritized over treatment, and by maintaining health through nutrition and physical activity, it tries to prevent the occurrence of disease. At the same time, it seeks to eliminate specific diseases using various treatment methods such as neuropathy, conventional medicine, traditional medicine, and homeopathy.
Although holistic medicine has only recently gained public attention, its concepts and roots are not new. Philosophers and sages such as Socrates and Hippocrates believed that the human body is made up of interconnected parts and that to treat the disorder of each part, it is better to treat the whole system. Traditional Chinese medicine, which has a history of several thousand years, is also based on this fundamental principle, paying attention to the whole person and treating the fundamental roots of diseases. However, until the early 20th century AD, many of these views and methods, which we now consider part of holistic medicine, gave way to conventional medicine. But since the beginning of the 1970s, the number of patients encouraged to use holistic medicine methods has increased. As you know, holistic medicine is an approach in medicine that deals with treating and managing diseases and health problems by considering all dimensions of a person’s life. In this approach, attention is not only given to physical symptoms or a specific disease but also to psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. Holistic medicine is a comprehensive and balanced approach to health that pays attention to various aspects of an individual’s health and life. By combining modern and traditional treatment methods, its goal is to improve the quality of life and optimally manage an individual’s overall health. Consulting holistic medicine can help create individualized and comprehensive treatment plans, but it is essential that this approach is supported by scientific research and valid medical evidence.
The holistic view in medicine (HOLISTIC MEDICINE) means that for defining health as well as for disease prevention and treatment, all dimensions of human existence should be considered, and their relationship with other phenomena in existence should be acknowledged. This means that for prevention and health, it is necessary to consider all conditions that affect a person’s health, such as climate, nutrition, physical activity, occupation, environment, architecture of workplace and residence, as well as emotional and mental activities, family and social relationships.
The susceptibility to a disease, especially infectious diseases, was an important point that has been emphasized a lot, but due to the profit of pharmaceutical companies and the mechanistic approach toward humans, this matter is less considered. This belief has been promoted that, for example, bacteria are very harmful and that in infectious diseases and many other diseases, treatment only results from killing and destroying microbes—nothing else!!! This brings enormous profit to pharmaceutical companies. Although it is always said that prevention and hygiene, which reduce susceptibility to disease, take precedence over treatment, the consumption of antibiotics and antimicrobial agents has increased catastrophically. Unfortunately, our country holds the highest statistics for such consumption in the world, and the government’s ongoing health and disease costs are spent on purchasing raw pharmaceutical materials and medical equipment. In the field of basic hygiene and prevention, we face numerous problems. For better understanding of the function of antibiotics and the harms of their excessive use, comprehensive information will be provided on the website in the future, which will lead to a significant reduction…
The reductionist approach to humans and disease has advanced to the point where it is now claimed that without direct contact between patient and physician—and only by viewing the result of a lab test via the internet—a disease can be treated, and, for example, medication can be prescribed.
The result is that the patient is no longer being treated; rather, it is the lab result that has fallen outside the normal range and must be returned to the normal level.
However, based on the training given in all branches of medicine to students, it is emphasized that apart from observing information obtained from tests and such, it is necessary to conduct a full examination of the patient in person and to consider all the conditions the patient faced before the illness and is currently facing.
With this introduction, a foundation is laid for a better understanding of holistic medicine.
In the holistic perspective (Holistic Medicine), aside from laboratory and imaging data, the emotional and mental issues of the patient are also addressed. Moreover, along with these, the connections between different discomforts the patient experiences are examined.
One of the important points addressed in holistic medicine is lifestyle. Lifestyle includes nutrition, health, environment, job, physical activity, social and emotional relationships, etc.
For example, suppose someone suffers from the following problems: migraines, knee joint osteoarthritis, depression, and stomach burning.
If a mechanistic approach is taken, each of these symptoms must be examined separately and medication prescribed independently.
But in holistic medicine, first, a complete history of all the patient’s issues is taken to determine the root cause of all the complaints the patient is suffering from.
For instance, the patient mentioned above—if examined completely and from a holistic perspective—is most likely dealing with problems that began from an old event that triggered a grief reaction.
Most people who experience grief reactions or emotional trauma or the loss of a loved one develop bodily disorders—one of the most important of which is an imbalance of sodium and chloride ions.
This fundamental disorder causes various complications and problems, and each issue cannot be treated in isolation, without considering the patient’s overall condition, history, and how these symptoms relate to each other.
Nutrition and the person’s living environment must also be taken into account during the entire treatment process.
For example, if someone constantly consumes fast food and, over time, develops stomach pain, fatty liver, constipation, and high cholesterol—and if they also do no physical activity and work in a polluted area of the city—then treating just the fatty liver and high cholesterol without considering dietary correction and improving their living and working environment cannot be expected to lead to recovery.
In holistic medicine, special importance is also given to the patient’s emotions and mental issues.
Some diseases are caused by emotional and psychological factors and are accompanied by them. Therefore, in addition to physical aspects, mental and emotional issues must also be examined and resolved.
All body organs, even the human soul and psyche, are interconnected with other parts of the body. Any disorder in one part affects the rest. Even human beings in society are like parts of the body and influence each other both positively and negatively.
We often see how the illness or death of a family member causes emotional and physical turbulence in others and makes them sick as well.
This is the same truth that the sages of this land were aware of and emphasized.
As the great Sheikh Saadi so beautifully said:
Human beings are members of a whole
In creation of one essence and soul
If one member is afflicted with pain
Other members uneasy will remain
The reality is that medical science is a vast field, and the practitioner must be knowledgeable in many sciences and consider all surrounding aspects when treating a patient.
Also, utilizing other medical branches and consulting with other doctors for a comprehensive review and treatment of patients is an essential part of the holistic perspective.
Because in holistic medicine, all physical and mental aspects of the patient are examined, the number of tests, imaging, etc., is significantly reduced. Holistic medicine includes various branches and encompasses different schools and methods such as yoga therapy, traditional medicine, Ayurveda, massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopathy, and more. The holistic approach is present across all complementary medicine disciplines, and ultimately, these fields are interconnected and related at their core.
Usually, those who visit a holistic medicine practitioner for the first time are surprised by the relatively long time the doctor spends taking their medical history and examining them, as well as by the wide range of questions asked. This is because they are accustomed to only being asked a few repetitive questions about a specific issue, and no one has previously inquired about the quality of their sleep, amount of sweating, thirst, nutrition, fears, or anxieties in relation to something like knee or stomach pain—whereas such aspects are very important in the treatment of diseases.
Furthermore, in holistic medicine, more attention is paid to the patient themselves than to the disease name. In other words, the goal in holistic medicine is to treat the patient, not just the disease.
What are the principles of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is guided by certain instructions and principles that can serve as the basis for determining the patient’s treatment methods. Although various therapeutic methods are used in holistic medicine, choosing among them depends on the patient’s history and the physician’s judgment. Practitioners of holistic medicine believe that all humans possess an inner healing power, and that treatment should be based not merely on symptoms but on the overall nature of the person as a human being.
In fact, true healing depends on treating the whole person, not merely eliminating symptoms. Achieving this requires both the patient and physician to consider all aspects of the individual’s life.
Holistic medicine treatment methods
Since holistic physicians draw on all scientific therapeutic methods, there are various treatments for different diseases. Some of the methods included within the scope of holistic medicine are:
- Conventional medicine
- Yoga therapy
- Ayurveda
- Herbal medicine
- Homeopathy
- Naturopathy
- Traditional medicine
- Chiropractic
- Meditation
- Massage therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Nutritional therapy
The aim of employing these methods is to apply a non-invasive treatment course focused on restoring the individual’s overall health.
Diagnostic and therapeutic methods in holistic medicine
Various diagnostic and treatment methods such as yoga therapy, Ayurveda, traditional medicine, acupuncture, and homeopathy all function within a holistic framework. They approach the human body in a comprehensive and integrated way, using different tools to assess the patient’s issues.
With this perspective, even if two patients have the same illness, different causes may have led to it. Consequently, their treatment approaches may differ entirely, whereas in conventional medicine, two patients with the same disease typically receive the same treatment, without distinguishing between the individuals.
| Aspect | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Philosophy |
The body, mind, and spirit are considered as a whole |
Emphasis on energy balance, mind-body connection, importance of lifestyle |
|
Treatment Approach |
Treating diseases by considering the whole person, not just the symptoms |
Use of herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, acupuncture, massage, yoga, meditation |
|
Goals |
Enhancing overall health, disease prevention, treating chronic illnesses, improving quality of life |
Strengthening the immune system, reducing stress, improving sleep, increasing energy |
|
Scientific Basis |
Integration of traditional and modern knowledge |
Using scientific evidence to support some methods alongside experiential knowledge |
|
Role of the Patient |
The patient is active in the healing process |
Lifestyle and dietary changes, stress management, participation in decision-making |
Holistic Medicine Recommendations
Holistic medicine recommendations include aspects such as a natural diet, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, yoga therapy, rest, psychological counseling, meditation, breathing exercises, acupuncture, homeopathy, massage therapy, and other related practices.
Benefits of Holistic Medicine
The benefits of holistic medicine include:
- Considering all aspects of health and illness
- Providing individualized and personalized treatment for each patient
- Understanding the connections between various symptoms and conditions
- Very low treatment costs
- Improvement in mental and emotional well-being
- Increased energy levels and improved mood
- Simultaneous healing of multiple issues
- Promoting a healthier lifestyle
Which illnesses can be treated with holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Chronic illnesses: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis
- Mental health disorders: depression, anxiety, insomnia
- Chronic pain: headaches, migraines, muscular pain
- Digestive disorders: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating
- Skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis
Currently, holistic medicine is typically used as a complementary approach to modern medicine. By focusing on treating the root causes of illness, improving lifestyle habits, and enhancing overall health, holistic medicine can aid in managing various diseases.
Examples of Conditions Treated with Holistic Medicine
- Diabetes: Holistic medicine helps manage diabetes by focusing on healthy nutrition, stress management, regular exercise, and natural therapies.
- High Blood Pressure: Techniques such as yoga and meditation, along with dietary changes and physical activity, can help lower blood pressure.
- Depression and Anxiety: Through psychological counseling, meditation, breathing exercises, and natural supplements, holistic medicine helps manage and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Sleep Disorders: Holistic methods can also be effective in addressing sleep-related issues.
Lifestyle Changes, Natural Supplements, and Relaxation Techniques
Lifestyle changes, the use of natural supplements, and relaxation techniques can help improve sleep quality.
Autoimmune Diseases
Integrative medicine, with a focus on strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, and managing stress, helps improve symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Allergies
Using natural methods, improving nutrition, and reducing exposure to irritants affects the management of seasonal and environmental allergies.
Asthma
Stress management, proper nutrition, and the use of breathing and relaxation techniques have an effect on reducing asthma attacks and improving lung function.
Hormonal Imbalance
The use of natural supplements and stress-reducing techniques can help regulate hormones and reduce symptoms related to hormonal imbalance, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause.
Psoriasis
This approach is useful in managing psoriasis symptoms through proper nutrition, stress management, and natural treatments.
Can Integrative Medicine Complement Conventional Treatments?
Integrative medicine is used as an effective complement to conventional medical treatments. This holistic approach helps individuals experience a more complete recovery because it addresses not only the symptoms of illness but also the psychological, emotional, social, and lifestyle factors that can affect overall health.
What Role Does Integrative Medicine Play in Disease Prevention?
Integrative medicine plays an important role in disease prevention because, instead of focusing solely on treating existing illnesses, it aims to improve overall health and strengthen the immune system. In integrative medicine, attention is paid to lifestyle, nutrition, psychology, and environmental factors as elements that can impact overall well-being. This approach helps prevent diseases and avoids serious health problems in the future.
Is Integrative Medicine Suitable for All Ages?
Due to its comprehensive and balanced approach to health, integrative medicine can be suitable for individuals of all ages. This approach offers treatments and recommendations tailored to the needs and specific conditions of each person, making it applicable to all stages of life. In fact, one of the distinguishing features of integrative medicine is its attention to all aspects of an individual’s life and its ability to offer treatments customized to age, physical condition, and specific needs.
Problems and Challenges of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine offers an appealing and comprehensive approach to health, but like any other system, it faces challenges and criticisms. Here are some of the most important problems and limitations of holistic medicine:
Lack of sufficient scientific evidence for many methods:
Many holistic approaches lack strong scientific support.
Lack of standardization:
Many holistic methods have been developed through experience and do not have clearly defined, consistent standards.
Limited studies:
There is a shortage of high-quality scientific studies with large sample sizes for many holistic treatments.
Variable effectiveness:
The results of existing studies on the effectiveness of various holistic methods are often contradictory and depend on factors such as the type of illness, the individual patient, and the specific treatment used.
What Are the Disadvantages of Holistic Medicine?
Lack of sufficient scientific evidence:
Some holistic methods lack strong scientific backing.
Wide variety of methods:
The diversity of holistic approaches can make it difficult for patients to choose the most suitable treatment.
High costs:
Some holistic treatments may be expensive and not covered by insurance.
Risk of conflict with conventional medical treatments:
Certain holistic therapies may interact negatively with prescribed medications.
Holistic medicine and the risk of conflict with conventional treatments:
Delayed diagnosis and treatment:
Some patients may rely entirely on holistic methods instead of visiting a doctor, which can lead to delays in diagnosing and treating serious illnesses.
Drug interactions:
Some holistic remedies may interact with conventional medications.
Some herbal supplements and natural products in holistic medicine may interact with prescribed medications.
Lack of regulation and oversight
Variety of methods:
The wide range of holistic medicine techniques makes regulation and oversight difficult.
Quality of service providers:
The level of training and experience among holistic medicine practitioners varies greatly, and some may lack adequate qualifications.
High costs and lack of insurance coverage
Out-of-pocket expenses:
Many holistic methods are not covered by insurance, and their costs can be burdensome for patients.
Limited access:
Due to high costs and lack of insurance coverage, access to holistic medicine services is limited for many people.
Misuse and misleading advertising
Exaggerated claims:
Some holistic medicine providers may make exaggerated and unproven claims about the effectiveness of their treatments.
Deception:
Unfortunately, some individuals take advantage of public ignorance and promote ineffective or even harmful methods under the label of holistic medicine.
What Are the Advantages of Holistic Medicine?
Personalized approach:
Treatments are designed based on each patient’s individual needs.
Reduced side effects:
Compared to chemical drugs, holistic medicine generally has fewer side effects.
Improved quality of life:
Holistic medicine contributes to overall health and enhances quality of life.
Focus on prevention:
In addition to treating diseases, holistic medicine also emphasizes disease prevention.
How to Find a Good Holistic Medicine Practitioner?
When choosing a holistic medicine specialist, pay attention to the following:
(If you’d like, I can continue this section with suggestions for what to look for in a good practitioner.)
Education and Experience:
Make sure the practitioner has valid credentials and sufficient experience.
Certifications:
Check that the practitioner holds valid certifications from relevant organizations.
Recommendations:
Ask your friends or doctor about a good practitioner.
Initial Consultation:
Have an initial consultation session with the practitioner before starting treatment, to discuss treatment methods and costs.
Criticism:
Aside from placebo effects, there is no published scientific history proving that holistic medicine has cured any known disease. The American Cancer Society recommends that if holistic medicine is to be used at all, it should only be in combination with conventional medicine and not as a replacement.
Conclusion:
This approach emphasizes the importance of harmony between different aspects of health and considers that physical, psychological, social, and even cultural factors can simultaneously affect a person’s health status. Therefore, in holistic medicine, treatments usually include a combination of traditional medical interventions, complementary therapies, and lifestyle changes. However, implementing and evaluating holistic medicine faces challenges. These include the need for coordination among various specialties, provision of appropriate resources, and the need for scientific research to validate the effectiveness of holistic methods.
Below is a list of some new and ancient holistic science or holistic medicine approaches:
- Yogatherapy, Yoga Treatment
- Ayurveda Medicine
- Meditation
- Reflexology
- Rolfing Therapy
- Orgone Therapy
- Pyramid Therapy
- Crystal (Stone) Therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Radionics Therapy
- Osteopathy or Manual Therapy
- Psionic Therapy
- Radiesthesia Therapy
- Biofeedback Therapy
- Negative Ion Therapy or Magnet Therapy
- Shiatsu Massage Therapy
- Megavitamin Therapy
- Vitamin Therapy
- Bach Flower Therapy
- Food Therapy
- Colon Cleansing Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic, Manual Therapy
- Alexander Technique
- Massage Therapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Color Therapy
- Herbal Medicine
- Homeopathy
- Salt Therapy
- Sound Therapy
- Form Therapy
- Yoga Therapy
- Energy Therapy and Nature Therapy
Recommendations
Holistic or integrative medicine can be divided into ten ideas or principles that go beyond conventional medicine:
- Optimal health is our primary goal.
- An individual should not only receive healthcare but also ensure optimal functioning by balancing physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, and environmental health.
Opportunity for Learning
Life is a continuous experience from which we must learn. Every joy, heartbreak, and characteristic is an opportunity for learning—for communities, patients, and practitioners.
Lead by Example
Holistic medicine professionals strive to live by the words they preach.
Healing Through Love
Professionals should care for their communities and patients in a way that reflects the values they advocate. No illness exists without emotional experience. There are joys and fears, and to achieve better health, these fears must be addressed with compassion and love.
Unity of Body:
The body is a combination of mind, body, spirit, and various systems that work in complete harmony. Every cell, muscle, and electrical impulse is a part of one unified being.
Preventive Approach to Treatment:
Actively seek to prevent disease before it occurs. Instead of viewing stress as a symptom of illness, take proactive steps to eliminate it from your life.
The body possesses a natural and inherent power to heal itself. One must be aware of this and support it so that the body can heal on its own. Observe how we naturally recover from a cut; the body is always striving to repair and improve itself.
Individuality:
Every patient is unique and has subtle differences that must be considered to help them. Instead of fighting the problem they have, help them understand and manage their issue.
Patient-Centered Care:
The doctor and patient must collaborate for mutual growth. They stand on the same side for the patient’s development, learning together through a shared experience.
Treatment System:
Doctors embrace a lifetime of learning and experience, with the goal of using their knowledge to ensure the best and most effective treatments. They must be open to all forms of medicine, including lifestyle changes, necessary healthcare, or surgery. They should not limit themselves to the knowledge immediately around them.