The Significance of Vitamin D
It is widely recognized that Vitamin D plays a critical role in maintaining overall health. However, researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center are constantly uncovering the immense power of this essential nutrient. Shockingly, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent, affecting a staggering 42% of the U.S. population, as reported in the National Institutes of Health database. This alarming statistic has led experts worldwide to label this deficiency as an “invisible epidemic.”
The Rising Trend of Vitamin D Deficiency
The number of patients with vitamin D deficiency is on the rise, and this can be attributed to increased awareness and testing. Family physician Deepa Iyengar, MD, a professor of Global Health at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, emphasizes the importance of identifying this deficiency across all age groups. Vitamin D deficiency is not limited to a specific demographic.
Vitamin D and Its Impact on the Body
Vitamin D is well-known for its role in promoting healthy bones and teeth. The human body can only absorb calcium, the primary component of bone, when vitamin D is present.
Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Alfred Mansour III, MD, a clinical associate professor of orthopedic surgery at McGovern Medical School, highlights the significant connection between vitamin D and orthopedic health. His team recently conducted a project that examined the relationship between low vitamin D levels and broken bones in pediatric patients at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. Shockingly, 85% of the children who required surgical treatment for fractures were found to be vitamin D deficient. This finding prompted the implementation of new protocols, including testing for vitamin D deficiency in admitted pediatric patients.
Certain individuals face a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Infants who are breastfed and obese children and teens are among the high-risk groups. The distribution of a greater amount of body tissue in obese individuals contributes to their susceptibility to deficiency. Severe cases of vitamin D deficiency in children can lead to rickets, a condition characterized by soft bones and skeletal deformities. It can also cause developmental delays, seizures, muscle spasms, and other abnormalities.
Elderly individuals, those who are institutionalized or hospitalized, are also highly susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. Studies have shown that 60% of nursing home residents and 57% of hospitalized patients in the U.S. are deficient in vitamin D. As people age, bone resorption increases and bone formation decreases. Without sufficient calcium intake, this imbalance leads to a deficiency in bone mass, putting individuals at risk for osteoporosis.
Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency is linked to parathyroid metabolism, making women especially prone to deficiency during menopause as they lose estrogen. Pamela Berens, MD, an OB/GYN with UT Physicians, explains that a woman’s ability to build bone peaks in her mid to late 20s. Therefore, women should focus on maintaining their bone health as they enter their 30s.
The Role of Vitamin D in Cellular Functions
Vitamin D not only promotes bone health but also regulates various cellular functions. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties support immune health, muscle function, and brain cell activity.
Ensuring Adequate Vitamin D Intake
There are three primary ways to obtain vitamin D: through sun exposure, diet, and supplements.
While spending time in the sun is recommended, it is essential to avoid excessive sun exposure to prevent skin cancer. Obtaining vitamin D from food sources is a safer alternative. Fatty fish, beef liver, cheese, mushrooms, and egg yolks naturally contain vitamin D. Additionally, fortified foods and beverages such as milk, breakfast cereals, orange juice, yogurt, and soy drinks are good sources.
Multivitamins and supplements are also available in pill or liquid form. In cases of vitamin D deficiency, supplements are the standard treatment. The recommended daily amount of vitamin D varies based on age and specific health conditions.
By ensuring adequate intake of vitamin D, individuals can optimize their overall health and well-being.
References:
1. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
2. Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults – PubMed (nih.gov)
3. Vitamin D Deficiency and Related Disorders: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology (medscape.com)
The article was originally published on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is holistic medicine.
Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.
Many illnesses have been treated with them, including arthritis, chronic pain and asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes (heart disease), obesity, depression anxiety, stress, insomnia, infertility, and sexual dysfunction.
Millions of people worldwide suffer from various diseases and can also use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal treatments, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, nutrition, counseling, physical fitness, exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.
What is the difference in holistic and traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine is concerned with treating symptoms. Holistic medicine addresses the whole person. Holistic medicine looks at the patient as a whole rather than just focusing on one aspect of his/her health.
Traditional medicine treats only a few organs or system (such as the mind), while holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the human body. It also looks at how lifestyle choices affect overall wellness.
Why is alternative medicine important?
Alternative medicines are very popular because they’re often cheaper and better for you than traditional treatments. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. Other therapies might not work.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. Vitamin supplements, such as vitamin pills, are not controlled like pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is possible to overdose. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
Why is holistic medicine better?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. This involves looking at how someone feels about their body, their diet, where they live, and how much stress they have.
Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s life, and treats them as a whole. It may sound simple, but in practice, this approach is very difficult to achieve because most doctors focus solely on the physical side of patients.
Where can I find out more information about holistic healing?
Holistic medicine, a form of holistic medicine, focuses on the entire person and not on a single part. Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life, including his or her spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine aims to treat the whole person, not just individual symptoms. Holistic medicine isn’t about curing a disease. It is all about healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many types of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
What is a holistic medicine doctor?
Holistic medicine doctors are those who treat patients holistically. They may incorporate western medicine into their treatment, as well as traditional methods such acupuncture or herbs.
They treat the illness, not just the symptoms. The patient should feel better following treatment.
The doctor should not only treat the disease, but also prevent it from happening again.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
People who feel that they are not receiving enough support from allopathic medicine can use complementary and alternate medicine (CAM). These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. However, many CAM therapies also incorporate elements of conventional medicine. There are a variety of forms of acupuncture, including those that use needles and others that use heat or moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies may be helpful for anxiety, pain relief, stress management or relaxation. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies treat specific conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Others CAM therapies could be simply enjoyable.
There is no definitive definition of CAM. However, most definitions include at a minimum one of the following:
- A holistic approach that includes both the body, mind, spirit, environment, and everything in between
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- Focus on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Methods that treat mind, body, spirit in a holistic way
- Use natural products over synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Some therapies can have side effects that need to be considered in order to maximize their potential benefits. Discuss these concerns with your doctor before you decide to use any CAM.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
liebertpub.com
How To
What are the Pros and Cons of Holistic Medical?
Holistic medicine, a type of medical practice, emphasizes the importance and interdependence of mind, spirit, environment, social factors, and the healing process. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. This type of therapy also helps patients to cope with their problems, and improve their quality-of-life.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies’ benefits. The majority of researches show positive results.
- Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients do not feel pressured into following the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments even though they may not prescribe them.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with surgery or medication.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines can be considered more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients choose complementary treatments to enhance their lifestyle changes. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting a doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
- Holistic treatments don’t just appeal to hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
- Holistic treatments are helpful for specific conditions.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- Holistic treatments are easy to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine is a system of healing that focuses on treating the whole person instead of just their symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
Bastyr University established the first holistic school of medicine in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine began to grow after the publication of Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” in 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. There are many holistic medicine schools around the world today, including Bastyr University and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons.
Holistic medicine was named by the World Health Organization as one of the five most important trends in healthcare. This trend seeks to integrate conventional healthcare with complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture and massage therapy. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
Holistic medicine is based on the interconnectedness and harmony of the body, mind, spirit. Instability can result in illness if any of these parts is not in balance. Here are some examples:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Your body responds by producing cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation throughout your body. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If left untreated, this stress causes your body to produce adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline stimulates your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can lead to fatigue, muscle tension headaches and dizziness, anxiety, depression, and other health issues.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. Healthy spirits make you happy, positive, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. It is also known as traditional medicine or naturopathic medicine.
–
——————————————————————————————————————————————
This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Dick Benson
Title: Vitamin D: The Key to Optimal Health
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/vitamins-supplements/the-power-of-vitamin-d/
Published Date: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 22:21:52 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is holistic medicine.
Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.
Many illnesses have been treated with them, including arthritis, chronic pain and asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes (heart disease), obesity, depression anxiety, stress, insomnia, infertility, and sexual dysfunction.
Millions of people worldwide suffer from various diseases and can also use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal treatments, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, nutrition, counseling, physical fitness, exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.
What is the difference in holistic and traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine is concerned with treating symptoms. Holistic medicine addresses the whole person. Holistic medicine looks at the patient as a whole rather than just focusing on one aspect of his/her health.
Traditional medicine treats only a few organs or system (such as the mind), while holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the human body. It also looks at how lifestyle choices affect overall wellness.
Why is alternative medicine important?
Alternative medicines are very popular because they’re often cheaper and better for you than traditional treatments. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. Other therapies might not work.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. Vitamin supplements, such as vitamin pills, are not controlled like pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is possible to overdose. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
Why is holistic medicine better?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. This involves looking at how someone feels about their body, their diet, where they live, and how much stress they have.
Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s life, and treats them as a whole. It may sound simple, but in practice, this approach is very difficult to achieve because most doctors focus solely on the physical side of patients.
Where can I find out more information about holistic healing?
Holistic medicine, a form of holistic medicine, focuses on the entire person and not on a single part. Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life, including his or her spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine aims to treat the whole person, not just individual symptoms. Holistic medicine isn’t about curing a disease. It is all about healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many types of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
What is a holistic medicine doctor?
Holistic medicine doctors are those who treat patients holistically. They may incorporate western medicine into their treatment, as well as traditional methods such acupuncture or herbs.
They treat the illness, not just the symptoms. The patient should feel better following treatment.
The doctor should not only treat the disease, but also prevent it from happening again.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
People who feel that they are not receiving enough support from allopathic medicine can use complementary and alternate medicine (CAM). These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. However, many CAM therapies also incorporate elements of conventional medicine. There are a variety of forms of acupuncture, including those that use needles and others that use heat or moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies may be helpful for anxiety, pain relief, stress management or relaxation. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies treat specific conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Others CAM therapies could be simply enjoyable.
There is no definitive definition of CAM. However, most definitions include at a minimum one of the following:
- A holistic approach that includes both the body, mind, spirit, environment, and everything in between
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- Focus on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Methods that treat mind, body, spirit in a holistic way
- Use natural products over synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Some therapies can have side effects that need to be considered in order to maximize their potential benefits. Discuss these concerns with your doctor before you decide to use any CAM.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
liebertpub.com
How To
What are the Pros and Cons of Holistic Medical?
Holistic medicine, a type of medical practice, emphasizes the importance and interdependence of mind, spirit, environment, social factors, and the healing process. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. This type of therapy also helps patients to cope with their problems, and improve their quality-of-life.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies’ benefits. The majority of researches show positive results.
- Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients do not feel pressured into following the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments even though they may not prescribe them.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with surgery or medication.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines can be considered more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients choose complementary treatments to enhance their lifestyle changes. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting a doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
- Holistic treatments don’t just appeal to hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
- Holistic treatments are helpful for specific conditions.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- Holistic treatments are easy to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine is a system of healing that focuses on treating the whole person instead of just their symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
Bastyr University established the first holistic school of medicine in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine began to grow after the publication of Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” in 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. There are many holistic medicine schools around the world today, including Bastyr University and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons.
Holistic medicine was named by the World Health Organization as one of the five most important trends in healthcare. This trend seeks to integrate conventional healthcare with complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture and massage therapy. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
Holistic medicine is based on the interconnectedness and harmony of the body, mind, spirit. Instability can result in illness if any of these parts is not in balance. Here are some examples:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Your body responds by producing cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation throughout your body. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If left untreated, this stress causes your body to produce adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline stimulates your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can lead to fatigue, muscle tension headaches and dizziness, anxiety, depression, and other health issues.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. Healthy spirits make you happy, positive, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. It is also known as traditional medicine or naturopathic medicine.
