Introduction to Natural Holistic Health

Natural Holistic Health finds its roots in the study of Holistic Medicine. This type of healing philosophy has been deeply vested in cultures as far back as biblical times. People have used the healing properties of plants and nature to provide them with protection, healing, and nutrition to support all of the stages of life. The presence of natural healing was a integral and pivotal part of most cultures. The priest, rabbi, shaman, or witch doctor was an invaluable member of most communities. It has only been since the industrial revolution where it can be considered normal to consult a healer that is a complete stranger to the community, who offers an inorganic substance as a magic bullet that attempts to alleviate symptoms. Somehow, in our post industrial revolution way of thinking, symptom resolution equates to healing. We are finding that this modern approach to medicine is failing desperately. Modern Physicians are not trained in nutrition, lifestyles, or other therapies that address how we as a population got sick in the first place. As a result, there is a sweeping trend across the country today that indicates patients are seeking “alternative” or “complimentary” approaches to healing that offer profound healing opportunities.

Why a return to Holistic Medicine

In our very technologically advanced culture, we are as a population, achieving longer life, but not necessarily better life. Americans are spending the golden years of their lives suffering with premature degenerative diseases in larger numbers than ever before. In fact, it seems ironic that America is one of the wealthiest countries, yet ranks as one of the poorest in the health of its citizens. As many things have changed in American’s culture over the past century, so too is our aging and dying experience. We are simply not dying the way we used to. A century ago, the very young and the very old people routinely died from infectious disease. In the twentieth century, science gained control over infectious disease, through the introduction of vaccines and antibiotics, and eliminated the major causes of premature death known at that time. Today, new chronic illnesses have replaced them as the primary causes of death and are now epidemic. Today, we simply don’t die of old age, we die of cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and a host of other new diseases associated with our contemporary times. These diseases seem to be beyond the scope of contemporary medicine as more and more people die each year from these diseases with no cures in site. Millions of people have begun to return to alternative or complementary medicine in a hope to reverse the prognosis of these diseases with much success. It is not the primary scope of alternative medicine or modalities to do what contemporary medicine cannot. It is the purpose of Natural Holistic Health to address the whole wellness of the mind, body, spirit, at every life stage to prevent degenerative disease and enhance total quality of life. It is presumed in Natural Holistic Health that perfect health is natural, and disease only indicates that the mind, body, and spirit is attempting to rebalance itself. Natural healing or wellness as does not occur overnight. A lifestyle change, an attitude change, a diet change are all very powerful steps that begin a journey to perfect wellness.

What Natural Holistic Health is NOT

Natural Holistic Health is NOT a substitute “magic bullet” cure that is available when all allopathic (pharmaceutically prescribed) treatments fail. Natural herbs or minerals such as Coral Calcium, Saint John’s Wort, or Sam-e, are not a one to one substitute for the modern practices. Substituting one pill for another does nothing to address the total wellness that the mind, body or spirit demands. While vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements are an integral part of a Natural Holistic Health program, they do not constitute the sole involvement required for complete wellness to be experienced.

Natural Holistic Health is also not a substitute to medical care. In no way does healthy living habits, supplemented by vitamins and minerals, proper exercise, and a positive outlook on life replace seeking medical attention when it is needed.

What Natural Holistic Health CAN do

Natural Medicine has been used by millions of people in every culture around the world to treat and prevent chronic and degenerative disease, treat psychological disorders, maintain healthy weight, increase longevity, maintain healthy bone and cardiac function, normalize sleeping patterns, and allow for all of the activities that define their lives.

Suggestions for Building an Effective Natural Holistic Health Plan

A Natural Holistic Health plan does not focus on the new diet of choice. Nor is it the most up to the minute in vogue opinion on foods should be eaten or avoided. There is no attempt to endorse or promote a vitamin plan. A total wellness plan addresses fundamental lifestyle choices that promote health of the mind, body and spirit. The Total Wellness provider acts as a teacher, or consultant, rather than a pharmaceutical retailer. The results achieved through a total wellness plan depend on the degree of change each individual makes to take responsibility for their own health and happiness.

Some Basic suggestions for beginning a Natural Holistic Health program are:

  • Build a team of supporting healers. This means Counselors, Massage Therapist, Acupuncturist, Naturopathic Doctors, Aroma Therapist, Chiropractors, Yoga Instructors, Reiki Masters, Integrated Awareness Practitioners, Nutritionist or other professionals dedicated to your overall health.
  • Educate yourself about natural health. There are hundreds of books, magazines, web pages, and retreats available. Natural Holistic Health sponsors a biannual Wellness Boot camp that teaches many of these concepts. In addition, preferred reading list of books and websites are available. Visit us at: http://www.beach-wellness.com.
  • Start SLOW. Identify areas of your life that you wish to change and can achieve your goals reasonably. The idea is to achieve improved wellness, not PERFECTION.
  • Avoid extreme modalities or therapies without consulting your health care provider.
  • Journal your thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears concerning your life. Identify how you got to where you are, where you hope to be, and what will get you there.
  • Take classes to learn new techniques like yoga meditation, or qi gong. These classes allow you to expand your support network, while making new friends that have the similar interest.
  • Enjoy your journey to wellness. Experiment with health spas. Find your favorite aroma therapy. Get a massage.
  • Find a quiet place to reconnect with yourself. Visit this place frequently.
  • DO NOT criticize yourself for set backs, or for your past. This will not benefit you in anyway. You are on a journey, not on trial.
  • Get adequate rest. Try to remember your own natural sleep requirements.
  • Build or maintain loving, supporting relationships (with yourself included). Rid yourself of all other destructive or wasteful relationships.
  • Spend time in a creative pass time or hobby. If you don’t have one, experiment.
  • Remember your spiritual connection.

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