For years the branch of medicine known as holistic medicine, has existed as outside the norm for many individuals seeking better health. Today, these areas of are often merged with traditional western medicine. Holistic treatments, or alternative therapies, include but are not limited to: biofeedback and stress management, bodywork, nutrition, herbal medicine, spinal manipulation, homeopathy, energy medicine and vision therapy. While many of these complimentary therapies have been labeled as “experimental” by mainstream medicine, those who practice holistic medicine are M.D.s and D.O.s who have completed their medical residencies and continue to study in their chosen field of complimentary medicine.

For many, holistic medicine offers an alternative to the “revolving door” frustrations associated with today’s health care system. It addresses these concerns by treating the individual as a whole. This is accomplished by looking not only at the physical body, but also the ramifications of a patient’s emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. Holistic treatment focuses on solving the causes behind the symptoms while moving away from quick fixes and the temporarily alleviation of symptoms. Holistic doctors see these symptoms as evidence of a system out of balance and look to correct the imbalance.

The American Holistic Medical Association defines a holistic practitioner as one who: “1) views the patient as being ultimately responsible for his/her well being; 2) fosters and maintains a partnership with the patient, using therapies which both feel comfortable; 3) evaluates and recommends treatment options that address the cause of an illness, as well as the symptoms”. As a result, the relationship between the holistic doctor and the patient is one that cannot be underestimated, as it is essential for the recommendation of treatment options. Initial appointments can sometimes last for over an hour as the doctor seeks not only to establish a positive and trusting relationship, but also to complete a comprehensive patient history. Patients often view this arrangement as a welcome change to the quick assessments and diagnoses offered by many mainstream practitioners.

The ways in which holistic medicine is used in conjunction with western medicine is indeed exciting. For example, a cancer patient might use meditation and visualization following surgery to remove a tumor in order to accelerate the healing process. The same patient might follow up with acupuncture and massage to reduce the negative side affects of chemotherapy. An individual suffering from stress might incorporate a nutritional plan and daily exercise into their treatment regiment before turning to pharmaceuticals.

According to the American Board of Holistic Medicine (www holisticboard.org), holistic medicine involves “approaching the patient as an individual, living in a life system, which impacts their health, with the awareness that you are part of that system.” In addition, practitioners following the holistic model often subscribe to the belief in ultimate health. Leading by example is another area in which holistic doctors differ from their mainstream counterparts. Many of these doctors are vegetarians themselves who seek to improve the immune systems of their parents by recommending a similar life-style. As achieving and maintaining this ultimate health can be a multifaceted endeavor, holistic doctors often refer to specialists in other areas such as nutrition and exercise.

Finally, holistic doctors stress the practice of informed consent by educating the patient and helping them to choose to the appropriate course of treatment. It is understood that there is usually no “right” answer to any particular condition or disease. The correct course of treatment depends on each individual and what is right for him or her.

While all this personal attention sounds appealing, there are those patients who will shy away from holistic care due to the out of pocket expenses. The American Board of Holistic Medicine urges these patients to reconsider as some policies do reimburse a percentage of the doctor’s visits. These percentages can vary, so patients are encouraged to consult their policies and check with the practitioner’s office beforehand. One suggestion given by the Board includes “increasing their policies deductible and using the monthly savings as an investment in overall health.”

For those individuals whose insurance doesn’t cover any portion of holistic treatment, the Board recommends contacting your insurance carrier. “Insurance companies are slow to change, but asking if they cover holistic services will at least serve to notify them that you, the customer, is interested in something different.” Most importantly, talk to your primary care provider in order to find out if your philosophies regarding health and medicine coincide. More and more today’s mainstream doctors are turning to other avenues of patient care.

For a list of holistic practitioners in your area please visit the American Holistic Health Association at www.ahha.org.