Most people today have heard of the term “holistic health” in healthy living stores, meditation circles, or even your primary care provider’s office. The concept of holistic health is more than just a buzzword – it encompasses a lifestyle that’s been proven to help reduce pain, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. But what exactly is holistic health?
Whole Health
In short, holistic health is health that focuses on the entire body, including the mind and spirit connection to the physical body. For instance, when someone is stressed and not in a peaceful state of mind, it can be more difficult to relax, lead to anxiety, and can even affect your immunity. Holistic health prioritizes getting to the root cause of pain, inflammation, and other issues like chronic stress, instead of treating the physical symptoms. Holistic health also focuses on healing the body through traditional methods, like physical exercise, along with activities that help reduce stress and improve spiritual health.
Benefits of Holistic Health
Most people will go to their doctor when they’re sick and get treatment such as medication. But what if you continue to get sick? Or what if you continue to suffer from chronic pain? For people with chronic illnesses and conditions, much of their ailments might be traced back to unhealthy lifestyles. Holistic health practices can help people improve their lifestyles and overall health, which then translates to improved pain and health without invasive medications. Take, for instance, someone who decides to incorporate daily stretches and yoga before sitting at their desk. This simple act can help reduce stress and improve mobility and posture, reducing pain that might result from all-day sitting.
Incorporating Holistic Health Practices
Yoga and stretching are just two examples of holistic health practices in action. Incorporating holistic health into your daily routine can be as easy as taking three minutes a day to meditate or do some breathing exercises to ground yourself. Physical exercise is also a great outlet to improve mental and physical well-being. Writing and expression through art can also help reduce stress. The most important thing to remember about holistic health practices is that they’re meant to take away stress, not add to it. If you find an activity that improves your physical or mental health and that fits into your daily schedule, don’t hesitate to incorporate it into your everyday routine.
Mind-Body Connection and Health
Incorporating holistic health into your daily routine and healing from the inside out can have lasting side effects. Research shows that alternative holistic treatments, such as biofeedback therapy, have a powerful impact by reducing muscle tension and chronic pain. Biofeedback therapy allows you to learn how to form a connection between your body’s functions, such as heart rate and breathing rate, and slow yourself down to reduce anxiety, tension, and even pain. Breathing exercises, writing, and tai chi are other holistic practices that can improve your ability to be in tune with your mind and body and focus on your inner healing. Inner healing then translates to real-life benefits for your physical health and emotional well-being.