What Is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic medicine is a topic at the forefront of all types of medical practices today.

By Jessica Levy, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: June 12, 2008 - 4:18 PM

Originally published in TC Dog in 2004.

Holistic medicine is a topic at the forefront of all types of medical practices today. This term does not refer to any specific modality (i.e. acupuncture, chiropractic, reiki, etc.), but to a philosophy of medical practice found worldwide. Holistic medicine merely means what it says: Medicine that takes the entire organism into account, understanding that living things are comprised of an accumulation of biochemical particles and processes, energy fields, and emotions. Conventional medicine can be practiced holistically, and alternative therapies can be practiced in nonholistic ways.

The source of the word holistic is "whole," as well as "holy" and "heal." It's not necessary to be spiritually evolved to practice or benefit from this style of medicine. It connotes standing back and observing the forest as well as the trees.

One problem with conventional medical training, perhaps, is that it does not offer well-defined parameters of health. It is based on definitions of disease, without much consideration of what constitutes health and how it can be maintained or recovered. It is possible, however, to find doctors and veterinarians who realize this need, have gone beyond their school teachings, and practice holistically within the confines of conventional medicine.

The increasing attraction of alternative medicine stems from the perception that these modalities are natural, safer, and more gentle than conventional Western medicine. Some are, some aren't, and, just as in conventional medicine, it depends on who's doing the administering.

In the U.S., medicine is taught according to body systems in order to break down the information into digestible chunks. But just as we've learned from quantum physics, that's not how things really are. It's hard to hold the holistic paradigm in your head when practicing a form of medicine in which treatments are used to repair, restore function to or eliminate symptoms from a diseased part. If there is more than one diseased part, there may be numerous medications or treatments utilized simultaneously and oftentimes at odds with each other.

This issue has driven me to study and practice homeopathy. It is a system of medicine that aims to treat the entire organism, including the mental, emotional, and physical spheres, with a single medicine. It also has clear definitions of what constitutes health and how to know when you're there (although health is really a journey, not a destination).

Our society tends to be very drug-oriented. We like rapid results and instant gratification. With many alternative modalities, this is not possible or sometimes even desirable. It's worth learning about an alternative or conventional modality before diving in. This will help you understand the process and what to expect. I am always thrilled when clients have done their own research. It not only makes my job easier, it also helps us form a partnership as we learn together about new ideas and new treatments.

There are many resources for information about holistic medicine. The Internet, the library, the health food store, and other people's experiences can all be worthwhile sources for tips on health and healing.

How do you choose a veterinarian, whether conventional or alternative? Ask friends and family members. Call the vet clinic for information, and, even better, visit. Go at a peak time and observe. Are the animals terrified or merely nervous? Are they handled gently? Do you feel comfortable at the practice? Credentials are important, but let your instincts guide you as you seek optimal healthcare for your pet.

Jessica Levy, DVM, is a holistic veterinarian specializing in homeopathy. She is the owner of Tapping the Source, a holistic housecall practice operating in and around the Twin Cities.

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