We are not machines: a view of holistic health

One of the greatest illusions is that our body is a “vehicle” that can be repaired by specialized “mechanics.”

But we are not machines. We are highly complex beings affected by genetic heritage, patterns of thinking, trauma, family dynamics, food and mealtime habits, social associations, toxic substances and cultural mandates as well as the mysteries of life that we can’t explain.

Holistic treatment recognizes these organic and fluid complexities. As a broadly descriptive term of a healing philosophy, the holistic approach views the patient as a whole person — mind, body, spirit — not just a collection of symptoms.

When we see a multi-dimensional person living in a multi-dimensional world, a complete assessment in matters of health is possible. In treatment, the practitioner will make every effort to attend to the patient’s physical, thinking and feeling selves so that the person, rather than the symptoms that show imbalance in the person, is given attention.

The holistic approach appreciates the exquisite design of the self and its innate healing ability. Just as a cut on the skin naturally heals and a tree stump regenerates sprouts, all systems naturally move toward balance.

We know that the body manufactures a tranquilizer as effective as Valium and that chemicals produced in the intestines are akin to chemicals produced in the brain — implications of awesome intelligence in our bodies.

With such an understanding, the holistic approach emphasizes partnership with the patient in the healing process, and the patient takes active responsibility for change and growth.

That task has been eased by the public’s growing interest in complementary methods as well as recognition of the value of self-help groups. People, particularly those who have experienced unpleasant side effects from medications as well as those who are recovering from chemical dependency, want to learn about alternatives.

This approach is a way of being, not a way of doing. More than a method or the practice of one modality, the holistic approach appreciates diverse modalities — including traditional allopathic medicine as well as other approaches — as tools to promote each individual’s health. Knowing that no one model has the answer, one-size-fits-all solutions are discarded. There are many answers that suit a person at a particular point in life.

It’s best when the health practitioner engages in reflective exploration to build rapport and creative energy, inquiring in many ways and in many words, “What does healing mean to you?” and “How do you heal?”

It is also important that the practitioner respects the necessity of support beyond the psychotherapy room. It would be impossible to expect the practitioner to maintain expertise in dozens of areas. However, it is not unrealistic to have the practitioner see himself or herself as part of the team, professionals and others, who bring complementary skills.