between the physiological factors within someone’s body. It’s
HOLISTIC MEDICINE
like throwing a rock into a pond: there is a ripple effect. Ev-
erything is going to be changed by tweaking one small aspect Lastly, there is holistic medicine. This is medical care that
of the patient’s health or lack of health. Three examples of this considers the patient as a whole, including his physical, men-
are: grapefruit juice may increase the risk of breast cancer in tal, emotional, spiritual, social, even economic needs. From the
some patients; exposure to pesticides can trigger Parkinson’s lifestyles of health and sustainability web site (www.lohas.com),
disease; lack of magnesium can cause chocolate cravings and holistic is defined as the healing philosophy that views the pa-
migraines. We are complicated beings and functional medicine tient as a whole person — not just as a disease but a reflection
acknowledges this. Functional medicine practitioners strive to of symptoms. Holistic practitioners may address a client’s emo-
help the patient achieve a better balance as we age. As we age, tional and spiritual dimensions as well as the nutritional, envi-
we get out of balance until we reach the tipping point. Then ronmental, and lifestyle factors that contribute to the illness.
we get symptoms. Eventually our symptoms are so bad that we Many holistic practitioners are also integrative healers. It is
get diagnosed with a disease. The idea of functional medicine possible to combine any of these with another. Integrative prac-
is to recognize those imbalances early on before there is a full- titioners may use multiple treatment modalities. There is open-
blown illness. ness to the patient seeking out other modalities because there
Dr. Andrew Weil’s definition of Integrative Medicine says it is basic respect for the patient’s autonomy and the patient’s re-
is a “healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole sponsibility for their own health care. A holistic practitioner will
person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. have all of these same skills and tries to use them with heart,
It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all compassion, and a sense of connection with nature and spirit.
appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.” One can be integrative and not holistic. One cannot be holistic
and not integrative.
According to Dr. Weil, the principles of Integrative Medi- Integrative, holistic medicine becomes the art and science
cine are: of healing that addresses care and healing of the whole person,
body, mind and spirit. It integrates conventional and comple-
• A partnership between patient and practitioner in the mentary therapy to promote optimal health and to prevent and
healing process. treat disease by addressing contributing factors. This is taken
• Appropriate use of conventional and alternative methods from the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine.
to facilitate the body’s innate healing response. The importance of knowing these different therapies is that
• Consideration of all factors that influence health, wellness you have a choice in the kind of health care that you agree to.
and disease, including mind, spirit and community as well It does not have to be straight, allopathic medical care with
as body no other modalities integrated into the treatment(s) that you
• A philosophy that neither rejects conventional medicine receive. It is important, however, to make informed decisions,
nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically. so please make sure your health care providers are consulted
• Recognition that good medicine should be based in good about your course of treatment choices.
science, inquiry driven, and be open to new paradigms.
• Use of natural, effective, less invasive interventions
Sources: www.holisticmedicine.org, www.lohas.com,www.
whenever possible.
nccam.nih.gov, www.drweil.com, merican Holistic Medical
• Use of the broader concepts of promotion of health and
Association, The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, American
the prevention of illness as well as the treatment of disease.
Association of Integrative Medicine, The Institute of Functional
• Training of practitioners to be models of health and healing,
medicine, The American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine,
Dr. Elizabeth Vaughan.
committed to the process of self-exploration and
self-development.
PSYCHIC MEDIUM HEALER
Agnes Obrzanowska, M.A.
Holistic Health Practitioner
Intuitive Counseling
Victoria’s Day Spa
Hawaiian Massage
34 E. Main St., Avon, CT
Energy Healing
(860) 941-2667
Color & Sound Therapy
By appointment only
Chakra Cleansing
www.psychicmediumandhealer.com
April 2009 15
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