Introduction to Holistic Health

Introduction to Holistic Health

Christine Foster, MA, LLPC, NCC

What is Holistic HealthWhat is Holistic Health

What do you think Holistic Health consists of?

What do you think Holistic Health consists of?

MeditationMeditation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH3_64mLCU8&feature=watch_response

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH3_64mLCU8&feature=watch_response

Introduction to Holistic PrinciplesIntroduction to Holistic Principles

Paradigm: a set of principles and assumptions

used by a culture to make sense of the world

Worldview: YOUR personal values and beliefs provide a lens through which to

interact and interpret the world Individual choice and decision

process

Paradigm: a set of principles and assumptions

used by a culture to make sense of the world

Worldview: YOUR personal values and beliefs provide a lens through which to

interact and interpret the world Individual choice and decision

process

How do you see it ?How do you see it ?

The Dominant ParadigmThe Dominant Paradigm

Birth of medicine Western, Allopathic medicine Scientific Revolution (18th and 19th

Centuries) Réne Descartes & Isaac Newton Mind/Body Dichotomy (Dualism):

discrete, separate entities

Birth of medicine Western, Allopathic medicine Scientific Revolution (18th and 19th

Centuries) Réne Descartes & Isaac Newton Mind/Body Dichotomy (Dualism):

discrete, separate entities

Core Concepts of HolismCore Concepts of Holism

Interconnectedness Balance and Harmony Multiple Influences Responsibility

Interconnectedness Balance and Harmony Multiple Influences Responsibility

InterconnectednessInterconnectedness

All living things are made up of interdependent parts that operate on many different levels simultaneously.

All living things are made up of interdependent parts that operate on many different levels simultaneously.

Interconnectedness Cont.Interconnectedness Cont.

Balance and HarmonyBalance and Harmony

Maintenance; a state of balance (equilibrium or homeostasis) Living on continuum

Harmony is the ability to form and maintain sustainable relationships

Functioning is optimal when internal (mind/body/spirit) and external systems (family, friends and community) are balanced

Maintenance; a state of balance (equilibrium or homeostasis) Living on continuum

Harmony is the ability to form and maintain sustainable relationships

Functioning is optimal when internal (mind/body/spirit) and external systems (family, friends and community) are balanced

Multiple InfluencesMultiple Influences

Because everything is interconnected, our mind/body/spirit respond on multiple levels and can be influenced in many ways.

Example: A stressed mind influences body and heart…a sick body influences mind and spirit

Looking for quick fixes (like aspirin for a headache, alcohol for depression), doesn’t work in the long run.

Because everything is interconnected, our mind/body/spirit respond on multiple levels and can be influenced in many ways.

Example: A stressed mind influences body and heart…a sick body influences mind and spirit

Looking for quick fixes (like aspirin for a headache, alcohol for depression), doesn’t work in the long run.

ResponsibilityResponsibility

Our ability to respond rather than react to circumstances and challenges in our lives.

A sense of accountability or ownership.

Agreement or congruence between attention - intention – action.

Taking action on an intention allows you to change old habits that no longer work for you!

Our ability to respond rather than react to circumstances and challenges in our lives.

A sense of accountability or ownership.

Agreement or congruence between attention - intention – action.

Taking action on an intention allows you to change old habits that no longer work for you!

Holism and HealthHolism and Health

Internal systems (mind/body/spirit) working together as an

integrated whole even on the cellular level

External systems (families/communities/society/local and global

environment)

Western / Eastern Balance Acute versus Wellness

Internal systems (mind/body/spirit) working together as an

integrated whole even on the cellular level

External systems (families/communities/society/local and global

environment)

Western / Eastern Balance Acute versus Wellness

CAM DefinedCAM Defined

Complementary & Alternative Medicine Either replace or complement allopathic medicine

Personal Choice Allopathic medicine alone Allopathic medicine + CAM (Integrative) CAM alone

Has anyone engaged in CAM?

Research Efficacy and Responsibility

Complementary & Alternative Medicine Either replace or complement allopathic medicine

Personal Choice Allopathic medicine alone Allopathic medicine + CAM (Integrative) CAM alone

Has anyone engaged in CAM?

Research Efficacy and Responsibility

Characteristics of CAMCharacteristics of CAM

• The body has an ability to heal itself• Our goal is to ignite this innate ability

• Aim of treatment: restore balance enhancing self-healing capabilities

• The “whole person” is treated• Mind, body, spirit, relationships

• Diagnosis and treatment are individualized

• Complex combinations of interventions

• The body has an ability to heal itself• Our goal is to ignite this innate ability

• Aim of treatment: restore balance enhancing self-healing capabilities

• The “whole person” is treated• Mind, body, spirit, relationships

• Diagnosis and treatment are individualized

• Complex combinations of interventions

Typical Domains of CAMTypical Domains of CAM

Mind/Body practices

Biologically-based practices

Energetically-based practices

Manipulative-based practices

Whole medical systems

Mind/Body practices

Biologically-based practices

Energetically-based practices

Manipulative-based practices

Whole medical systems

Careers in Holistic HealthCareers in Holistic Health

Many different careers… Acupuncturist Massage therapist Art therapist Yoga instructor

Specialized training necessary Number of hours of training and practice Specific license

Many different careers… Acupuncturist Massage therapist Art therapist Yoga instructor

Specialized training necessary Number of hours of training and practice Specific license

Research in Holistic HealthResearch in Holistic Health

Many aspects of Holistic Health practice are being researched today Mindfulness Supplements

http://nccam.nih.gov/research

Many aspects of Holistic Health practice are being researched today Mindfulness Supplements

http://nccam.nih.gov/research

Questions???Questions???