Decoding Human Health Problems

DECODING HUMAN HEALTH PROBLEMS

(find out what your body is telling you)

Definition:

Holistic health is a term used by alternative medicine advocates to describe medical care that views physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and balanced. Advocates of the holistic health philosophy typically seek or use a wide variety of alternative practices, the most common of which include Acupuncture, Polarity-Ayurveda, Siddha, Chiropractic, Naturopathy, Yoga, Aromatherapy, Homeopathy, Massage, Qi-Gong/Tai Chi, Chinese Herbology, Medical Cannabis, Medicinal Herbs, and Prolotherapy. Very often, holistic health care is defined as what it is not–Western, scientific biomedicine, also called allopathic medicine. Any definition of holistic health care, therefore, should define allopathy as well.

History:

Allopathic medicine has pervaded much of Western Civilization. Also referred to as "conventional" or "biomedicine," this system seeks to treat diseases through an action whose result is the opposite action of the symptoms displayed. The word "allopathy" comes from the Greek roots allo, different, and pathos, suffering. Interestingly, the term "allopathic was first coined by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy. Homeopathy, which follows the general philosophy of "like cures like" is today considered an "alternative" form of medicine. The economically, politically, and socially dominant form of medicine practiced in the United States today is allopathic medicine. The use of "alternatives” (naturalpath modology), however, has been on the rise in recent years. A holistic approach to health care, says Dr. Allan Bazzoli, focuses on the development of a "sound body, sound mind, sound spirit." For this reason, the term "holistic health care" was used to describe the alternative, complementary,

and holistic practices of Knox County, Ohio.

Alternative Methods:

Chiropractic

"Chiropractors seek to adjust "subluxations," misalignments of the spinal vertebrae, which interfere with the healthy functioning of the nervous system. Elimination of subluxations allows the nervous system to freely transmit impulses throughout the body which, in turn, assists the body in healing itself. This therapy is used extensively to treat back, neck, and shoulder pain,as well as other disorders of the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems. Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) Have an Associate's degree, at minimum, followed by four years of study at a school of chiropractic. Chiropractorsare licensed in all fifty states. Chiropractic treatment is covered by many medical insurance programs."

(Feuerman and Handel 1997; 85)

Craniosacral Therapy

"Bodily system based on manipulation of the cranial bones of the skull, called the craniosacral system. This system is composed of the layered membranes of the brain and spinal cord, the cerebral spinal fluid within this membrane, and the structures within the membrane system that control the flow of the fluid. Like the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the craniosacral system has its own rhythm and is thought to influence a wide variety of total body functions through its effect on the nervous and endocrine systems. Craniosacral therapists locate areas of restricted movement in the bones of the skull and the vertebrae

and reestablish motion in these areas."

(Feuerman and Handel 1997; 94)

Applied Kinesiology (Muscle Testing)

"Is the study of muscle movement and the use of the muscles as a biofeedback mechanism to indicate the internal state of the body's energy system. Pressure or stimulation is applied to energy points on the body to help balance the energy flow and bring the body itself into better balance. Kinesiologists are certified at various levels."