The word holistic is a commonly used term and it seems to be a buzzword at present. Anything from treatments to various health care programs tag the term ‘holistic’. While this can be beneficial to us, it is helpful to stop and consider what does a holistic approach actually entail or mean?
And when we choose a holistic approach how do we know if it is truly meeting us where we are at in this moment in time with all the various lifestyle factors, commitments and obligations we have in our lives, how do we know if we are following a ‘holistic’ approach?
Let us start with the meaning –
The word “holistic” comes from the word “whole” Holistic medicine looks at you as a whole person and not just a sum of individual parts.
Holistic Health is a conscious way of living not merely focusing on treating illness/disease, but an ancient approach to health & Wellbeing. Holistic considers the whole person including how ones thoughts, emotions and behaviour affect our health. It highlights the connection of mind, body, and ones true nature.
This ancient approach is one that Ayurveda has adopted for thousands of years known as the life and health science originating from India.
Holistic medicine is a dynamic and individualized (based on ones constitution/body type, current state of health, age, season and other factors) approach in Ayurveda developing awareness on the client’s part is fundamental to achieving goals for our health supporting this holistic approach.
When we have this awareness, of clear direction and a steady mind we are able to see and feel in our bodies what the causes are that are affecting our health and address them.
Hence with the holistic approach given from the Ayurvedic practitioner, implementing these directions and developing our awareness the person becomes the owner of their holistic path an empowering combination which supports the treatment not only now but also through ones life and radiating to others around them.
Holistic is not acting in a impulsive manner that leads us to quick fixes, trying out the latest megatrends, supplementing, use of medication/ plant based medications which only work on a superficial level. Holistic means we participate in our path to health and we develop our own awareness to the factors that disturb it.
According to World Health organisation lifestyle related disease are the biggest killers, yet lifestyle is within our control. Lifestyle diseases are responsible for 63 per cent of global deaths based on WHO’s estimates for 2008. This includes heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, some cancers and some statistics show suicide (mental health) also being a major concern.
Ayurvedic texts explain what holistic health is and is a complete guide for achieving good health. If we reflect on the verse below we will see in great detail there is much involved when the Ayurveda practitioner examines the patient and gives the direction and specific steps (based on a Ayurveda health program) on how to achieve this state.
The Ayurvedic approach involves appropriate diet and lifestyle adjustments as per the individual, Ayurveda therapies which work to detoxify and rejuvenate the body and help stabilize the mind, massage, shirodhara treatments, Ayurvedic counselling and herbal treatment helping to remove excessive waste from the bodies tissues and organs therefore restoring their normal function thus health is achieved.
The Ayurveda Definition Of A Healthy Person
Sushruta sutra, Chapter 15, verse 41
Samadosha Samagnishcha Sama Dhata Mala Kriya. Prassanna atma indriya manah swastha iti abhideyate
An individual that maintains a balanced state of the main elements of the body (including dosha and dhatu), adequate digestion (agni), proper excretion (mala kriya), blissful condition of soul/ (atma), satisfied senses (indriyan) and a happy state of mind (manas) is called a swasthya or healthy person.
Dosha: Vata Pitta Kapha, main elements
Dhatu: Bodies tissues, main elements
Manas (mind): Satwa, Rajas, Tamas
To summarise Holistic health is about establishing and developing your own awareness, physically, mentally and emotionally. When we are balanced through mind and body we understand who we are as an individual and what we need to adjust and change to sustain balance both mentally, physically and emotionally.
The best way to start is see your Ayurvedic practitioner, through this an Ayurvedic program will be established an educational practice will begin for the client who then implements these changes and results will be achieved.
Yours in good health Scott & Kim Allan
Testimonial
I booked myself in for a five day package and received amazing results. After suffering from extremely bad anxiety after having my second child I had run out of options. I had tried everyone and everything, was even told that I would never be able to get rid of my anxiety, I would just have to learn how to manage it better with drugs etc.
I am now anxiety free and feeling the best I have in a long long time thanks to Ayurveda and the incredibly skillful and knowledgeable Kim & Scott, they make a formidable team. They really do know their stuff, you must do everything they say to do, but it works! I couldn’t recommend the five day package more highly I have my life back and feel great. Can’t wait to come back for more treatments.
Jo, NSW
