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Three Great Benefits of Holistic Health

I read recently that 70 percent of Americans take prescription drugs. And while in many cases prescription medications are undeniably beneficial, they’re often expensive and many have side effects that can decrease one’s quality of life. One way we may be able to reduce our need for prescription drugs is through a focus on holistic health. Here are a few of its benefits.

Holistic health focuses on one’s overall wellness. As HealthGuidance.org notes, holistic health is an approach that encourages us to focus on our whole self—mind, body, and soul—rather than a specific ailment. The idea is that by taking into account our overall wellness we can reduce our need for prescription medicines while also becoming happier and healthier.

Alternative treatments can treat a wide variety of ailments. Holistic health treatments include acupuncture, homeopathy, reiki, meditation, chiropractic, and more. These treatments can be coupled with traditional treatments or used on their own and improve mental health, relieve pain, and much more. But that’s not all. They can also be used to treat diseases and conditions that we might normally assume require a traditional medical approach.

For example, along with the colorful leaves and crisp air, fall brings with it cold and flu season. A holistic health approach to treating a cold can help you avoid having to take tons of over-the-counter cold meds. In its article on fighting the common cold, Premier Health suggests treating your cold before it starts by taking 3-4 drops of Oil of Oregano when you first become symptomatic. It also notes that staying hydrated, washing your hands, getting plenty of exercise—all aspects of holistic health—will help you stay well this fall and winter.

Puts prevention first. In its article on the pros and cons of holistic health, EverydayHealth.com points out one significant benefit: holistic health’s focus on prevention. Usually, we start feeling ill, go to the doctor, and they prescribe us medicine to help us feel better. But as the article notes, holistic health uses “well visits” to help prevent disease in the first place. Its focus on whole body health, which encourages healthy habits that benefit our physical and mental wellbeing, adds to one’s ability to stop illness in its tracks.

You may not be ready to say goodbye to your medical doctor and commit fully to holistic treatments, and that’s ok. But it’s important to note that simply working in aspects of holistic health—such as eating nutritious foods, taking care of your mental health, staying active, and so on, are all ways to make your whole body healthier and happier.

 

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