Holistic Philosophy

Albert Schweitzer: “The real essence of medicine is to awaken the physician within the patient.”

Sir William Osler: “It is much more important to know what sort of patient has a disease than what sort of disease a patient has.”

The emphasis is on the patient rather than on the disease. Signs and symptoms are not the total issue—but manifestations representing imbalances in the patient’s body (the living terrain). The whole body must be taken into consideration—not just the clinical manifestations. The correction of these biological imbalances with the subsequent resolution of abnormal signs and symptoms is the true essence of healing and achievement of ultimate wellness. The holistic practitioner has a vast number of “tools” to support and motivate the body to heal (please see our services).

Mainstream is synonymous with Conventional

Here the emphasis is focused on the invasive agents and the signs and symptoms produced. Successful treatment is resolution of symptoms. Treatment is usually accomplished with invasive pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics, steroids, NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and procedures such as surgery. Success may appear to be dramatic but usually nothing has been done to improve the body (living terrain) that allowed the problem to exist in the first place. Recurrence potential is high and chronicity is a threat. While conventional treatment may be considered a quick fix, in reality, not all the problems have been addressed. Because of the potent nature of pharmaceuticals, reactions and side effects are potentially high.

Integrative

Merging the mainstream and holistic modalities and diagnostics is an attempt to have the best of both worlds. The respective philosophies are at opposite ends of the pole and obvious conflict may occur. We can integrate mainstream therapies but always within a holistic context.

Alternative

A term for substituting a holistic therapy for a conventional approach. Often this amounts to using holistic therapies in a mainstream fashion, defying totally the holistic philosophy for which it was designed. The term and its mate Complimentary reflect the status quo of the twentieth century in which the mainstream approach has been widely viewed as the enlightened form of health care and any other approach has been viewed as deviant from it. Discussing “Alternative and Complimentary” medicine in reference to holistic philosophy should be avoided.

Western and Eastern Medicine

Western and Eastern medicine designate modalities as to their geological origin. In the twentieth century, this concept becomes blurred. As an example, acupuncture bears its roots in Eastern civilizations but its application has been so modified by western culture that often it bears little resemblance to its origins. Geographical designations are problematic and have little relevance.


	Holistic Philosophy Albert Schweitzer: “The real essence of medicine is to awaken the physician within the patient.” Sir William Osler: “It is much more important to know what sort of patient has a disease than what sort of disease a patient has.” The emphasis is on the patient rather than on the disease. Signs and symptoms are not the total issue—but manifestations representing imbalances in the patient’s body (the living terrain). The whole body must be taken into consideration—not just the clinical manifestations. The correction of these biological imbalances with the subsequent resolution of abnormal signs and symptoms is the true essence of healing and achievement of ultimate wellness. The holistic practitioner has a vast number of “tools” to support and motivate the body to heal (please see our services). Mainstream is synonymous with Conventional Here the emphasis is focused on the invasive agents and the signs and symptoms produced. Successful treatment is resolution of symptoms. Treatment is usually accomplished with invasive pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics, steroids, NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and procedures such as surgery. Success may appear to be dramatic but usually nothing has been done to improve the body (living terrain) that allowed the problem to exist in the first place. Recurrence potential is high and chronicity is a threat. While conventional treatment may be considered a quick fix, in reality, not all the problems have been addressed. Because of the potent nature of pharmaceuticals, reactions and side effects are potentially high. Integrative Merging the mainstream and holistic modalities and diagnostics is an attempt to have the best of both worlds. The respective philosophies are at opposite ends of the pole and obvious conflict may occur. We can integrate mainstream therapies but always within a holistic context. Alternative A term for substituting a holistic therapy for a conventional approach. Often this amounts to using holistic therapies in a mainstream fashion, defying totally the holistic philosophy for which it was designed. The term and its mate Complimentary reflect the status quo of the twentieth century in which the mainstream approach has been widely viewed as the enlightened form of health care and any other approach has been viewed as deviant from it. Discussing “Alternative and Complimentary” medicine in reference to holistic philosophy should be avoided. Western and Eastern Medicine Western and Eastern medicine designate modalities as to their geological origin. In the twentieth century, this concept becomes blurred. As an example, acupuncture bears its roots in Eastern civilizations but its application has been so modified by western culture that often it bears little resemblance to its origins. Geographical designations are problematic and have little relevance.