Everyone is talking about wellness these days, and the term 'holistic' has become the buzzword used to describe the 'wellness approach'. There are a number of principles that typify this approach to health care. They also guide the way I practise medicine and today I will share them with you.

The term 'holistic' comes from a Greek word, holos, which means 'whole' or 'complete'. (The popular spelling 'wholistic' is an American innovation). The holistic doctor focuses his/her attention on the total patient and not just on a particular symptom or illness. Here are some key concepts:

BODY/MIND/SPIRIT CONNECTION

The holistic approach recognises that each person has a physical, mental, and spiritual dimension, and that these are closely related. For a long time doctors have been aware of the intimate connection between mind and body, and recognise psychosomatic diseases - illnesses that have physical symptoms and signs but are caused by a mental or emotional disorder. The holistic practitioner recognises this close connection between mind, body and spirit and understands that a disturbance in one area will impact other areas as well.

SYMPTOM VERSUS CAUSE

The conventional approach to health care tends to focus on removing the symptoms of diseases, while the holistic approach seeks the underlying cause. Symptoms are simply signposts that point out that something is wrong. Once we discover what the symptom is saying and respond accordingly, then illness becomes not just something to be rid of, but an experience from which we can learn and grow. The holistic practitioner's aim is not only to cure the disease, but also to help in the healing of the total person.

PREVENTION VERSUS CURE

The quality and length of your life are greatly influenced by your lifestyle. According to the American Medical Association, 60 per cent of deaths before age 65 are preventable by simple changes in lifestyle.

Holistic health care places a major emphasis on lifestyle modification as a way of promoting optimal health and preventing diseases. It focuses on factors like these for the prevention of diseases:

Diet and nutritional supplements.

Exercise and weight control.

Stress management.

Avoidance of harmful substances, such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco and environment pollution.

Healthy personal and spiritual support.

The use of safe, alternative or complementary therapies.

HEALTH VERSUS ILLNESS

The conventional approach emphasises treating illness, while the holistic approach focuses on maintaining health. The conventional approach often expects and demands a quick fix for the ailment, Holistic medicine encourages the client to actively participate in facilitating the healing process.

DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP

Typically, the doctor is seen as someone who does something to fix the patient. In the holistic approach, the doctor assists the patient to use his/her inner healing power. For example, a patient with an infection may be given an antibiotic by a conventional doctor. The holistic practitioner will take it a step further and counsel the patient about the immune system, its role in infection and how to help.