A Holistic Perspective on Health and Healthcare
Think of health as a tree. Conventional medicine often focuses on the branches—specialists treating isolated symptoms without considering the entire tree. This approach can overlook the root causes of health issues. As both a former provider in sickness medicine / critical care, and also a patient, trying to get support to heal my body, I’ve transformed my approach to wellness. My experience with medicine shifted when I began to see the importance of addressing not just the symptoms but the entire tree, including the roots. True healing involves understanding underlying issues such as genetic factors, environmental toxins, stress, allergies, and emotional trauma. Additionally, I have learned that true Vitality encompasses not just physical health, but emotional, mental, and spiritual as well. This is a holistic perspective!
Validating Your Symptoms
Have you been “dissed” (dismissed, invalidated or gas lit) when you visit your provider? I’ve learned it’s crucial to validate the symptoms of those struggling with health issues. Just because your doctor hasn’t found an answer doesn’t mean the problem isn’t real or that you are imagining your condition. Effective care requires acknowledging and addressing these symptoms, rather than settling for treatments, like a pill for an ill, that don’t resolve the underlying issues.
Exploring Different Approaches: Finding the Root Cause
Consider a friend who suffered from severe headaches diagnosed as “cluster headaches.” Despite prescriptions, her pain worsened and became debilitating. An old-school chiropractor finally suggested an X-ray of her neck, revealing that the problem was her neck, not her brain. Holistic treatments for her neck provided significant relief, illustrating the difference between traditional medicine, which often focuses on symptom management, and functional medicine, which seeks to understand and treat the body’s interconnected systems. Today this friend is thriving after getting to, and treating, the root cause.
Advanced Testing for Root Causes
As a nurse practitioner, I was trained to follow algorithms to diagnose based on symptoms and tests. This approach often left patients feeling unheard. Time constraints and a lack of thorough listening can lead to missed diagnoses, especially for women.
As an integrative health coach, I now use advanced testing to uncover underlying issues. This includes hormone levels, DNA, cardiac health, heavy metals, mold exposure, neurotransmitters, and gut microbiome. Disruptions in these areas can affect cellular energy, similar to a phone with poor reception or a low battery. Addressing these upstream issues is crucial for resolving symptoms like chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, brain fog, anxiety / depression and unbudgeable weight loss, which may be caused by factors like toxins and poor detoxification.
Choosing Health Over Disease
I once suggested a dietary change to a client with Fatty Liver Disease, and she humorously called me “mean”. This reaction reminded me of a scripture about natural laws and blessings. Our bodies’ health follows natural laws, and by understanding and adhering to these laws, we can optimize our well-being.
Dr. Mark Hyman points out that what we often view as normal aging is actually abnormal. Factors like diet, environmental toxins, lack of exercise, and stress contribute to chronic illness. Making healthier choices can prevent this decline. If you’re reading this, you likely want to enhance your vitality and ensure your health span matches your lifespan. Understanding and addressing root causes can help achieve the vitality you desire.
Techniques for Reducing Stress and Promoting Relaxation
- Mindfulness Meditation: Focusing on your breath and being present can reduce stress and improve well-being. I practice meditation daily and find it helps manage stress effectively.
- Exercise: Physical activity boosts endorphins and improves mood. Even a daily walk can be beneficial. I enjoy walking my dog, which clears my mind and helps me relax.
- Healthy Eating: A balanced diet supports both body and mind. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while cutting out processed foods has improved my energy levels significantly.
- Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for managing stress. Establishing a regular sleep routine and a restful environment can enhance sleep quality. Prioritizing sleep has made me feel more refreshed and less stressed.
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing can quickly calm your nervous system. Inhaling deeply through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly through your mouth helps me relax almost instantly during stressful moments.
Taking a holistic approach to health involves looking beyond physical symptoms to identify and address root causes. It also involves caring for our spiritual, emotional and mental selves, too! By slowing down, listening to our bodies, and making informed choices, we can enhance our overall well-being and create a healthier future. Choose health over disease and take control of your vitality.
Editor’s note – This Blog has been an excerpt from my soon to be released book Create The Vitality You Crave: Epigenetics 101 to Unlock Your Healing Power . Click here to learn more about it, read the reviews and get notified of pre-release special pricing.
