Holistic Care in the Modern World | A Simple Guide to Wellness

The holistic approach to health and wellness is a philosophy of care that considers the individual as a whole, taking into account the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of their life. It's a way of living that is based on the idea that all aspects of one's life are interconnected and influence each other. This approach recognizes that people are not just their symptoms or diagnoses. It takes into account how all aspects of an individual's life impact their health and well-being including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual.

Holistic therapy is a combination of different treatments and practices like massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, reiki, yoga practice, meditation, diet, and crystals. The holistic treatment is especially beneficial for health because it enables the reduction of stress and body aches, strengthens the spiritual connection, and boosts self-esteem. 

Massage is a holistic healing practice that involves the rubbing of muscles and joints of the body with the hands and oil to relieve tension or pain and relax. Massage therapy can also be used in conjunction with other therapies to handle specific needs, such as reducing stress or improving sleep. This practice has been known for centuries and has been used for various purposes such as healing, relaxation, relieving pain, and improving circulation.

The use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils in massage, baths, or at home is called aromatherapy. It is a holistic therapy that can be used to enhance mood and relieve anxiety. Aromatherapy has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments. In the present day, it is widely used in massage and other forms of complementary healing therapy.

Acupuncture is a form of complementary medicine that involves pricking the skin or tissues with needles. It is used for many purposes like alleviating pain. In most countries, acupuncture is considered a form of alternative medicine, but in China, it has been practiced for over three thousand years. Acupuncture therapy is believed to operate by stimulating nerve endings near the surface of the skin which then sends messages to the brain and alerts it to what's going on in other parts of your body.

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation promoting natural healing, and restoring general well-being, both physical and emotional. It involves the use of hands to transmit energy to an individual utilizing touch or hovering the hands over the body. The word "reiki" comes from Japanese and it means something like universal life energy or force.

Yoga is a practice that has been around for centuries. It is holistic, meaning it can be used for both health and relaxation purposes. Yoga includes breath control, mindfulness, and the adoption of specific bodily postures that aim at working strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility. The goal is to create a sense of calmness and peace in the body and mind. Yoga's popularity has grown as people have come to understand its benefits, it can be used as a form of physical exercise, as well as a way to reduce stress levels and improve mental health.

Meditation has become a widespread practice for people to find inner peace and mental clarity. It is also a great way to connect with your mind and body. There are many different types of meditation, but they all have the same essence: to calm the mind, reduce stress, and help focus on the present moment.

What we eat has a great impact on our bodies, mind, and emotions. Whatever diet you choose, Mediterranean, vegan, or other, make sure to include fruits, and vegetables, keep hydrated throughout the day, and avoid processed food. The best way to avoid processed food is to cook your food. Cooking can be daunting, especially when starting, ask family and friends for cooking tips and recipes and search for easy and healthy recipes that include ingredients you like, and of course, use fresh ingredients. 

A Mediterranean diet consists of high consumption of vegetables, olive oil, and mild consumption of protein. A vegan diet is a diet that excludes meat, fish, and derivatives like eggs, dairy, and cheese. The vegan diet has the most restrictions and can be demanding to maintain for those who are accustomed to meat and fish meals. Vegans eat mostly plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and rice. They also avoid dairy products like milk and cheese. A vegetarian diet does not include any meat or fish but vegetarians typically eat eggs and dairy products in addition to vegetables, fruits, beans, and grains like rice or bread. The paleo diet consists mostly of meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit, excluding dairy, grains, and processed food.

Crystals are often associated with well-being and there's a reason for that. Take a look at our article Crystals & Wellness and discover a bit more about crystals and how they can improve well-being.