Take control of your health in good time - the holistic approach

Veröffentlicht am: October 28, 2024
Dr. med. Wolfgang  Bachmann
Dr. med. Wolfgang Bachmann

General practitioner

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is a global health problem. The major problem is that as soon as a chronic illness is diagnosed, the person affected usually has to rely on lifelong medical care. The resulting impairments and restrictions affect the overall quality of life. How can this be counteracted?

A sensible method for preventing chronic illnesses and maintaining quality of life is a holistic approach.

We have always believed that there is more to it than just swallowing pills and hoping to get well quickly. It is much more important to adapt your lifestyle and thus create an optimal environment for good health. 

We don't want to play a part in merely treating symptoms - we want you to be holistically healthy and happy. That's why we have made it our goal to regularly provide you with the best tips and advice so that you can take your health into your own hands.

➤ Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common chronic diseases and are now considered the most frequent cause of death!

Our health - the greatest good

The topic of health and illness accompanies us throughout our lives. The way we live has a significant influence on how long we stay healthy or whether we suddenly fall ill. Of course, there are diseases that we cannot influence, but most modern civilization diseases are directly related to our lifestyle. These include chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, mental disorders and others.

There are two approaches to influencing our health:

  • Conventional medicine
  • Holistic approach

We live in modern times

Nowadays, conventional medicine has largely prevailed. The focus is on rapid treatment of the symptoms that occur. However, the causes of the illness are rarely investigated and psychosomatic influences are usually ruled out. 

The old teaching of the whole ...

In contrast to conventional medicine, holistic medicine is about looking at the person as a whole. This approach has long been practiced in Eastern teachings, TCM and by indigenous peoples. The focus is on 3 levels, which are considered an inseparable unit and are in constant interaction with each other: Body, mind and soul.

body-mind-soul

If there is a disruption in the human system, illnesses can arise. In most cases, there are disturbances between the body and mind, between the individual organs and the organ system or between different micronutrients. For example, the intestinal flora directly influences our mental health via the so-called gut-brain axis.

Holistic teaching is therefore not just about covering up your symptoms particularly quickly, but about developing a deeper understanding of your symptoms and illnesses in order to find a long-term solution. The focus is also on mental and spiritual health. Every symptom has a cause and even if we are physically healthy, this does not mean that we are really well. The aim of the holistic approach is therefore to promote health as a whole and prevent chronic illnesses and secondary diseases.

➤ 90% of diabetics suffer from type 2 diabetes! Mostly due to obesity and lack of exercise.

What does science say?

A 2017 study showed that the holistic approach improved brain health in people with mild cognitive impairment.

In an American report, a research institute for preventive medicine in California has been reporting since 2006 that coronary heart patients are successfully and efficiently treated with improved nutrition, exercise, stress management and social support. 

A holistic approach can also lead to success with chronic pain. This is according to an article in the Scientific World Journal from 2006. This is generally regarded as one of the greatest challenges, but is often easy to alleviate with a holistic approach. With the help of holistic medicine, patients can often be cured of their suffering if they take responsibility for the suppressed feelings.

➤ 1 in 10 people suffer from depression at least once in their lives!

Long-term solutions are on the rise again

The WHO also adopted the concept of a holistic view back in 1946, describing it as a "state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely freedom from disease or infirmity". 

More and more international bodies are now also calling for a holistic approach to understanding and dealing with mental and physical health needs. This is characterized by treating the whole person, taking into account psychological and social factors, and not just the symptoms of an illness.

Conclusion

Only targeted care for your mental and physical health can ensure that you stay healthy or restore your health in the long term. Please note that a single symptom is always a sign that the body is out of balance. Only those who take their diet, exercise, stress management, brain health, psyche and sleep into account will remain healthy and happy in the long term. Take your body seriously and look for the source of your symptoms. 

Take control of your health in good time!

 

Sources (in English)

Chan, C. W., Wong, F. K., Yeung, S. M., & Sum, F. (2016). Holistic Health Status Questionnaire: developing a measure from a Hong Kong Chinese population. Health and quality of life outcomes14, 28. doi: 10.1186/s12955-016-0416-8

Young, K. W., Ng, P., Kwok, T., & Cheng, D. (2017). The effects of holistic health group interventions on improving the cognitive ability of persons with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical interventions in aging12, 1543–1552. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S142109

Ventegodt, S., Merrick, E., & Merrick, J. (2006). Clinical holistic medicine: the Dean Ornish program ("opening the heart") in cardiovascular disease. TheScientificWorldJournal6, 1977–1984. doi: 10.1100/tsw.2006.330

Shafran, R., Bennett, S. D., & McKenzie Smith, M. (2017). Interventions to Support Integrated Psychological Care and Holistic Health Outcomes in Paediatrics.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)5(3), 44. doi: 10.3390/healthcare5030044

Ventegodt, S., & Merrick, J. (2005). Clinical holistic medicine: chronic pain in internal organs. TheScientificWorldJournal5, 205–210. doi: 10.1100/tsw.2005.27

Ventegodt, S., & Merrick, J. (2005). Clinical holistic medicine: chronic infections and autoimmune diseases. TheScientificWorldJournal5, 155–164. doi: 10.1100/tsw.2005.23