What is the Definition of Holistic Health?

While researching the definition of holistic health I discovered something interesting. There are a variety of explanations of what holistic health is, and they fell into two distinct categories.

The first, and by far the most popular category of definitions, described holistic health as an approach to healing and alternative medicine.

This definition of holistic health is often used interchangeably with the definition of holistic practices or alternative medicine. However, it fails to tell you about the health of body and mind which is what holistic health is based on.

So what is holistic health?
The second set of definitions came closer to what I had in mind. Borrowing from a few of them, I created the following explanation.

The Definition of Holistic Health

What is holistic health?
And how do you achieve and maintain improved levels of holistic health?

It considers the health of body and mind and beyond.

The definition of holistic health is simple and inclusive. It is your overall state of wellness on all levels of your being: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It covers the health of your entire being and extends to your resources, environment and relationships.

Although we've become accustomed to examining and treating each of these areas separately, holistic health or wellness implies the health of the whole. In reality, your body, mind and spirit are completely intertwined and cannot be separated. They are aspects of the whole, not separate entities. To affect one level, either positively or negatively, influences your entire being.

Once people truly grasp the importance of the mind-body-spirit-relationship, and address well-being on all levels, the more likely we are to see remarkable healings occur. Read more about the mind-body connection here.

The Biopsychosocial Model

George Engel named his work the "biopsychosocial model" for determining someone's state of health. He considered health to be based on many factors interacting together to create a whole picture of health. These factors included biological, environmental, psychological and aspects of life.

A few measures of wellness include:
*How many hours do you sleep each night?
*How well do you get along with others? Do you have unresolved relationship issues?
*Are you regularly around toxic chemicals in work or at home?
*How much fresh food do you eat each day?
*What is your exercise routine?
*Are you happy with your job and financial status?
*Do you have a social support system?

This view is contrary to the more current model stating that we are our genes and our genes determine our future health. It's us, and the medical system, against our genes.

Recent research is proving Dr. Engel correct. This is good news because it shows us that we have a great deal more influence over our state of health than we've been led to believe.

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What is holistic health and wellness as it relates to you? It's your state of overall health and well-being right now. It's based on the choices and practices you make each and every moment of your life. The choices you make in those moments will be a major influence of the state of your overall health in the future.

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