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Holistic MedicineThough many people dismiss Holistic Medicine as a “New Age” phenomenon or something that is simply bogus, most Americans are not familiar with the actual definition of the term Holistic Medicine. The word holistic refers to the whole—as in the entire person. Holistic Medicine encompasses all of the elements that combine to form a human being, including the physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental aspects of life. Therefore, Holistic Medicine is able to go farther than traditional medicine, which focuses mainly on physical symptoms. A holistic medical approach is one that goes beyond just treating medical symptoms and into diagnosis of underlying problems that have triggered these symptoms. Holistic Practitioners also focus Prevention and Wellness and can evaluate their patients’ lifestyles in order to identify and correct problem areas. Today, many Americans are finding that Holistic Family Medicine is a welcome alternative to the often impersonal medical care they receive at average medical practices.Patients who seek holistic medical treatment from certified Holistic Practitioners receive the benefit of individualized care, like the care offered by our Central Virginia Family Physicians. Holistic Practitioners recognize their patients as individuals, rather that merely examples of certain diseases. This recognition means that the practitioner will work together with the patient in order to come up with personalized solutions to their ailments, and that all the solutions decided upon will coincide with the patient’s beliefs. Many people prefer this type of relationship to the treatment they are likely to receive from ordinary physicians who spend an average of fewer than ten minutes with each of their thousands of patients. When seeking a holistic physician, it is important to look for a practitioner that is specifically trained in holistic medicine, who addresses you as a person rather than an example of a particular ailment, who puts you at ease, and who prescribes solutions other than medication. As with all other decisions, it is important to be as informed as possible before choosing a holistic practitioner. Take into account factors such as the source of the recommendation you received and the organization’s affiliations with other entities in the community, and take the time to do some research on the subject. When you actually go in for your appointment, make sure your physician is willing to work with you and take your beliefs, ideas, and concerns into consideration. You should also take note of the kinds of questions your doctor is asking you. A properly trained Holistic Practitioner will ask questions that delve into the particulars of your life, and should focus on areas like Health and Nutrition, Exercise and Physical Fitness, family history, professional life, stress level, and other specifics that will help them to get a feel for your personal habits and beliefs. In addition to endeavoring to get to know you, your doctor should foster the kind of environment in which you feel at ease and comfortable asking questions—even about alternatives to the treatments your doctor has suggested. A true holistic physician will encourage you to be as informed as possible and to explore any potential treatments so that you can find the one this is ideal for you. Many holistic physicians work in conjunction with traditional doctors, suggesting methods that aid in the treatment of certain illnesses. Instead of prescribing medicine, holistic physicians aim to assess the patient’s life as a whole and suggest lifestyle changes—such as changes in diet and Fitness and Exercise—that may also be helpful in solving the patient’s problem. Finally, holistic physicians like PartnerMD’s Holistic Physicians in Virginia will often carry titles such as Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), and Homeopathic Doctor. If you find yourself asking, “What is Holistic Medicine?” you may want to consider making an appointment with one of PartnerMD’s well-trained physicians. Our Central Virginia Family Physicians are equipped to deal with a myriad of medical problems and are committed to their patients’ well-being. Our dedication to providing our patients with superior medical care through our Concierge Medical Practices has gained us a reputation for excellence within the community. For top-quality medical care, consider turning to PartnerMD, where our physicians will not only treat your symptoms, but get to know you as a person and tailor plans for Prevention and Wellness to your specific needs. |
