What does "holistic" really mean?
There's been a misunderstanding and I'd like to clear it up!
I'm reclaiming the word holistic.
I've always considered my approach to wellness as holistic, but over the years, as wellness has been sensationalized by social media, the word became misunderstood and has lost its meaning. For this reason, I've stopped using the word. This has become a challenge for me because there is no better word to describe how I work with people! So I've decided to take it upon myself to clear things up, so I can move on and help people heal holistically ;)
I've had people tell me "she's holistic" or "I'm not holistic"
It doesn't really work that way...
Holistic isn't a black or white thing. You don't use the word to describe a person.
What people think holistic means:
natural
anti-medications
non-toxic
healthy
woo woo
conspiracy theorist
homesteader
What holistic actually means:
"relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts."
It also means...
addressing the entire body because everything with the body is connected and impact each other
therefore, not singling out any organ or symptoms. the person should be treated, not the diagnosis.
everything in our life beyond our body can impact our health, like environment, relationships, community, stress and spirituality.
looking for the root cause of symptoms, and not merely suppressing them (this can happen with natural remedies too!)
our body remembers e v e r y t h i n g, even the things we don't consciously remember :)
You can be choosing natural alternatives but still not be taking a holistic approach because you are treating an isolated disease or suppressing a symptom
You can take a medication and still be taking a holistic approach because you continue to investigate the root causes behind your symptoms
What do you think? Have you been using the word incorrectly? Comment and let me know - I'd love to continue the conversation!