As a Holistic Health practitioner, I am often asked what is holistic health anyway?
So let’s start with a definition! Holistic Health according to Wikipedia is ” a concept in medical practice upholding that all aspects of people’s needs, psychological, physical and social should be taken into account and seen as a whole”.
From my own experience and practice, I would go further in my definition. I would say that holistic health is a way of life and once you begin understanding more about how your body works on a holistic or whole basis, it becomes a continuum of life. Holistic health brings together the mind-body-spirit connection.
Why would this be important? Because simply disease ( dis-ease) or poor health can have its origin mentally, emotionally, spiritually or physically. It is the practitioner’s role to facilitate your journey not only back to physical health but to attain a level of optimal health that goes beyond the physical. What I have found is that clients who have embarked with commitment on a holistic health program, not only find dramatically improved physical health but also inner peace and joy. As a holistic health practitioner, it is my role to unearth the causes of what is stopping you from attaining optimal health. This cause can be on any one of the levels I have mentioned. By working holistically we are able to impact the body on all levels simultaneously and thus moving the body towards a healthy movement.
Whether you want to lose weight or you have a particular health complaint or set of symptoms, a holistic health program will help you to restore balance in your cells.
What is the Holistic Health process?
Well firstly I listen to my clients. The client completes a detailed questionnaire about their life and from this I spent 90 minutes with them whether via phone or in-person. This is sometimes the first opportunity this person has had to discuss their health with anyone. We are able to get beyond the front door so to speak. I can hear what they have to say. I ask questions and listen. Often it is the gap between the words that enables me to ask the next relevant question. No doubt I am blessed to tap into a greater power of communication in this consultation and often I am led to ask seemingly irrelevant questions that take us to the exact place that is the core of whatever challenges the person may be facing. Can I explain this? No but I trust God to guide me. Then, I mix this intuitive communication with my training and experience in holistic health and the combination allows me to facilitate an individualized program that is best for that person.
Mostly my clients begin with a program designed to open up the body’s pathways – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Often just as a result of this initial program, I see profound changes taking place in my clients. They sleep better, their bowels work efficiently for the first time in years, their brain starts to wake up and much more besides.
Holistic Health is not a set of specific symptoms
Holistic health does not work with specific symptoms but rather the belief that each part of us is connected to the whole and if we work on a holistic basis, then the specifics will be corrected.
I value your opinion so please join the conversation below and let me know your thoughts…..
Be blessed always,
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About Clare Kelway
From Mom and Homeopath to Network Marketing Professional, Clare is passionate about helping you create freedom in your life - equipping you with success and a naturally healthy life. Health and Financial stress are the two greatest stresses we experience. Clare has a part time natural health clinic and spends the rest of her time teaching people how to effectively build a network marketing business. She builds her business online and offline using blogging, online marketing and speaking engagements. She lives in Kentucky, USA with her husband and two of her three sons.
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
I am looking forward to the day when we as a community of people will go to the Holistic direction before we even go to the conventional Dr.. Medication isn’t eh answer ( in the majority of cases) what you teach and help people do is far more beneficial. It is so scary when a person listens to the Dr. before they listen to their own body and I see that you listen and then venture forward… A totally healhty approach!!
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Thanks so much for this great post. A few years ago I was so ill and doctors couldn’t find out what was wrong with me apart from telling me I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I couldn’t function at all and gave up work. I prayed for years for a solution but was lead down the path of diet and realised I had a dairy intolerance. I gave up dairy plus introduced loads of fruit and veg and started drinking green smoothies. 6 months later my health problems had gone and I felt so fit and healthy that I could run for an hour a day. If you keep believing in a solution and are prepared to do something different then you can turn things around. I now want to inspire people to turn their health around too.
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Great blog, Katherine! I also had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 15 years ago that has driven my career. I am amazed at your recovery in six months. Great photo transformations. Best wishes, Clare
Thank you so much. It’s great that something good comes out of the hard times so we can help others through them. All the best, Katherine
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Great post, Clare! Holistic health is a term that gets bandied about a lot, and I think that you are doing a great service by not only explaining the term in general terms, but the things that you do that makes your own process so unique. I couldn’t help but be reminded when you wrote about how so many of our systems play a role in our health about the line in Garden State where the doctor tells the lead character about some of the funny ways that our brain affects us in our daily life.
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As a therapist and hypnotist I way to often come across “symptoms” that if they had been treated earlier and with a more holistic approach could have made the life of these people so much easier…
I don’t always work holistically myself, but I always encourage my clients to do so.
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Thanks Brian! I wish more people learned about the benefits of a holistic approach earlier. Clients come to me after most other avenues have failed since they don’t get my services paid for by insurance companies. Therefore they are very motivated when they do decide to consult me. Sadly, there are too many people suffering unnecessarily.
Clare
Dear Clare,
I think it is awsome what you do i am hoping to be finished with school by the end of this year.I am also going to be a holistic health practioner. hoping i do as well as you.
sandi
Good luck Sandi! There needs to be more holistic health practitioners! We are both trained in science but also taught to use our intuition with clients. It is very rewarding.
Clare
Thanks Clare for this insightful article. It is so easy to get caught up in one aspect of our health…usually this is the way we look as we are all visual in nature. We often forget that our cellular health along side of our emotional health is vitally important to the way we function, avoid disease and keeping the age factor under control. Thanks!
Hi Clare, I’ve been a fan of Holistic Health Care for many years now. As my husband David Merrill explained above, I come from the same school of thought. I do have doctors I go to to check blood, an initial check up, etc. But haven’t met one yet that puts it all together.
It is a mind, body and spirit care. All is connected to each other. What stands out to me is that your intuition is at work, and so is your faith which makes you the leading edge on a Holistic Healer.
I’ve been to one that was a psychiatrist and his religion was money, needless to say, I walked out belly laughing saying “are you kidding me”
I never received a bill. Just thought you would like to hear that little tid bit.
I am blessed that I know you and will keep visiting for more information.
Thank you for enlightening others,
Donna
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Hi Donna,
I am so happy to hear your philosophy! Common sense I would suggest but unfortunately not the road of the many but rather the few enlightened! I hope to do my bit to change even a few! I am looking forward to getting to know you Donna! I believe we share far more than our mutual interest in holistic health and I am grateful for TSA that we get to become acquainted!
Very best wishes
Clare
Thanks Claire. Good read about holistic health. I agree that holistic health is a way of life. Our health is affected by many factors being mentally, emotionally, spiritually and of course physically. What we do, what we think and how we take care of ourselves have an impact on our holistic health. This is the whole package and how we respond to it will be a factor to healthy living.
Hi Jeffrey,
Everything we do has an impact on our health and most of all, what we think about!!!
Hi Clare,
what a great summary and example you are giving on holistic health!
I like the picture too, the neural pathways.
It sounds like you are tuning into your clients and finding out where the causes for the symptoms are and what the best approach for this individual could be.
Thank you for raising the awareness on this!
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Hi Yorinda,
finding the cause of an illness is more challenging that might be thought! It can be this lifetime, it could be genetic but there is one question that I always ask – when did you first feel like this? And the answer is often decades ago in the childhood. I then trace the events that led to this change and that has been key in my ability to help people transform their health! It is an onion but if we can get through the layers quick, then transformation is much easier!
regards
Clare
Clare,
this is a simple and clear way of life. Most of us go without understanding medicine given by Dr.s are not a cure. Your body has always been able to heal with time. To many of us want now!
I have trusted in my body healing powers all my life. I have had a major back operation and healed in record time using your methods of body, mind and soul. It is a fact that with a health belief and understanding of our bodies ability to heal. With the proper medicine when needed. With exercise and persistence in a clean way of living. One can achieve any level of health needed.
There is nothing that can not be taken care of when it comes to our health given the right combination of methods. Just being aware of practices and having patients goes a long way in healing.
Lets be real and say that if your bleeding from a huge cut. One should seek medical attention before you bleedout. Now, if your having problems with sleeping, there are a number of ways this can be fixed.
Taking a person’s life habits and understanding the effects will help in making the best choices to support the ultimate health.
Clare your one of our great coach and mentor in the business. Your vast knowledge has helped unlimited people globally. Your passion in what you do shows with the caring support you continue to deliver. I was blessed to met you and will continue to gain more knowledge in your profession as time goes on. Thank you for giving your readers and myself a clear understanding of what our lives can be with the right combination.
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Hi William,
Thanks for all your kind words. It is through people like you that I have been encouraged to keep going and adding to my writings online. I am about to write my plan for 2012 and this blog so look out for the article and let me know what you think. I have decided to focus on my experience and knowledge in a health subject that I believe affects millions and where I can bring greatest impact.
Clare
Clare, I appreciate your great information. I am always for the root of the problem if possible, rather than the symptoms. When your whole body works in balance, we can accomplish anything; we have the right mindset and energy to reach higher and have abundant life. Holistic health is always one of my favorite topics, thanks so much.
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Hi Clare
This was a interesting post with good info , I did not 100%
understand holistic healing , it make a lot of sens to me
thanks for this great info.
Regards
Theuns
Hi Clare, I love this post! Ever since I was a child I’ve been interested in wholistic health, so this really resonates with me. We are whole people, and the spiritual, physical, emotional, social, all work together to create health. God has “fearfully and wonderfully” made us. Thanks for what you do — and for the time you take with each client. We need more like you!
Pastor Sherry recently posted..Spiritual Growth Possibilities in 2012
A holistic approach is not a replacement for a doctor, right? Do you combine both? It is like homeopathic medicine? Is it used more for prevention? Sorry for all the questions, I am into natural, healthy stuff and I have heard of holistic medicine before but I have never been to a holistic practitioner.
Thanks
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Hi Cynthia,
A holistic approach to life is not a replacement for a medical doctor. However, holistic practitioners are health teachers and if you consult with a professionally trained practitioner, you have an opportunity to learn a lot about your health. We teach you to change your health inside out and many people don’t have the patience to change habits for lifelong results. They want instant results. I have been in holistic health practice for over 12 years and it has been very rewarding working with people of all ages and all stages of health from athletes to terminally ill. I have never been a replacement for their medical doctor but I have had the privilege to work alongside many of their medical doctors. My clients have often told me how I changed their lives through education and raising their awareness.
Be blessed,
Clare
This is why my daughter, a biokinesionics practitioner, can tell if someone has cancer or heart problems or celiac disease, before the person even has symptoms. She is not allowed to diagnose, and she wouldn’t even if she could… because she detects it as an energy problem at the cellular level, and it can be treated with the right combination of herbs or even just an energy balance.
The mind-body-spirit connection is amazing and intricate, isn’t it?!!
Willena Flewelling
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Hi Clare,
Thanks for great article!
Your explanation of holistic health is very clear for me. Very often we don’t realise that our psychological, physical and social needs are very important for our health. Thanks for sharing it.
Edyta recently posted..Herbal Stress Relief Decoded
I’m concerned about how beneficial holistic health is and as I go deep to your post I realized that it can really provide many different significant benefits as well as long term positive effects to the overall health condition of an individual. Well, this sounds absolutely amazing to me. Therefore, it is reasonable to say that it is really an excellent idea for us to embrace holistic health.
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Hi Candice,
Holistic health is about educating yourself on the wonders of the incredible God-given creation that you are.
Thanks for dropping by!
Clare
Clare,
Out here in Idaho, lots of folks really are into the holistic health thing, and I have to admit- I didn’t really know what the deal was….
This was a great article that really gave me some insight into what it is and I look forward to reading more from you and see how I can work this into my life!
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Hi Natasha,
Like most things in life, there are incredible holistic health practitioners and some not so incredible holistic health practitioners. One of the challenges I faced when entering the alternative health industry was the disdain that many practitioners had for traditional medicine. We ought to be working together and that is my mission. We need to embrace the whole spectrum and educate ourselves on what the benefits of holistic health are and what the benefits of traditional medicine are. Both are required – it is best to know when and where!
regards
Clare
Clare,
I’m not sure if I’ve had a chance to visit your blog or interact much so far, but I am impressed and love your message of Holistic Health and what it is.
This certainly speaks to me and what I believe!
I look forward to reading more!!!
Best Regards,
James
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Hi James,
Thanks for your kind words. You can expect a lot more from me in 2012 with regards holistic health and how it impacts our lives. I look forward to reading about your mastermind. I led a mastermind initiative for two years – it was tremendous fun and helped me to grow!
regards
Clare
Really interesting article Clare and I agree you’ve done an excellent job of providing an overview of holistic health and I so agree that our minds and attitudes play a significant role in our wellbeing. And it really becomes more obvious as people age – one person can be 50 and look and act like they are 20 years younger, while another appears stooped, tired and older than their age. Yes, how we take care of our bodies certainly matters, but so does how we care for our mind and spirit.
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Clair,
Wonderful Blog you have here. I am a holistic dental professional, and I have enjoyed reading your articles. We have a similar perspective on both holistic health and patient interaction. Keep the good stuff coming!
More and more people are more choosing holistic approaches toward health over taking prescription medicines because the former is more natural and affordable. However, expert advice should still be sought, even in this type of practice, to ensure the safety and sureness of the therapy.
Absolutely agree with your comment regarding expert advice. Sadly in my experience I have come across people offering therapies after a weekend course and there are others who have trained for years and are deeply committed to providing safe and expert help. This is why I have never fought the requirements for Board certification – because it shows the experience and training of the particular practitioner you may consult.
Clare
The biggest controversy surrounding “holistic” healing, Clare, is that often people fail to get immediate intervention that standard medicine offers.
I think that if people are open to “complementary” medicine, whereby they can deal with their health through holistic principles, but are willing to consider standard medicine (ie., surgery) where critical intervention is needed, they avail themselves of the best of both worlds.
In any event, the evolving Western world is requiring individuals to return to being their own healers. I know for instance, in the U.S., after 2013 a new health care law will deprive whole classes of people (particularly the elderly) of critical medical care that once was universally available. For instance, angioplasties, organ implants, heart bypasses and other primarily surgical procedures may no longer be funded for fiscal reasons.
The parameters for those who do and don’t qualify for life-saving procedures is likely to be broadened with time, leaving more and more people without recourse to the more technologically advanced medical treatments that are available to them today.
Given this global political trend, people are well advised to practice the best methods possible to maintain good health, and explore non-interventive alternatives to traditional medicine when ill. The holistic model will emerge as the standard in health for many people.
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Clare,
Thanks for the clear definition of what holistic health is and how it can help you improve you…health! This is great!
Andy
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I have come across people who’ve benefited from the Holistic Approach so I should say that if your body respond well to this approach one should opt for this approach. Its very important to have an all round development in order to be fit and happy in life.
Hi Dr Robert! I teach and educate on what we can do to prevent health challenges before they arise. There is much we can do to assist conditions once they emerge but it is so much easier to prevent. Thanks for your input. Clare
As you put dis-ease, yes disease is lack of ease of flow through the body: Nerve, Blood, Lymph.
When I first started learning about health is all seemed never ending and overwhelming, but when you get down to the essence, the foundations I got some clarity. More than any information, knowledge and methods, I trust the body to know what it needs to do – if we can just fuel it with nutrition, sweat to detox and get the blood circulating, I trust it to do it’s job.
The body is mind blowing, we don’t need to understand it all, all our job is is to fuel and detox effectively, and in accordance to our situation (amount of exercise undertaken, environmental factors like air/water quality, proximity to pylons, wifi etc). The animals that are getting cancer are the one’s we feed.
Like you say holistic encompasses the mind, body and spirit. I once went to an allopathic doctor with at least two different symptoms, she would only deal with one symptom in one appointment “we will deal with that pain another time, that’s not related” Everything is related!!! Was the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard, yet scary also that this is how people are being treated. Glad you are spreading the holistic wisdom!
My father is a physician assistant, but has always taught me to be open to other methods for better health. Western medicine does not always do it and sometimes the problem lies deeper. Thank you for sharing a little more on holistic health.
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Clare,
great explanation for holistic health! I think it is amazing how you can be guided to ask just the right questions to get to the heart of the matter for people that seek your guidance in matters of health.
I think it is great that holistic health looks at the whole person, including their mind, when treating them. Conventional medicine treats the symptoms! Very sad.
Thanks for the great information!
– Jupiter Jim
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Hello Clare, I believe that holistic health is really the only way to assist people with any health challenges. Your consultations must be powerful to people, sometimes you are most likely the first person who’s ever listened to someone! Keep up the good work Clare, and I look forward to reading your next blog post.
Regards from Julieanne
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Great site Clare! I like the colors and layout. It’s easy on the eyes.
I agree that health is more than just physical. I think if you’re happy with yourself, that has a lot to do with it. My Christian faith allows me to understand that no matter what my circumtances might be, good or bad, I’m right where God wants me to be and therefore it’s all good!
Now, nutrition and healthy choices also lead to higher self esteem. When you feel good….you feel good! LOL
Have a great day!
Tom Burt
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