Holistic concept of health

What is holistic health? Dimensions of holistic health. recent trends in holistic health. Holistic medicine, objectives, principles, types of treatment, Integration of allopathy with AYUSH.

1. Holistic concept of Health Dr Arijit Kundu

2. Holistic Health Harmony and balance in all aspect of health Physical , Mental, Emotional , Social, Moral-spiritual .

3. Holistic Health Holistic health presumes to enlarge the traditional sphere of medical ('allopathic ') concerns from a narrow, largely technical focus on symptomatology and disease to a broadened domain including nutrition , psychological and spiritual well-being, interpersonal relations and influences from the environment. Illness is seen as an imbalance in the energy spheres of our emotional , rational, spiritual, physical and social selves. Healing is concerned with the individual balancing of these energies.

4. How Holistic Health Developed Ancient healing traditions, as far back as 5,000 years ago in India and China, stressed living a healthy way of life in harmony with nature. Socrates (4th century BC) warned against treating only one part of the body “for the part can never be well unless the whole is well.” Although the term holism was introduced by Jan Christiaan Smuts in 1926 as a way of viewing living things as “entities greater than and different from the sum of their parts,” it wasn’t until the 1970s that holistic became a common adjective in our modern vocabulary.

5. Dimensions of holistic health Good health & wellness are interdependent on five dimensions.

6. Physical Health Refers to the state of the body, its compositions , development , functions, and maintenance . Physical Health also means the ability to carry out daily task without becoming tired .

7. Few ways to ensure good physical health: To keep the body and mind energized- eat nutritious food. To prevent eating disorder- never skip meals or overeat . To cleanse the body, drink 8-10 glasses a day. To increase immunity and endurance levels of the body , maintain fitness by exercising the body. To detect illness at early stage have regular check-ups. To enhance growth and development , sleep at least 7 uninterrupted hours. To prevent addiction, avoid taking addictive substances.

8. Mental or Intellectual Health Refers to the cognitive ability and skills to improve quality of life . It is the ability to reason out , analyze, evaluate, create and make rational decisions .

9. Some ways to attain good mental health Set realistic goals. Look at every opportunity with an open mind. Know the demands and expectations from ourself . Maintain a positive outlook , especially when dealing problems with conflicts .

10. Emotional Health Our ability to accept and cope with our own and others feelings. It involves understanding and liking ourself .

11. Some ways to attain emotional health Be aware of and accept one’s strength and weaknesses. Handle stress and seek help , if needed. Develop strong communication networks among family, friends and peers .

12. Social Health Refers to the ability to build and maintain harmoniously and satisfying relationships. Being socially accepted is also connected to our emotional well-being .

13. Some ways to attain social health Increase interaction with other people. Improve interpersonal communication skills . Assume a positive self image. Interact with different types of people. Accept and understand different cultural norms.

14. Moral-Spiritual Health Refers to one’s faith , beliefs and values. Being morally and spiritually healthy is neccessory to know the meaning and purpose of life. There are no recommended ways to help attain moral – spiritual health. It is more about looking deeply within oneself and understanding one’s existence and faith.

15. Objectives To maintain normal health Prevent diseases Treatment of diseases Promote positive health Move towards positive health

16. Approach Integration of AYUSH and Allopathy AYUSH- Ayurveda, Yoga & naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy Challenges in NCD’s- Allopathy is inadequate

17. Holistic medicine Holistic medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person - body, mind, spirit, and emotions - for optimal health & wellness. According to the holistic medicine philosophy, one can achieve optimal health - by gaining proper balance in life . Whole person is made up of interdependent parts and if one part is not working properly, all the other parts will be affected. In this way, if people have imbalances (physical, emotional, or spiritual) in their lives, it can negatively affect their overall health.

18. Holistic medicine A holistic doctor may use all forms of health care, from conventional medication to alternative therapies, to treat a patient. Example- for   migraine - instead of only   medications , the doctor will likely take a look at all the potential factors that may be causing the person's  headaches , such as other health problems, diet and sleep habits , stress and personal problems, and preferred spiritual practices. The treatment plan may involve drugs to relieve symptoms, but also lifestyle modifications to help prevent the headaches from recurring.

19. Principles of Holistic Medicine Holistic medicine is based on the belief that unconditional love and support is the most powerful healer and a person is ultimately responsible for his or her own health and well-being. Other principles of holistic medicine include the following : All people have innate healing powers. The patient is a person, not a disease. Healing takes a team approach involving the patient and doctor, and addresses all aspects of a person's life using a variety of practices . Treatment involves fixing the cause of the condition, not just alleviating the symptoms .

20. Holistic Medicine: Types of Treatments A variety of treatment techniques to help their patients take responsibility for their own well-being and achieve optimal health. Depending on the practitioner's training, these may include : Patient education on lifestyle changes and self-care to promote wellness. This may include diet, exercise, psychotherapy, relationship and spiritual counseling etc. Complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, homeopathy, massage therapy, naturopathy, and others Allopathic medications and surgical procedures

21. APPLICATION American Holistic Health Association In India,expert committee was set up by Dept. of AYUSH to evolve a holistic medical system. Objectives set by committee- 1. Review current status of recent status of traditional system of medicine. 2. Plan a holistic health program taking help of all systems of medicine. 3. Suggest appropriate training courses. 4. Consider any other items essential to promote holistic health.

22. SDM (Stop diabetes movement) Community effort Initiated by VYASA (Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana ) Aim- To prevent India from becoming ‘Diabetes capital of world’ Objectives- 1. Prevent pre diabetics from become diabetic. 2. Prevent complications of diabetes.

23. Overview of sdm camps 3 main phases 1. Screening: Done in 1 st and end of 7 th & 10 th day Investigations: FBS, lipid profile, questionnaire to measure amount of stress, anxiety, diabetes distress etc. Patients were informed to bring all current medications with prescriptions & reports.

24. Overview of sdm camps 2. Treatment Camp: Camp for 7 to 10 days 2 batches (morning & evening) Modules were designed based on updated research evidences 2 hours program including: ½ hr for educational lectures about yoga, lifestyle, diabetes, stress etc. 1 ½ hr for yoga practice

25. Overview of sdm camps 3. Follow up: Long term follow up is important. Local yoga trainers are trained to follow up patient’s progress. Patients attending the camps are advised 1 hour Yoga practice daily over the long run, supervised and monitored by local trainers. 4. Results:

26. Medical UG course in holistic health A team of expert including experts including experts with Post graduate degree in modern medicine. Syllabus & course materials from MBBS, BAMS, BNYS courses. Final syllabus is now available for 5.5yrs HHMS (Holistic Health Medicine Science) course in S-VYASA University.

27. Conclusion Holistic health depends upon our attitude and commitment. If we want to solve human health problems with a good result then holistic health and holistic management of health care is the answer . Holistic health is cost-effective and sustainable. It is non-discriminatory . It addresses issues of equity and social justice. It keeps all the viable options open.

28. Thank you