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Holistic health, for many people, has a vague connotation. Like ?alternative medicine?, many people understand that it is referring to something other than mainstream Western medicine, something perhaps that doesn?t include drugs and is ?healthier.? But, beyond that, people?s comprehension can get a little foggy.

This is understandable. ?Alternative medicine? and ?holistic health? are really umbrella terms for a mind-boggling array of health-promoting practices and techniques that continue to expand as practitioners explore, discover, or invent new ways to bring relief to people?s pain and suffering. Some of these techniques and practices, like Chinese acupuncture and herbs, and Ayurveda (East Indian) medicine, yoga and meditation, have been practiced for centuries and form the basis for the medical ?establishment? in societies in the Far East. Some, like Western Herbalism, therapeutic touch, and chiropractic medicine were developed in Western Indo-European societies like the US, Canada and Europe. Regardless of where they originated, these holistic or alternative health practices share the understanding that the body has an innate healing capacity, a sort of intelligence, that unites body, mind and soul into one undivided, fully functioning organism. Any healing intervention or technique used is then geared toward assisting without interfering with the body?s innate guidance system.

In contrast, Western medicine often uses powerful, invasive treatments to relieve symptoms of disease or pain. Pharmaceutical drugs are a good example of this. Since the early part of this century, pharmaceutical drugs have been used to successfully relieve the symptoms of diseases or conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arthritis, to name a few. Unfortunately, this kind of treatment often interferes with the body?s ability to self-regulate and remain in balance. The powerful effects of drugs are often offset by the stress placed on the body to metabolize (breakdown) concentrated (hard to break down) substances and then eliminate the waste. The body then responds to this over taxation with side effects that are, essentially, distress signals sent out by an overburdened organism.

Holistic health and alternative medicine continue to gain popularity in the West as people seek alternatives to the limitations, invasiveness, and side effects that often characterize western or allopathic medical treatments. An added attraction of these non-conventional approaches to health is that they not only relieve unwanted symptoms, but they often increase one?s sense of general well being. Some of them, like the practice of yoga or meditation, involve techniques that are easy to learn and can be practiced at home according to the convenience of one?s schedule.

For the novice person interested in learning more about holistic health and what it may have to offer, there are many easily accessible resources. The Encyclopedia of Natural Healing offers a good introduction to the different kinds of holistic health practices and what they entail. The Internet and your local library can direct you to resources. If you?re not sure where to start, but would like to ?sample? various techniques or classes, check the Listen & Be Heard Mind Body Spirit Calendar for current and upcoming events, and our Mind Body Spirit Guide for local businesses offering a wide variety of ?whole health? services. Introductory classes are offered at community colleges and community centers. You may also want to consider attending a holistic health fair where practitioners often offer demonstrations. Health fair resources include the Whole Life Expo and a guidebook, Bay Area Natural.

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