In theory, holistic medicine is always better, as it focuses on the prevention and whole body, rather than just ‘medicating’ certain parts of your body. But as holistic medicine is not as regulated as orthodox medicine, it means lots of charlatans are out there, preying on vulnerable people, to take their money.
There have been claims of ‘natural healers’ curing cancer. When it turns out that the patients were ‘diagnosed’ by the same practitioner, but never actually had cancer.
Remedies that are fairly safe if practiced by qualified practitioners are acupuncture and homeopathy (both are practiced by some GPs and can offer NHS funding if you don’t have a dinosaur doctor).
But be very careful, as herbal medicine for instance can be very dangerous, if interacted with other drugs. Healing Herbs offers 100 plain and simple remedies for common ailments, by a qualified therapist. Read a book like this, when the author knows the contraindications.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions (and don’t use near young children or pets). If growing remedies, read how to make your garden safe for pets.
This book includes:
- A brief history of herbalism
- An overview of how herbs heal
- The benefits of each herb, and how to use them
- A tour of body systems, and how herbs help
- A herb dictionary
In a world focused more on disease, it is important to learn more about holistic medicine, to take matters into your own herbs for minor ailments. You will then only need to see the GP when you have an issue that only a medically qualified professional can handle.
Marlene Houghton PhD has always been interested in natural health, and has studied herbalism, holistic nutrition and natural therapies. She has over 20 years experience of working in orthodox medicine in London teaching hospitals. She also works as a nutrition therapist and traditional herbalism, as well as a nutrition consultant for health stores.
Key Principles of Holistic Healing
Naturally, our bodies will always try to heal (obviously with diseases like cancer, the immune body attacks itself and something goes seriously wrong). But usually, if you cut a finger it heals. If you graze your leg it scabs over. If you eat something dodgy, you may vomit and need to rest and drink lots of water, but you’ll then be fine.
The problem with a lot of conventional medicine, is that it’s done for profit. Pharmaceutical companies have vested interests, to keep having you take medicines that likely are not good for you. The antacid industry would rather you keep taking their pills, then you follow holistic remedies like swapping energy drinks for some warm ginger tea!
Yoga and meditation, prayer and nature walks, peace and serenity are all good for holistic health. Turning off the TV and news is good for your mental health. Getting some relaxing lifestyle in place to sleep, is better than taking sleeping pills.
Obviously sometimes you need conventional medicine. And many forward-thinking doctors like Ireland’s Dr Gemma Newman do both, using her medical knowledge, and blending it with nutritional know-how and holistic medicine. That’s likely the future of health.
