What is Holistic Health?

What is Holistic Health & Wellness?

• An ancient concept prescribing treatment according to the overall health status of the individual, not picking one specific symptom for treatment.
• Holistic means consideration of the entire individual – mind, body, and soul – when treating illness and disease.  
• Holistic Wellness is an individual’s perception of and acceptance of or satisfaction with their overall health status. 
• The entire individual taken into account when prescribing herbal remedies and spiritual practices developed over generations to ward off and treat illness.
• Holistic practices view individual health from the perspective of the Ten Dimensions of Health and Wellness.
• Holistic health and wellness is a healthy balance of every function of the individual – mental, physical, spiritual, social, and emotional.

Effects of Aging: physical changes caused by normal aging.

• Gradual loss of bone tissue can lead to the development of osteoporosis.
• Joints lose flexibility due to repetitive motion, wear and tear, and water loss from tissues leading to inflammation, damage, and arthritis.
• Skin cells lose moisture and shrink making skin thin and vulnerable to bruises and tears.
• Increased time to recover from stress, shock, or surprise; it takes longer for heart rate and blood pressure to return to normal.
• Circulation decreases as vessels lose elasticity and plaque builds up inside, increasing blood pressure.
• Decreased sense of thirst can lead to chronic dehydration.
• Difficulty chewing increases the risk of poor digestion and incomplete nutrient absorption.
• Decreased immune system function leading to vulnerability to infection.
• Decreased muscle mass with weight gain, decreased joint function, and loss of bone density all combine for an accident and injury waiting to happen.

Achieving Wellness: changes in lifestyle to slow aging and prevent disease.

• Consume a well-balanced and nutrient dense diet of fresh and unprocessed meats, nuts and beans, dairy, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Avoid processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and excessive amounts of sugar and caffeine.
• Drink at least 32 oz of water, herbal teas, animal or vegetable milk and/or fruit or vegetable juices each day to prevent dehydration and maintain strength of hair, skin, and nails. 
• Green, black, and oolong teas as well as coffee, soda, and energy drinks with artificial sweeteners all have a diuretic effect on the body and work to reduce water consumed.
• Remaining active and walking often throughout life will promote muscle retention well into aging and reduce the risk of accidents due to muscle weakness.
• Regularly participating in educational or community settings will promote mental, emotional, and social wellbeing well into aging.
• Dealing with life’s stresses in a calm and conscious manner will reduce the damage to the heart and nervous system that accumulates from stress throughout life.

Maintaining Longevity: habits that increase your life span.

• Practice a relaxation technique, at least sometimes.
• Be grateful for what life has brought you. Being thankful for what you have.
• Continue to learn new things and use your mind. Use it or lose it!
• Take a walk every day. Again, use it or lose it!
• Enjoy the little things. A smile and a laugh go a long way.
• Get lots of sunshine in short periods without burning.
• Eat a well-rounded diet limiting junk foods.
• Take care of your skin. Drink plenty of water and moisturize with natural moisturizers.
• Accept others as they are. Love people for their differences!
• Accept yourself as you are. Love your own differences!