e largest factor in determining their state of wellness. Holistic Health is an empowering approach to living life. It starts with the holistic (whole person) philosophy that recognizes the interrelationship between all aspects of who we are and the world we live in. This is combined with an understanding that achieving health is an ongoing personal journey toward a goal of functioning at our very best level possible. The basis of holism is the concept that the whole is made up of interdependent parts. As human beings we may think of ourselves as made up of separate parts or aspects, such as physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Yet, our parts do not function alone, but are constantly interacting. What happens to one will impact all of the other aspects of who we are as individuals. In the same way, we are a part of the world around us, and constantly responding to our surrounding environment. Holistic health involves our everyday choices and actions as we strive to reach a higher level of personal wellness. Picture the various levels of wellness as a continuum. Where are you? Are you on the left half, dealing with an illness or a chronic condition? In the center, not sick, yet not feeling very peppy? On the right half, in good shape, but striving for the highest possible level of vitality and well-being? A holistic approach to creating wellness includes taking charge of your own health by exploring a variety of life enhancing activities until you discover which ones work for you. While we think of holistic health in terms of our personal actions for self-improvement, the same holistic principles can be applied to dealing with any disease or chronic condition. When a healthcare practitioner applies these holistic principles, it is usually called holistic medicine. In addition to the concepts already mentioned, other factors are added. The Healthcare professional and the patient work together as a team, r...
