What exactly IS Holistic Health?
Definition of “holistic” in English-
ADJECTIVE
1-(Philosophy)
Characterized by comprehension of the parts of something as intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.2-(Medicine) Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
To answer this question in my own words, I am going to give you my interpretation of the word holistic. But first, one more little bit of background information for you…
Yoga actually translates from the ancient word “yoke”, but is also used in place of the word “union”. It is the joining together of two things.
So in true yogic fashion, let’s take the two seemingly separate definitions from above, and meld them together into one. Because in yoga, there is no separation between Philosophy and Medicine. There is no separation of the mind and the body. There is literally no separation in anything… But I will leave that subject for another day.
Okay, holistic-
First of all, the phrase “intimately interconnected” is just simply beautiful. I can’t top that. Again, this is the essence of yoga. This innate and intimate connection between everything. Taking this concept and applying it medically…
If you have ever studied anatomy, you might have a textbook that is outlined with a dozen or so chapters. Each one separated and categorized into one particular system, (ie- the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, etc.)
I understand that when teaching, or learning, about something it is easier to break down the information into digestible (pun intended) portions.
But if you go beyond learning the specific names, placements and functions of each individual bone, organ, whatever, and begin to look at the actual physiology, the clear-cut distinction between one system and the next begins to get a little fuzzy.
And why wouldn’t it? Our bodies are not simply the sum of their parts. They are like a beautiful Tchiakovsky ballet. There is the composer, and the conductor, and the symphony. I would equate them to the mind, the heart, and the body (respectively). The composer conceptualizes the music, the conductor keeps everyone on time, and the symphony brings the music to life.
The symphony (being the body) is comprised of so many musicians, and different instruments, and everyone must be playing perfectly for the music to sound just right.
Back to the subject now, holistic health-
If we want our bodies to be functioning in the optimal way, we must first recognize the inextricable links between mental, emotional, and physical health. Making sure that we care for all parts equally, and see that a disturbance in one area is not an isolated thing, but how it may be effecting the total balance of the entire human being.
Going back to the two definitions from the very beginning, I love that the medical example not only takes into account the “treatment of the whole person” but puts awareness on the sociatal factors that could also be coming into play.
In my ballet metaphor, I would equate this to the set, the costume designer, the theatre where the performance is being held, etc.
Meaning that you can eat right, exercise, have been blessed with strong and healthy DNA, but if you are living in a society full of stress factors, that outside stimuli could also throw off the balance of an otherwise healthy person.
In conclusion, holistic health is examining a human as A WHOLE BEING, with all the complexities of their inner and outer environments. From what they eat, and where they live, to their genetics, their culture, and their emotional states. It is an ever-evolving, multifaceted puzzle. And it is also a the bittersweet symphony of life.
Thank you for reading, friends.
Namaste