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What is Holistic Functional Medicine

The word holistic is a reference to "dealing with the whole." Based on this definition it is clear that holistic medical treatment is the treatment of the entire person. A holistic practitioner will treat not just the physical condition or illness, but also the mental, emotional and even spiritual factors which caused the illness.


Consider, for instance, headaches. The holistic physician will examine the health of the patient and beyond, observing the level of stress, lifestyle and further. The practitioner will also examine the diet of the patient for deficiencies, like deficiencies in vitamin levels that could cause headaches. In many cases, looking at these other issues can provide ways to treat the actual patient resulting in better health, rather than giving them a pill for every headache and migraine.

Holistic Medicine--A Brief History

Holistic medicine is a recent buzzword in the world of western medicine however it's not new. In fact, during the sixth century (BC) India, Ayurveda was a type of herbal medicine that concentrated on restoring the energy within the body through the medicinal qualities of the plants. The traditional herbal treatments used in modern holistic practices was developed within Ancient Greece as well as Rome and gradually made their journey to Europe and eventually to the Americas.


Then Hippocrates, who was the father of medicine today, used a holistic method of treating diseases. He believed in self-healing of the body after giving it the proper nutrients. The discovery of bacteria and their contribution to the cause of illness led doctors to shift away from holistic healing and placed an increased focus on treating conditions and symptoms with medications.


It is interesting that during the 1960s there was a change in the way people began to shift away from modern medicines and medical technology and opt towards more natural methods of healing. In 1975, the National Conference on Holistic Health was held in California. Three years later, the Holistic Medical Association was established. Practitioners of holistic medicine today need to undergo the same rigorous training as that of a doctor, however with a particular focus on herbal remedies such as environmental health issues, diet in addition to traditional medical treatments.

Common Principles of Holistic Treatment

There are many guidelines that guide holistic treatment and medicine which include:


  • The belief that everyone are born with healing capabilities
  • The belief that patients and doctor should work as a team in addressing all aspects of life that impact the health and well-being of a person.
  • The idea of treating the patient as a person and not as a disease
  • The primary focus is on resolving the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms
  • Concentrating on the connection between mind and body to treat the entire person.


These guidelines help doctors work with patients to select treatments that promote overall health: mind body, and spirit.

Types of Holistic Treatments

Every holistic practitioner has their own personal way to achieve wellness, however there are a variety of treatments used in holistic therapies, such as:


1. Acupuncture and Acupressure


Acupuncture employs needles to stimulate certain areas of the body that draw energy out or stimulate the nervous system to treat chronic illnesses. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture with needles, however in place of needles utilizes the use of a tiny volume of pressure.


2. Aromatherapy


Aromatherapy relies on the sense of smell to reduce stress and alleviate certain ailments. For instance, aromatherapy can make use of the lavender essential oil patch to help improve sleep for patients suffering from anxiety or insomnia.

3. Ayurvedic Medicine

The Ayurvedic practice relies on herbs and metals as well as diet changes to tackle health problems. It also emphasizes the ways that people and their environment are intimately connected.

4. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic treatment involves gently manipulating the neck and spine to improve the function of the body by improving the performance in the nervous system. This may aid in the treatment of muscular and physical headaches, pain or disease.

5. Naturopathy

Naturopathy employs natural therapies that include herbs and nutritional supplements, to improve general well-being. A Naturopathic doctor may recommend exercise and diet changes to improve the health of patients.

6. Massage Therapy

Relaxing tight muscles and tissues by massage therapy can help improve overall health and well-being. Many holistic doctors will employ massage therapy in their treatments.

7. Nutrition Counselors

Wellness encompasses the entire body and this includes a healthy diet. Nutrition counseling can help patients manage their health through eating healthy to aid in the work that holistic doctors are doing.


8. Mental Health Counseling


Because holistic medicine employs an approach that is mind-body-spirit to heal that often includes psychotherapy. If someone is able to manage mental health issues in a way that is healthy they're better equipped to recover.

8. Mental Health Counseling

Because holistic medicine employs an approach that is mind-body-spirit to heal that often includes psychotherapy. If someone is able to manage mental health issues in a way that is healthy they're better equipped to recover.

9. Osteopathy

The osteopath is similarly to chiropractor however it is more extensive than the spine. It encompasses the entire body. An osteopath is able to manipulate the entire system of musculoskeletal muscles to assist in improving the performance of the nerves and muscles and to help support a sturdy bone structure that is healthy and healthy.

10. Yoga

Yoga is more than an exercise method. It aids in the connection between mind and body, and also creates tranquility in the body. This is a part of the holistic picture of overall health.

Holistic Vs. Conventional Medicine

If you go to a conventional doctor to address an issue or problem The doctor will offer medical solutions to treat of the symptoms. This could include treatments or medicines. If they are able, the remedies can eliminate the disease as well as the bacteria that cause it.


A holistic practitioner will dig deeper to determine the root of the illness or symptoms. They'll then apply various kinds of treatments, usually together with traditional medical treatments, to address not just the symptoms but also the root cause. Alongside prescription medications they may also encourage changes in lifestyle and diet to prevent the problem from recurring.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Holistic Medicine

Pros of Holistic Medicine

A comprehensive approach to patient care and wellness offers many advantages which include:


  • More customized treatment--Holistic doctors dig deep into the health history of the patient to identify the causes of these physical signs. They offer individualized treatment strategies which address all of these problems.


  • Empowering patients to be involved in their healthEmpowering patients in their healthcareHolistic medical treatment helps patients gain control of their health and well-being. Patients can see advantages of eating well and working out more. They receive the tools needed to assist their bodies to heal by themselves.


  • Better outcomes for patients--When dealing with the entire body, holistic doctors can help patients attain wellness rather than merely covering up symptoms


  • Combining holistic and conventional treatments--Holistic practitioners draw on conventional medical techniques to assist patients. They are not oblivious to the latest research and treatments instead, but make use of them in conjunction in conjunction with holistic treatments to help patients feel better.

Cons of Holistic Medicine

Like any treatment method the holistic approach has certain drawbacks.


  • Insufficient the insurance cover--Some kinds of holistic medical care aren't covered by certain insurance companies and patients are left to pay the cost of treatment for themselves.


  • requires involved patients--Holistic therapy works when doctors and patients collaborate together. When the patient seems not willing to make the required changes then the treatment won't succeed.

Holistic Doctor in Lincoln NE

Are you googling various keywords like Holistic Doctor Near Me, Functional Medicine Doctors Lincoln NE, Alternative Medicine Doctor Lincoln NE, Functional Medicine Lincoln NE, IV therapy Lincoln NE, IV Therapy near me, or Ozone therapy near me? All these areas fall under the umbrella of holistic medicine.  Dan Meinke, Nurse Practitioner of RedLion Medical Group specializes in Ozone IV therapy, such as EBOO (ozone dialysis), 10 Pass Ozone Therapy, 20 Pass Ozone, and Prolozone Injections for pain, and more, but we love Functional Holistic Medicine as well to treat all your health concerns. 

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