What is Holistic Healthcare?

In some ways it might be simpler to say what holistic healthcare is not, so forgive us if we phrase some of our answer in that vein. One thing we want to make clear from the outset is that a holistic approach to healthcare does not disregard the conventional approach and is certainly not to be considered as “an alternative”. So again we ask your forgiveness if, in our attempt to present a balanced view, we appear to digress now and then, please bear with us to the end and your comments will be much appreciated.

It might be more correct to view the holistic approach as “integrative” or “complementary” – although complementary can suggest a lower, or supporting role which does not do it justice. Therefore, the discussion that follows is to be viewed as generalised and not specifically targeted towards any section of healthcare. On the contrary, our view of holistic healthcare is that it embraces all forms and practices in their proper place and does not have a fixed hierarchical approach.

If you don’t like definitions prepare yourself for the boring bit; Google tells us that Holism is… “the theory that parts of a whole are in intimate interconnection, such that they cannot exist independently of the whole, or cannot be understood without reference to the whole, which is thus regarded as greater than the sum of its parts…” Now for us that says it all but Google goes on to define holism in medicine thus “the treating of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease”. We don’t think we could have put it better ourselves.

We are all used to the conventional medical approach and many of us have at some time or other tried additional measures to maintain, restore or regain health. Some of us try our favourite recipes first and disturb the NHS only as a last resort, while for others the NHS is the first (and for some the only) port of call. With the exception of those who believe that only “the Doctor” should be consulted we have all, at some time or other, used or attempted to use a holistic approach – inhaling above a bowl of hot water to clear sinuses, rubbing arnica cream on knocks and bruises or witch hazel on cuts and grazes, trying Granny’s honey and lemon recipe for a sore throat, and even rubbing a sore spot or headache to reduce the pain are all complementary / integrative techniques and a step towards the holistic approach.

Holistic healthcare is about treating the whole person, so while your symptoms retain their key importance they are not viewed as the problem but more correctly regarded in the context of a whole life’s experience.

Holistic healthcare is proactive system of healthcare, more about identifying and minimising risk than simply fixing problems. In this regard it relies on the establishment of a rapport between practitioner and client. At Caro Holistic Healthcare time is included for client support, in fact the client guides the practitioner such that any treatment (or referral*) is not targeted just for now but has regard for the whole of life.

*Please note: We recognise that sometimes another modality to the ones we offer might serve the client best and in such cases we will always advise you of this and help you to find an alternative that best suits your needs.