In today's time, mental health has become one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. While mental illness wasn't given the right attention for a very long time, there has been a significant shift in recent years. With growing awareness, the approaches to addressing mental health issues have also evolved.
In addition to traditional treatments, holistic therapy treatments offer an alternative approach that focuses on healing the mind, body and spirit.
However, a basic definition doesn’t fully capture the depth of holistic therapy—so let’s explore it further in this blog.
What is holistic therapy?
Holistic therapy is a healing approach that views the individual as a whole, considering the entire body rather than focusing on specific symptoms and problems. It is often compared to traditional mental therapy, but the difference is the additional practices used in holistic therapies.
The roots of holistic therapy treatments stretch back centuries, with practices similar to modern holistic methods found in ancient Indian Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. While these traditions laid the groundwork, the popularity of holistic therapy grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people turned to alternative treatments for overall well-being.
What are the uses of holistic therapy?
Different types of holistic therapy can be used for a range of problems, including:
- Mental health disorders: Helps treat anxiety, depression, PTSD and other stress-related conditions using a combination of talking, meditation and body-focused techniques like holistic massage
- Chronic illness: Aids in managing pain and emotional strain for chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Recovery from addictions: Supports individuals in overcoming addictions like smoking and drinking, often linked to underlying traumas and habits.
- Grief and trauma: Assists in healing from emotional trauma and grief through holistic energy healing
How does holistic therapy work?
The success of holistic therapy lies in its personalised approach, starting from the first session. The therapist assesses emotional, physical and spiritual imbalances and connects them. Treatment may include psychotherapy, mindfulness exercises, physical therapies (like massages and acupuncture), nutritional guidance and, if needed, spiritual counselling. The ultimate goal is long-term, sustainable wellness, rather than just alleviating symptoms.
What are the different types of holistic therapy?
There are several types of holistic treatments. Some of them are as follows-
- Integrative therapy: Combines various traditions and techniques to address individual needs.
- Somatic therapy: Uses breathwork, meditation and movement to help heal mental issues and trauma.
- Mind-body therapy: Focuses on improving body function and relaxation.
- Spiritual therapy: Utilises spiritual beliefs to enhance mental well-being.
Benefits of holistic therapy
The main holistic therapy benefits are:
- Comprehensive healing: Holistic therapy addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of an individual, aiming for complete and balanced healing.
- Stress reduction: By incorporating a holistic energy healing process, the therapy helps manage stress, often a hidden root cause of various conditions.
- Improved self-awareness: It encourages individuals to gain deeper insight into their thoughts, emotions and behaviours, promoting healthier life choices.
Potential risks of holistic therapy
While holistic therapy offers a comprehensive approach to healing individuals, there can be some potential risks associated with it:
- Lack of regulation: The field of holistic therapy is not strictly regulated, making it difficult to identify qualified practitioners. Inexperienced or uncertified therapists may risk worsening a condition.
- Delay in medical treatment: Relying solely on holistic treatment for serious medical conditions can delay critical diagnosis, potentially leading to severe consequences. It’s important to use it as a complementary approach when appropriate.
- Overwhelming emotional experience: Revisiting past traumas during sessions can be emotionally intense, sometimes leaving individuals feeling vulnerable or overwhelmed.
Who should avoid holistic therapy?
Holistic therapy must be avoided by people who are:
- Dealing with severe mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, where clinical psychiatric care is essential for effective treatment.
- Experiencing serious physical illnesses that require immediate or intensive medical intervention. In such cases, it's important to consult your healthcare provider before exploring holistic approaches.
FAQs
- How many holistic therapy sessions are needed?
The number of sessions varies as per the individual’s condition.
- Does insurance cover holistic therapy?
A comprehensive health insurance plan with mental health coverage may provide reimbursement for practices like acupuncture and psychotherapy from licensed practitioners.
- How much does holistic therapy cost?
The cost of this therapy varies based on several sessions, the condition of the patient and the expertise of the therapist.
Conclusion
Holistic therapy is indeed an option for people dealing with physical, mental or emotional stress. However, consulting your doctor first before opting for the alternative therapy is essential. In addition to exploring therapeutic options, safeguarding your health with a comprehensive individual health insurance is equally important. A reliable health insurance plan not only supports treatment for physical ailments but also extends coverage for mental health care, offering both medical and financial security.
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