Holistic medicine is nothing new; however, in recent years, the holistic medical approach has re-emerged as a popular topic within the health and wellness sector. Rooted in the belief that “the body has an innate ability to heal itself,” holistic medicine draws on ancient philosophies and naturopathic remedies to attack the root causes of chronic illnesses perceived to be the result of lifestyle choices.
Whereas holistic health focuses on the association between prolonged lifestyle choices and chronic illness, Western medicine applies scientifically supported solutions directly to identified medical issues. When determining which medical route is best suited for you, keep in mind that the choice is entirely personal and dependent on one’s own research, preferences, and available resources.
I’ve spent the majority of my life feeling out of touch with my body: physically, emotionally, and mentally. I wanted a level of personal awareness that I believed could be better achieved through the holistic health approach. I am not a medical professional, therefore the following information is not medical advice; it is merely a description of my holistic health experience.
My first appointment at Equinox Health marked the beginning of an ongoing journey toward better understanding my body, lifestyle, and the harmonious relationship between the two. Without disclosing the specifics of my personal health, the initial reason for my visit pertained to hormonal and digestive health concerns. However, as the term “holistic” would suggest, my nearly two-hour-long consultation addressed my life as a whole, not just my specific concerns.
Almost instantly, it became clear to me that this was not your typical check-up. Focused on fostering mutual understanding, our conversation felt intellectual, yet casual, and entirely two-way. Though I was talking to a medical professional, there was no discrepancy in understanding between us. Medical terms were consistently followed by the breakdown of their definition and their lifestyle applicability.
We first discussed my doctor’s background in terms of his own personal holistic health journey. We bonded over everything from our shared Italian heritage to our shared gluten intolerance. All jokes aside, when I admitted that my knowledge of holistic medicine was minimal, the conversation transitioned to an explanation of his job as a holistic/naturopathic doctor. I felt comfortable knowing that my doctor was committed to my complete understanding of the process that I was committing to.
Holistic medicine takes a multifaceted approach. Similar to Western medicine, it can utilize tests to examine health issues, but the difference lies in how the patient and doctor work to attack the identified problem. In my case, I was prescribed two medical-grade tests to examine my digestive tract for parasites and bacterial overgrowth in my small intestine. I’m currently waiting for my results. However, in the instance that either test comes back positive, my doctor and I will discuss naturopathic and Western medical treatments, as well as dietary alterations to combat either issue.
In terms of hormonal health, the method for observing hormonal imbalance is a blood test/hormone panel. Having been on birth control at the time, I was unable to undergo a blood test and receive an accurate read. Fortunately for anyone interested in a hormone panel, UCSB Student Health offers them!
Medical tests aside, my visit focused on lifestyle changes. As my doctor explained to me, various aspects of my life — from diet, to activity levels, to stress levels — impact my digestive and hormonal health. To identify food sensitivities, my doctor recommended I try a six-week elimination diet. The diet itself is highly restrictive, and often unattainable for the typical college lifestyle consisting of meal plans and eating. Luckily for me, my sorority house has a small kitchen in which I could prepare my own food. For six weeks, my diet excluded gluten, dairy, soy, high-FODMAP foods, sugar, processed foods, and other ingredients related to digestive stress. After six weeks of these eating habits comes the re-introductory phase. At this time, I’ll reintroduce food groups one at a time to assess how they affect my stomach, all the while keeping a journal to document my body’s reaction to each one.
In addition to extreme dietary changes, I was instructed to steer clear of high-intensity workouts. An avid gym-goer and core-power yogi, I was initially disheartened to learn that the strenuousness of my gym routine and the high temperatures of hot yoga could both contribute to my hormonal imbalance. My new routine consisted of low-intensity workouts like pilates and hot-girl walks. I’d always thought that I had to do the most in the gym to feel my best, but as time went on, I came to love how these activities made me feel mentally, physically, and emotionally. My new workout routine was coupled with daily leg-up-the-wall meditation practice, deep breathing exercises, and a prescribed naturopathic herbal anxiety remedy.
I imagine this all sounds like a lot — I’m not going to sugarcoat it, it was. Implementing such drastic changes all at once is overwhelming and often impractical for a college student. I had to fully commit to myself, and it took weeks to find my footing in my new routine. However, I can wholeheartedly say that I feel more emotionally balanced, my stomach feels more settled, my lifestyle actions feel more intentional, and I feel more in tune with my body. That’s not to say that my life is suddenly perfect; I’m a twenty-year-old college student with a whole lot left to figure out and a whole lot of life yet to live. However, as time goes on, I’ve learned to recognize that life isn’t any given moment, but it is a gradual journey. Change is never instantaneous; it’s the culmination of the steps you take toward achieving the lifestyle that works best for you.
If you’re thinking of embarking on your own holistic health journey, I recommend conducting your own research, evaluating your current atmosphere and resources, consulting with professionals and family members, and, ultimately, following your heart.