Holistic Disease Prevention

Abstract

The research discusses the significance of holistic approach toward the prevention of diseases. The research identifies factors such as healthy lifestyles, behaviors and actions, which facilitate in preventing diseases and illnesses. Holistic care and approach aims to improve the quality of life and human development by harmonizing physical, emotional, and spiritual components of the body.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

Thesis Statement1

Aims and Objectives2

Discussion2

Key Points2

Holistic Approach3

Wholeness3

Illness4

Holistic Care4

Pre-Requisites for Holistic Care5

An Evidence Base6

Holistic Therapy6

Healthy Lifestyle7

Concept of Human Development7

Quality of Life8

Lifestyles9

Healthy Lifestyles9

Eat right Foods11

Be Active11

Stress12

Holistic Approach toward Stress13

Conclusion14

References16

Holistic Disease Prevention

Introduction

The concept of holism has been around since earliest history, its root 'holos' is derived from the Greek meaning' whole', and relates to the study of whole organisms or systems. The terms 'holism' and 'holistic' were first used in 1926 by Jan Smuts, who was a Philosopher from South Africa. He expressed the tendency in nature to form wholes that are greater than the sum of their parts. The classical definition of holism is that people are multidimensional. Each dimension is considered to be inextricably linked to other dimensions, and change in one dimension, resulting from the internal or external environment, may result in change in the others.

Therefore, in physical illness, a person may be affected spiritually, psychologically and socially. This explains the holistic view that assumes the person always responds as a unified whole, which is greater than the sum of its parts. The value of the concept of holism has been widely recognized by nurses, and the American Holistic Nurse Association. As a result, holism pertains to wellness, which incorporates the harmonization between mental, physical, emotional and spiritual elements in a dynamic environment.

Thesis Statement

There is a significant impact of holistic care in preventing diseases and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.



Aims and Objectives

The aim and objective of this research is to determine the significance of holistic care and its effects on healthy lifestyle and disease prevention.

Discussion

The main focus within the holistic perspective is on promotion of individual health and wellness and return to wellness, as opposed to illness. The heart of holism, which is often overlooked, is that the individual actively utilizes his own inner resources to improve quality of life and make healthy choices to support adaptation to health challenge. The concept of holistic care is based on the holistic philosophy, and is an approach or value system held by the practitioner who provides care, which recognizes the patient as a whole person (Rew, 2001). Care delivered in this way is based upon aims, agreed between practitioner and patient, which will help facilitate the patient to achieve a degree of balance between some of the interacting and competing influences on the mind, body, spirit and environment in order that they move toward a condition of optimum health. As holism implies a willingness to use a wide range of interventions and an emphasis on a participatory relationship between practitioner and patient, these would be essential elements within the approach to holistic care.

Key Points

The whole is greater than the sum of its ...