WHAT IS HOLISTIC WELLNESS? & THE 6 STEPS TO NATURAL HEALTH

A FEW DEFINITIONS

Words like “alternative”, “holistic”, & “integrative” are often used synonymously. But here’s a little breakdown:

Western Medicine, also called modern or conventional medicine, treats symptomatically with prescription/synthetic drugs & invasive surgeries. Conventional medicine has labeled over 10,000 diseases, which western doctors believe are caused mostly by germs/genetics.

Alternative Medicine includes a more gentle/natural approach to wellness (diet, exercise, acupuncture, meditation, supplements/herbs, essential oils, etc.) that addresses the root cause of illness. Involves the belief that “disease” is a symptom which indicates the body is unbalanced. When you bring the body into balance (fix the root problem), it will heal itself.

Integrative/Functional Medicine or CAM (complimentary & alternative medicine) is a holistic approach that cherry-picks from the best of both modern and alternative therapies.

Holistic –means to treat the whole person mind, body, spirit and is aligned with alternative principals. A holistic approach puts the patient in the driver’s seat with guidance from the professionals.

INTEGRATIVE/HOLISTIC WELLNESS

1. DIET; FOOD IS MEDICINE

Foods to include in your diet

God’s food; an organic, plant based diet (not processed)
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains
If you choose to consume animal products, select; organic, grass fed, antibiotic free, nitrate free, humanely raised, free range and wild caught products
One of the easiest ways to get the nutrition you need is by juicing (lots of green vegetables & an occasional fruit) daily

Foods to cut-out/limit

Sugar
Flour
Gluten
Dairy
Processed food
GMO’S

2. SUPPLEMENTS (VITAMINS, HERBS, ESSENTIAL OILS, ETC.)

Get the bulk of your nutrition from whole foods
Supplements cannot make up for a poor diet (so get your veggies on!)
Take supplements
To fill nutritional gaps
For specific anti-cancer/anti-disease effects
To reduce side effects and increase efficacy of modern treatments
Essential oils can be used to treat many conditions, increase immunity, and as an anti-cancer

3. EXERCISE

Intentional exercise sparks immune function
Cardio
Strength training
Exercise can be critically important during conventional treatments to increase efficacy & prevent side effects

4. REST

Rest allows the body to heal & repair
Get adequate rest (7-8 hours for adults)
Have regular bedtime rituals (meditation, prayer, essential oils, etc.)

5. RID TOXINS

It’s a toxic world. And for that reason, the list of “toxins to avoid” could go on for days. Here's a few to focus on:

Avoid:

Tobacco/Alcohol/illicit drugs
Pesticides
BPA (found in plastics)
Microwaves
Cell phones/Wi-Fi exposure
EMF’s

Use:

Filtered/reverse osmosis water
Organic mattress/bedding
Natural household cleaners/essential oils
Stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic pots/pans
Organic cosmetics
Air filtration systems

6. HAPPINESS (SPIRITUALITY, STRESS REDUCTION, LOVE, ETC.)

Of the Big 6, this may be the most important concept as it focuses on the profound importance of the mind/body connection. After a diagnosis, we often feel deeply wounded, as if we have been robbed of our joy. It’s so important that we get aligned and connected with our spirit, and surround ourselves with fun, love, and happy!