Holistic Health Tufts University Health

Holistic Health

Tufts University Health and Nutrition article recently espoused a new research review that "shows that boosting your potassium level can be just as important for healthy blood pressure - and may protect your heart in the bargain" (Boosting, 2008, pg. 8). The medical industry might have you believe otherwise. Oftentimes doctors and specialists will prescribe heart medicine or blood pressure medicines before ever even contemplating the much less intrusive, and equally as effective, holistic approach that might include eating bananas or avocados (both are chock full of potassium). The same article offered additional everyday common sense steps to take including; eschewing the salt-shaker and reducing salt intake from processed foods as "an obvious and responsible step" (Boosting, pg. 8).

Other holistic approaches are touted by individuals and groups interested in keeping individuals healthy through what they see as more effective and much less intrusive means such as; meditation, daily exercising and a healthy diet. One recent article extolled the virtues of meditation, stating, "the practice of meditation...is believed to result in a state of greater mental calmness, psychological balance and physical relaxation, which makes for a healthier you" (the benefits, 2006, pg. 23).

Medical experts may disagree with those individuals extolling holistic remedies, but their reasoning is one that is based on medical evidence and education.

Those individuals who tout the holistic method of controlling blood pressure, lowering cholesterol or even fighting the common cold have much less ammunition to work with in regards to medical studies. Many medical experts are so overwhelmed with the daily onslaught of patients that the quickest method for dispensing care is one with which they are most comfortable, in this case, dispensing prescriptions that have been shown to work at least semi-effectively with the majority of patients. Little time or effort is taken to prescribe vitamins or holistic approaches that might be as good as or even better than prescription medicines.

Other societies are much less 'busy' than the American people and often times their health issues are not nearly as complex. A recent article states, "in many indigenous cultures, health is seen as the maintenance of balance among mental, physical, and spiritual well-being rather than the absence of disease. Life out of balance and in conflict with values and protocols -- whether through one's own behavior or intrusive forces -- is often seen as a cause of disease and loss of vitality" (Gould, 2006, pg. 60).

The question then remains on whether the holistic approach taken by these societies might mean a more balanced and healthier American society if practiced by the citizens living in the U.S. Another question might be whether American citizens are too busy to change their bad habits including the one of not seeing a doctor until the last moment, or popping pills to cure any sickness (real or perceived).

As one expert writes, "It's not easy to change bad habits and take responsibility for your actions, but you'll find that life is far more rewarding when you do" (Ferrazzi, 2008, pg. 29). According to Ferrazzi changing little things in your life like your diet and vitamin regime will help your body forestall the little injuries that affect us all and will also keep the body in a healthier state. Another writer also extols the virtue of listening to one's individual body. She writes, "Heed your inner mechanic and Matson's advice: "The path is finding out who you are within your own anatomy." (Eigner, 2006, pg. 46). In other words, find out what works best for your individual body and implement it. Eigner also says that this should be done in conjunction with doctor's advice, but that the holistic approach can be one that is less costly monetarily and physically. Whether the approach used is one that includes meditation, vitamins, a healthy diet and exercise. Or a combination of them all it is the method that provides the highest rate of return for the fewest changes in lifestyle.