A holistic approach that opens up new possibilities for healing

A holistic approach is an approach that focuses on treating not only the body, but also the mind and the “soul”. Unlike traditional Western medicine, which often focuses on treating specific diseases or only certain symptoms, holistic medicine focuses on something more complex: it seeks to balance the body as a system. The doctors at the Calendula Clinic also treat patients with a holistic approach.

What does a holistic approach to healing mean?

The holistic approach is based on the premise that all the cells of the human body are interconnected and that the state of one affects the state of another. For example, if someone suffers from chronic stress, this can affect their physical health, which can lead to weakening of the immune system, digestive problems or the frequent headaches.

Today, holistic medicine is becoming increasingly popular across all generations. Alternative therapies such as this, which interpret illnesses in a broader context rather than in isolation, are also attracting increasing interest in general. This is certainly no coincidence.

This approach is appreciated by people who are not satisfied with strong medicines but are looking for more comprehensive solutions to their health problems. A key element of the holistic approach is the mind-body connection, which helps us to understand why some patients more effective than traditional medicine.

The main principles of a holistic approach

A key principle of holistic medicine is the idea that all aspects of our lives - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual - contribute to our overall health. If any one of these areas is out of balance, it can lead to ill health or even illness. Simply put, all of these aspects affect our health at the same time.

The holistic approach involves different forms of treatment, including traditional medicine, but also emphasises prevention and natural treatment methods. It supports relaxation, wellness or psychological well-being methods, combined with therapeutic methods.

The main aspects of holistic medicine

The theory of health as a unity

Doctors or therapists practising holistic medicine focus on the health of the whole human body. They treat patients not only for physical symptoms, but also for their emotional state, lifestyle, eating habits and relationships.

Prevention in a holistic approach

Prevention is a cornerstone of the holistic approach. Rather than focusing on treating disease, holistic medicine aims to prevent disease from occurring in the first place. This may include regular detoxification treatments, a healthy diet, stress management or practices such as meditation and yoga.

Natural remedies

Holistic medicine focuses largely on the use of natural remedies, such as herbs, essential oils, massage or acupuncture. These methods are often considered gentler on the body, as they are not characterised by the many chemical side effects that accompany traditional medicines.

Individual approach in holistic medicine

Each person is unique, so treatments should be tailored to their needs and health. A holistic approach avoids templates and instead seeks to understand the patient's situation and the uniqueness of the patient.

Further principles of the holistic approach:

• Everyone has some innate healing ability;
• The patient is primary, the disease is secondary;
• Treatment is a team effort between the patient and the doctor, both of whom must be actively involved;
• The doctor knows every aspect of the patient's life and deals with all of them in the course of treatment, using a combination of different methods;
• The aim of treatment is not to relieve these symptoms, but to eliminate the cause of the disease.

Demonstrable results

Although the holistic approach has a lot of support, there are still some who do not fully trust it. The roots of the method go back thousands of years, with Chinese physicians using similar principles in their healing practices since before our time. The long-term effects on the human body have been confirmed by several studies on the physiological effects of the treatments.

Remedies for a holistic approach

Holistic medicine offers a wide range of treatments. They aim to strengthen the inner harmony (body, mind, spirit) mentioned earlier. The most common methods include:

Use of medicinal plants

The use of herbs in medicine is one of the oldest methods. Herbal treatments can be used to strengthen the immune system, to improve digestion or to promote relaxation. For example, chamomile is known for its calming effects, while ginger helps with digestive problems. From Ayurvedic medicine, which is often linked to a holistic approach, herbs such as ashwagandha, which supports stress resilience, are popular.

Acupuncture

From acupuncture an ancient Chinese method of stimulating certain points on the body with a thin needle. These points are connected to energy pathways, known in Chinese medicine as meridians. Acupuncture is used to relieve pain, improve sleep and harmonise the flow of energy („chi”) in the body. Modern studies on migraines, migraine headaches and chronic pain and have also been shown to be effective in treating anxiety.

Yoga

Yoga combines exercise, breathing techniques and meditation. It engages the body and mind to help release tension, improve flexibility and increase a sense of inner peace. Yoga helps to better sleep and stress management, contributing to overall health.

Combining holistic medicine and traditional medicine

One of the biggest advantages of holistic medicine is that it can be combined with traditional therapies. It is not an either-or decision, as in many cases patients can benefit from both forms of treatment at the same time. This allows the benefits of both methods to be harnessed.

While traditional medicine is invaluable for treating acute conditions such as surgery or serious infections, holistic medicine focuses more on prevention and restoring health and long-term balance after illness. For example, patients with chronic pain often use a combination of traditional painkillers and acupuncture or physiotherapy.

Similarly, those who suffer from chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes or high blood pressure), may find that diet and regular exercise combined with medication can improve their condition and quality of life.

The holistic approach at the Calendula Clinic

One of the biggest advantages of holistic medicine is its focus on prevention and long-term care of the body and mind. Rather than just dealing with short-term problems, holistic medicine aims to help people live in balance. In turn, they can live healthier and happier lives.

Ayurveda, as part of holistic medicine, plays a significant role in addressing physical and mental imbalances. A detox, dietary recommendations, herbs and therapies that strengthen the body from within Thus, a holistic approach offers many opportunities to feel healthier and improve our quality of life. The doctors at the Calendula Clinic carry out their healing work every day with the physical and mental health of their patients in mind.