Wednesday, March 9, 2016

What is Holistic Medicine?


By Mariah Haddad


Thomas Edison once said, "The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease." The future is now, as holistic medicine is on the rise.

Acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic medicine are all considered holistic medicine.
"Holistic medicine is really the practice of the mind, body, and soul,” Brenda Santucci, 47, of Mt. Morris, NY, who has used a holistic approach since she was diagnosed with major digestive issues five years ago. "It is medicine that exempts the use of pharmaceuticals."

Santucci tried everything, laxatives, reflux medication, aspirin, and other modern day methods when she was first diagnosed. After explaining her ailments to her coworkers, one had suggested that she try a tablespoon of olive oil in the morning. “That is when everything took a turn for me. I had no idea that something in my kitchen could relieve the pain I’ve had for years. I then started to look into holistic methods in every aspect of my life.”

According to Natural Healers, in 2012 about one-third of U.S. adults used complementary health approaches. Natural Healers defines complementary health as “a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.”

Wegmans Food Markets exhibits a “Nature's Marketplace”, where the chain provides grocery aisles filled with vitamins, supplements, oils, and natural foods. Nature's Marketplace has grown over the years, expanding from one aisle, to over eight in a present day Wegmans.

Why have people been making the switch?

"You feel better altogether, without all of the negative side effects,” said) Teresa Olverd, a 22-year-old SUNY Buffalo State student. "You would be surprised what exercise, good eating, and a little yoga can do."

Buffalo Alternative Therapy, a locally owned alternative medicine practice, offers massage therapy and acupuncture services. According to its website, acupuncture is known to be effective at treating chronic pain, headaches, insomnia, menstrual cramps, back pain, depression, carpal tunnel, asthma, and even indigestion. “I love acupuncture,” Santucci said “I was really nervous at first, but after my first session, I was addicted.”

Santucci has tried countless approached to her health before she was introduced to the holistic method. Once she began practicing the holistic ways, she began taking vitamin supplements, practicing acupuncture, and massage therapy. She found that the combination of all three lead her to a new life free of laxatives and other conventional methods.      

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