Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, people are becoming more conscious about their health and well-being. Those suffering from chronic diseases turn to walk-in clinics or urgent-care centers to seek ambulatory care or immediate treatment for emergency cases (e.g., falls, burns, and allergic reactions) or any form of discomfort, such as colds, asthma, ear infections, and sinus problems.
But apart from physical health issues, mental health concerns are also plaguing millions of people globally. The loneliness and isolation caused by social distancing have left many people having anxiety and depression. These conditions are characterized by stress, irritability, social withdrawal, changes in mood, excessive fears or worries, and extreme guilt, among others.
Discrimination and stigma can make someone’s mental health issues worse or discourage them from getting help. Today, a wide range of resources and methods are available to help patients with mental health disorders get the attention and treatment they need. This includes holistic therapy, a form of psychotherapy that involves the body, mind, emotion, and spirit towards the quest for good health and well-being.
What is holistic therapy?
Holistic therapy, or body-centered psychotherapy, is a kind of integrative therapy concerned with the recovery of the “whole person” instead of individual symptoms using both traditional and alternative medicine.
Instead of focusing on a single problem, holistic therapy addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects that affect an individual’s well-being and helps them understand themselves on a deeper level, which leads to increased self-awareness and self-esteem. It also combines elements of traditional psychotherapy and non-traditional methods, such as meditation, hypnosis, and breath therapy.
Holistic therapy help address a variety of psychological conditions. These include stress, trauma, addictions, anxiety, depression, emotional difficulties, and family problems. When it comes to spiritual health, holistic therapy also addresses feelings of loss, emptiness, and social disconnection.
The purpose of holistic therapy
Supporters of holistic therapy revealed that this method effectively treats different types of stress-related issues, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related disorders (e.g., sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder). In general, the therapy utilizes different wellness practices to help patients deal with stress and tension while promoting overall well-being.
The core benefit of holistic therapy is it uses an integrative approach to address physical, spiritual, and mental health. It lets the person establish connections between different areas of their lives and understand how they directly affect their overall health and well-being.
Holistic therapy also involves techniques that patients can perform or practice beyond their therapy sessions. These include meditative practices, such as mindfulness and deep breathing that allow the person to manage situations that contribute to anxiety, stress, or mood changes.
Besides psychological treatment, holistic techniques also focus on prevention. Instead of waiting for a problem to emerge, a person undergoing holistic treatment can prevent issues that harm their physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being.
Holistic therapy also helps address several physical health concerns, such as muscle pains, hormonal imbalances, poor sleep quality, and lack of mental clarity. It helps a person learn how to deeply relax and find relief from the daily stresses of life. In other words, holistic therapy offers support for people who want to pamper themselves.
Another benefit of holistic therapy is it helps individuals looking for harmony and balance in their lives. An experienced therapist will help restore the physical body’s natural balance, resulting in a more rewarding and sustained quality of life.
Overall effectiveness
Since holistic therapy covers a broad category, it’s tough to evaluate its effectiveness. But a few studies have revealed that the techniques applied in holistic therapy, such as dynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, help treat a range of mental health issues.
Holistic therapies are also gaining popularity, especially for those suffering from chronic stress. Studies reveal that making time for holistic therapy helps individuals manage stress, improving longevity and supporting relaxation.
Therapeutic approaches, such as yoga, deep breathing, and acupressure, are also proven effective for several purposes. Some research also found that meditation and mindfulness help reduce stress and anxiety. Meanwhile, guided imagery techniques help in easing stress and improving sleep, mood, and relaxation.
Any problem concerning your mental health requires immediate attention. While there are different forms of mental health treatment, holistic therapy is a great way to address your body’s physical and energy imbalances. Regardless of which type of holistic therapy you choose, be sure to consult someone with extensive training and experience to help you address the mental health challenges that need to be addressed.
