Healthcare allows people to prioritize their wellness, and holistic health care enables patients to do this in a way that honors their entire bodies. Holistic healthcare does not eschew Western medicine but rather uses it as part of a greater treatment plan. These are four things that make holistic health care unique:

1. Complementary Therapies

Surgery and medications are two tools used in Western medicine to provide desirable outcomes for patients. However, alternative medicine may offer relief in minimally invasive ways that some patients prefer to try as a first line of treatment. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and physical therapy can all be used to complement your existing medical treatments. People who suffer from chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and other physical and mental conditions may benefit from these treatments. Holistic care providers are open to the use of alternative medicine when appropriate.

2. Mental Health Consideration

Mental health is governed by your thoughts and feelings, which originate in your brain. Your brain is part of your body, which is why your mental state is an important aspect of your overall health. Holistic health care prioritizes patients' mental and emotional well-being as well as their physical well-being. Holistic health care providers can help you access mental health treatments, such as therapy, that can help you gain resiliency when facing difficult situations. Holistic health care providers can also discuss the importance of strong social bonds and support systems with patients since these factors also play a role in people's overall health and well-being.

3. Coordinating Physicians

It's common for people to need different types of healthcare for different bodily systems. For example, a patient may see an acupuncturist for depression treatment as well as a therapist, general practitioner, and OB-GYN doctor. Holistic health care providers can serve as coordinating physicians to ensure that each of your treatment providers is aware of your ongoing health concerns. When doctors work together, they can provide better treatment for their patients and ensure that no symptoms or side effects fall through the cracks.

4. Collaboration With Patients

Finally, holistic health care providers can collaborate with patients to help patients make healthy changes in their lives. Dieting, exercising, and spending time outside in the fresh air and sunshine can all be healthy additions to your life. Making many changes all at once can be unsustainable, so holistic doctors can talk with patients to make a plan for gradual change, starting with the most important elements.