Have you ever seen a treatment on a wellness center’s menu and wondered what it was? Have you heard of holistic health therapies but need clarification on what, exactly, they are? If so, you're not alone. Holistic health wellness centers use many terms that the average person might need to familiarize themselves with. By becoming acquainted with the terminology and procedures associated with holistic health, you can make informed decisions about trying new treatments in the holistic health space.

What is a Holistic Health Wellness Center?

Holism vs. Reductionism

The goal of holistic health wellness centers is to bring balance back to your entire being—body, mind, and spirit—to achieve optimal health and well-being. The term “holistic” refers to a way of looking at the world that focuses on the whole rather than individual parts. For example, in traditional Western medicine, doctors look at the body as separate systems (e.g., the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system). This is known as reductionism: breaking something down into its components to better understand it. Holistic health care takes a different approach by looking at the body as one interconnected system where every part affects each other part.

Eastern vs. Western Medicine

Holism is to eastern medicine as reductionism is to western medicine. Eastern medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms; it looks at how each aspect of your life affects your overall well-being. Examples of eastern medical practices include acupuncture, qigong, tai chi, and herbal medicine. Western medicine tends to be more focused on the diagnosis and prescription of medication or surgery; it looks at symptoms without reliably considering the root cause or negative lifestyle contributions. Holistic health centers keep the study of eastern medicine at their core as a pathway to transforming clients’ health.

Common Terms You May Find At a Holistic Health Wellness Center

Here are some commonly used terms in holistic health treatments that are not self-explanatory:

• Ayurveda – A traditional Indian system of medicine based on balancing three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) through diet, lifestyle, and herabal remedies.
• Reiki – A type of energy healing therapy based on channeling universal life force energy through touch or proximity to help restore balance in the body's energy centers (also known as chakras).
• Acupressure – A massage technique using specific points along energy pathways (meridians) to relieve pain and promote healing throughout the entire body.
• Craniosacral Therapy – A gentle form of manual therapy designed to restore the balance between bones in the skull and spine for improved mobility and reduced tension headaches.

Common Treatments Offered at a Holistic Health Centre

Many holistic health wellness centers offer similar treatment methods. These treatments may include acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki, ayurvedic treatments (for relaxation), Chinese herbal remedies/herbalism (for overall health), sound therapy (for stress relief), meditation (for mindfulness), nutritional advice/dietary guidance (for healthy living), and even yoga instruction (for strength & flexibility).

Holistic health centers have recently begun to embrace technologically advanced alternative therapies as well. Such therapies include electrodermal/energetic screening (to evaluate a person's energetic health and balance), lymph drainage therapy (to facilitate lymphatic drainage and eliminate toxins), and thermography (imaging that reveals thermal abnormalities in the body).

Visit a Holistic Health Wellness Center in Tampa

Holistic healthcare is an increasingly popular way to address physical ailments without relying solely on pharmaceuticals or invasive procedures; however, there are many terms and treatments associated with this field which can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with them! Better Health Wellness Center in Tampa has a team of warm, experienced professionals who can guide you to the treatments that will jump-start your journey toward whole-body wellness. Get in touch today and see which therapies are right for you!