The Benefits of Living Holistically

The concept of holistic living embraces a lifestyle that focuses on the mind, body and spirit as a whole to elevate oneself to a greater state of being. More commonly, we hear the term “holistic healing”, which originated in Ancient Asian civilizations about five thousand years ago and uses Traditional Chinese Medicine practices to heal the mind, body and spirit. These practices are based upon natural therapies for the relief of pain and illness, such as Oriental medicine and nutrition, acupuncture treatment, massage therapy and various forms of Asian bodywork.

The purpose of holistic healing is to restore a balance of energy, or qi, while taking into consideration the mental, physical and emotional factors. But, what about after your pain is gone? A holistic approach to living should be a constant effort even in the absence of illness. The physical aspect, the body, needs regular exercise, a balanced diet of proper nutrition and sufficient rest while the emotional aspect, the mind, requires respect for oneself and positivity in its thoughts. The spiritual being must consist of an inner calmness and openness that allows creativity and trust. When the mind, body and spirit are in a balanced harmony, every aspect of one’s life is believed to improve.

How does one live holistically? Like all good things, it takes time, consistency, and awareness. Start with small choices, such as what you will have for breakfast. Rather than choosing a processed fast-food meal, choose a more nutritious platter of fruit, whole grains, and protein. Most importantly, be more conscious of your mind, body and spirit. In addition to watching the quality of food you put into your body, consider the quality of thoughts that are entering your mind and the emotional reactions you have to events. Positivity and the ability to manage your emotions is part of achieving a healthy, holistic lifestyle.

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