Perhaps you’ve heard a doctor mention holistic therapy in passing. Or maybe you read something about it online, but you don’t quite understand what it means.
No matter how you first heard of holistic therapy treatment centers, we’re glad you did because they can play an important role in speeding the recovery of mental health and substance abuse disorders. So if you’ve ever wondered, “What is holistic therapy?” then read on.
What is Holistic Therapy?
In essence, holistic therapy is a comprehensive treatment that accounts for all aspects of an individual’s health. This is in contrast to traditional treatment techniques, such as medication and psychotherapy, which may not consider an individual’s physical health.
So what is holistic therapy? Well, several popular examples include:
- Guided meditation therapy
- Yoga
- Acupuncture therapy
- Breathing and mindfulness techniques
- Massages
You’ve probably already done one or more of the above at some point in your life. These treatments can help you learn how to manage stress better, reduce insomnia, and decrease chronic pain symptoms. The great news is that you can incorporate holistic practices into your current treatment plans very easily. Practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can be done at home, making them very affordable or even cost-free. Some treatment centers, like Encore Outpatient Services, will even offer options like trauma-informed yoga alongside their other services.
Is Holistic Therapy Right for You?
While holistic therapy is not guaranteed to bring about immediate results, incorporating it into your daily life will help speed your recovery. This is especially true if you struggle with both substance abuse and addiction.
Many people with substance abuse problems can trace their addictions to other issues in their lives that went untreated or undiagnosed—whether it’s from trauma, mental health disorders, or chronic pain that someone has been suffering from for a long time. Some people turn to addictive substances as a form of self-medication. Unfortunately, as they become addicted to drugs and alcohol, people’s original problems often intensify in a tragic cycle of reinforcement. In instances where a patient is dealing with substance abuse problems and a co-occurring condition, like mental health disorders or chronic pain, it is important to treat both the addiction and the original problem that spawned the addiction. Treating only the addiction without taking into account the other factors increases the likelihood that patients might relapse. Otherwise, you are only treating the symptoms, not the source of the disease.
Wherever you’re currently being treated, be sure to ask your case management team about what kinds of holistic options they can recommend for you.
Are There Any Downsides to Holistic Therapy?
While incorporating aspects of holistic therapy into your treatment plan is likely to be beneficial, it is important to note that it is usually not enough to bring about remission on its own. Holistic therapies work best when they are incorporated alongside other traditional treatment methods, like psychotherapy and medication. Remember, a comprehensive treatment plan will encompass all sides of your health.
Now that we’ve answered your question about “What is holistic therapy?” and you have a better idea about whether or not it’s right for you, the next step is to speak to your physician or a trained provider. Ask them whether they have any specific recommendations based on your circumstances.
Finding Help at Encore Health Group
When you’re looking for a treatment program, find one that takes into account all aspects of your health, including your mental and physical health. Encore Health Group specializes in providing comprehensive, individualized treatment plans that are tailored to each patient. If you’re interested in learning more about how to answer, “what is holistic therapy?” and how to incorporate it into your current treatment plan, contact Encore Health Group today.
