As long as we can remember, we have been trained when we aren’t feeling well; we go to the doctor hoping to make us feel better. Nowadays, we hear more about the benefits of integrative medicine. Let’s explore the fascinating realm of holistic wellness and shed light on why some conventional doctors may overlook our health issues.
While conventional medicine plays a vital role in our healthcare system, it’s essential to acknowledge the limitations of the quick-fix mentality and time constraints doctors face. By taking responsibility for our own well-being and embracing a holistic approach, we can uncover the root causes of our ailments, paving the way for long-term health and happiness.
I come from a unique perspective as someone who works in a holistic space with a more conventional background. I worked in the pharmacy ever since I was 16 and went to pharmacy school, so I have spent a lot of time in the more conventional health system. Let’s get into what I have learned to help me improve my health along the way, and hopefully, it can help you too.
The Quick Fix Mentality
In the fast-paced world of conventional medicine, doctors are often trained to focus on two things:
- Looking for a diagnosis
- Finding a reason to prescribe medication as a means of providing immediate relief
While effective for acute conditions, this approach may unintentionally overlook the underlying causes of more serious health problems.
By prioritizing symptom management, doctors may miss the opportunity to delve into factors such as diet, lifestyle, and mental health, which can profoundly impact our overall well-being.
Time and Money
I think we can all agree that today’s healthcare system is overrun. We salute all of our overworked healthcare workers!
This means doctors face significant time constraints when attending to patients.
Think of it like this; they are merely looking at snapshots. Maybe they’re looking at blood work, or you’re telling them how you feel, but they’re not necessarily asking more questions to dig deep to put the pieces together. The limited duration of each appointment restricts the depth of exploration needed to really get to know your lifestyle and uncover the root causes of major health issues.
Additionally, doctors may face challenges in recommending comprehensive diagnostic tests or alternative treatments due to factors like insurance coverage and the patient’s financial limitations.
We must understand that these limitations are not a reflection of the doctors’ skills or commitment but rather a result of the challenges within the healthcare system.
Embracing Personal Responsibility for Our Health
While doctors serve as invaluable guides on our healthcare journey, we must take an active role in our well-being. We owe it to our bodies!
Seeking medical advice is a prudent step, especially when needing immediate relief. It’s just as important to remember that achieving lasting health improvements requires continued commitment and active participation. It’s our personal responsibility for our own well-being. We can’t just blame the conventional system if, after several doctor visits, we still aren’t feeling better.
Doctors can recommend what we all know to be true: a good diet, plenty of rest, and regular exercise. Now it’s up to you to determine what that means for you personally.
It’s up to you to learn ways to include whole foods in your diet, to find a path to go on your nature walks, or to set a time to go to sleep and don’t let nonessential things get in the way of that.
Holistic Approach
The holistic approach to health is all about understanding the deep connections between different aspects of our lives. It embraces the idea that health issues can have multiple root causes.
By adopting a holistic mindset, we open ourselves to alternative paths of healing that prioritize finding and addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to our ailments. This wider perspective enables us to see our health in a more comprehensive and integrated way, considering the interplay between our physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
The Power of Lifestyle Changes
One key area often overlooked in conventional medicine is the profound influence of diet, lifestyle choices, and mental health on our overall well-being.
A holistic approach emphasizes the importance of nourishing our bodies with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods and conscious lifestyle choices supporting our well-being. By understanding the significant role of nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest, we can make long-lasting changes that positively impact our health.
Acknowledging the mind-body connection enables us to recognize the intricate interplay between our mental and physical well-being. By including practices that can overall improve our mental health, you will begin to see how this will lead to the healing of some of our undiagnosed ailments.
Time to Commit!
Today many of us have gotten into this expectation of instant gratification or immediate results. Think about it; we are used to fast-food or fast wifi signals, and anything short is frustrating. We have formed a lack of patience if things aren’t given to us immediately or fixed very quickly.
Fixing ourselves and uncovering the root causes of our health problems requires a long-term commitment to nurture our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Eating healthy today might make you feel better but it will not eliminate all your health issues. If you make better choices for 30 days, 60 days, or six months, you’re going to be making fundamental shifts in your health.
By embracing the holistic approach, we can develop sustainable habits that support our health and foster a better quality of life. Remember, healing is not an overnight process but continuous and loving dedication to self-care.
As we conclude this exploration of holistic wellness, let us remember that while conventional doctors play a vital role in our healthcare system, they may occasionally overlook the root causes of our health issues due to training, time constraints, and system limitations.
By taking responsibility for our health and embracing a holistic approach, we can uncover the underlying imbalances contributing to our ailments. Doing so will pave the way for long-term healing, optimal well-being, and a vibrant, joyful life.
Tune in to my podcast for my new series about the conventional system versus the more integrative functional medicine approach.
Hey there, I’m Kari!
As a Pharmacist and Integrative Health Practitioner, I get the privilege of working with women who are struggling with fatigue, poor sleep, painful cycles, digestive issues, and irritability- all of which have become their norm. And they are struggling just to keep up, simply wanting their health back.
I know what it’s like to feel frustrated and left with the same issues, even after spending time, energy & money thinking I’d found the answer.
With the right support, a proven method, and the Lord as our guide, let’s get your health back so you can run the race set before you with perseverance and joy.
So thankful you found your way here!
