holistic approach essay

The Impact of WeFuture’s ‘Challenge Your World’ Workshop in Amsterdam | Case Study

Holistic thinking: what it is, why it’s important, and how to do it.

Holistic Thinking
World Conservation

We humans like to simplify things. And that's a good thing, to begin with, because this characteristic protects us from too many stimuli, excessive demands and overload. We develop routines that help us cope with everyday life without having to expend a lot of thought and energy. We build a microcosm around ourselves, focusing on people and things in our immediate environment. We know our family and friends, our city and our work so well that we think we know how life works.

Sometimes, however, we find that things are not as simple as we would like to believe. Namely, when we encounter complex problems. Abruptly, we tend to realize that our individual view of the world can be one-sided. For example, we can feel quite uncomfortable when we realize that climate change is a real threat. Here, our microcosm with its usual solution patterns suddenly reaches its limits. We are faced with a problem that seems so complex and abstract that it can (and often does) make us feel overwhelmed.

But in this, there is creative power. In chaos lies the chance of creativity. Why? Because it forces us to step back from familiar perceptions. Because it allows us to see that our ‘individual’ world, to which we devote all our attention, is only a part of reality. And we see that we, as individuals, are a part of the whole of nature in its beauty. Changing our perspective from the individual details to the whole forms the basis for a way of thinking that aims to help solve problems in a more cohesive way: Holistic thinking.

What Is Holistic Thinking?

Holistic thinking means having a holistic approach by contemplating the bigger picture. "Holistic“ derives from the Greek word "holos", which stands for "whole" and "comprehensive". "Holistic" therefore, means "wholeness."

Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher, has a quote that provides a great description of how the holistic way of thinking works: "The whole is more than the sum of its parts." To help explain the impact of this quote, let’s break the process down using a simple example:

Collect all of the ‘parts’ of something - eg. building blocks.
Sum them up by adding them together, ordering, and arranging them in a way that makes sense - eg. build up walls, create windows, and doors.
After summing up the parts, we create a whole. - eg. a house
However, the ‘whole’ (or in this case, the house) is more than that because we get more value and understanding through the ‘summing’ process. By adding these parts up together, we may now better understand: - Physical structures eg. the best way to build walls so they are insulated. - Scientific principles eg. balancing the weight of the house so gravity won't tear it down. - Human Impact eg. Once we move into the house, it becomes a home. We now have shelter, security, and an increased likelihood of survival.

By summing these parts, we have received so much more - the intangible assets like understanding, value, and meaning - about the whole that was not available to its parts alone. The holistic approach leads us to truly appreciate and comprehend the sum of parts, thus making it "more than".

How is Holistic Thinking Applied?

Holistic thinking can be applied to many systems; such as biological, social, mental, economic or spiritual systems.

It is a way of thinking that has been practiced by many indigenous people for many, many years - especially when it comes to health and wellness (an example of biological, mental, and spiritual systems). Whatsmore, some traditional health care systems that are rooted in holistic principles, such as the Ancient Indian Ayurveda and Amazonian Shamanism, are still practiced today!

One of the famous personalities associated with a holistic vision was Leonardo Da Vinci, the well-known Italian painter of the Mona Lisa, living in the Renaissance. He is admired by the world for his multidisciplinary approach to connecting logic and creativity. His holistic perspective of knowledge gathering was based on thinking beyond limits and resulted in iconic creative expression that has stood the test of time.

Holism was also the core of the worldview of another famous individual - Alexander von Humboldt, German naturalist and explorer. He didn’t see organisms, geological structures, weather phenomena, or human activities as detached; but as interacting entities of a larger complex system. He shaped the scientific perception of how everything is connected. Both Da Vinci and von Humboldt showed with their interdisciplinary approach how existing ideas and new concepts complement each other.

From ancient practices to famous personalities, the application and outcomes of holistic thinking is timeless. And this is most likely because this way of thinking stems from something bigger; Holism.

The Significance of Holism

“Holism (noun): the idea that the whole of something must be considered in order to understand its different parts” - Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

While clearly defined by man, Holism is by no means a thought construct of man. Nature exemplifies and dictates holism to us; every part needs the whole and the whole needs every part. Balance, cooperation, symbiosis and synergy defines life. From animate and inanimate nature to ecosystems, physiology of organisms to climate or social interactions - every single piece of a system affects the others and the whole.

This complexity becomes particularly clear when we consider the big challenges of today. The major challenges humanity is facing are on a global scale. If we look at climate change, for example, we often think of industry and mobility. The fires in the Amazon rainforest? The (majorly illegal) deforestation of the rainforest for the cultivation of palm oil or soy and loss of biodiversity? Corruption, the displacement of the local population or conflicts with indigenous groups? All of these aspects are also defined as climate change.

It’s not possible to break the world down into its components. Whether it is climate change, mass poverty or mass extinction – there are no simple solutions to global crises. Holistic thinking makes us realise the complexity of all of the issues we face. It aims to help us to identify different perspectives and needs. Furthermore, it helps us to develop and create long-term solutions for these global challenges. Creativity, interdisciplinarity, participation and collaboration are important prerequisites to try to achieve this.

The United Nations established a plan of action for sustainable development, known as the 2030 Agenda , and is an example of a holistic approach to multilateral sustainability policy. The agenda is based on the three dimensions model of sustainability: economy, society and the environment, which are interrelated. The Agenda is broken down into Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , which are considered universal and apply equally to all countries when striving for a balance between the three dimensions.

Holistic thinking is the prerequisite to the 2030 Agenda and is a necessary consequence of the cooperation between all countries working towards the SDGs. It’s the key to tackling our global challenges.

WeFuture Global’s guide to holistic thinking

Many people have learned to solve a problem where it appears visibly and tangibly for everyone. While this approach may well lead to initial successes – these are not long-lasting, since the core of the problem is often hidden at first glance.

For example, In order to contribute to the fight against climate change by reducing carbon emissions, it makes sense to use the bicycle more often than a car. But, if we really want to make a difference, we should look further than just at one piece of the puzzle and adopt a holistic approach. This can be done in many ways, such as questioning our own consumption in all areas of life (not just with personal transportation), taking a look at the sustainable practices implemented on other sides of the globe, and increasing the pressure on businesses and politicians to implement sustainable practices, to name a few.

Looking at the details is not wrong – but it’s not enough either. Holistic thinking goes beyond, it means breaking free from your mindset. This requires awareness, consideration and communication. But how to put this into practice?

To assist our community in developing this important skill, we have developed the WeFuture Global guideline to help our community think holistically.

The WeFuture Global Guideline to Holistic Thinking

Step 1. awareness.

First, take a step back from what you are doing.
Change your perspective from detail-oriented to the whole.
Define the exact problems / challenges.
Define the overall objective / the end-goal.

Step 2. Consideration

Consider and define the individual parts of the overall system.
Look for recurring patterns and interfaces.
See how the interfaces affect the overall objective.
Define your role in the overall system.
Search for the lever (area or action) with the greatest impact.

Step 3. Communication

Showcase the importance of the single to all partners in the system.
Facilitate and implement new and stronger relationships.

Holistic thinking is a continuous process of changing perspectives, brainstorming and critical questioning. By that, it forms the basis for decisions on concrete action and next steps.

It is of fundamental importance to identify the real problem first. It is worthwhile to pause and get an overall view: Look at the whole instead of single details, push comprehension instead of actionism and focus on strategic thinking instead of operational hectic. By looking closely at the interrelationships, the system's biggest levers can be identified. And only those will affect a real change. During the entire process, it is always important to critically question the solution statements and yourself.

Holistic World Conservation

The holistic approach makes us realize that we humans ourselves are a part of the whole. It not only makes each of us responsible but also empowers us to make a difference. Just like in a huge ecosystem, everyone and everything can understand that the overall result is bigger than individual contributions. Holistic thinking is the core of world conservation.

To solve interrelated problems, we need to work together. Individuals, civil society organizations and the private sector are indispensable for the success of world conservation as innovation can and does arise from the collaboration of these entities. If we want to change a system, we need to work on all levels. Therefore we need a strong network of symbiotic relationships, varying expertise and sector access. We need to identify the right problems, understand the connections, and each of us needs to be aware of our role in complex challenges.

Through the holistic thinking approach, we can lose the fear of complexity and be empowered to make a difference. By understanding that the whole is more than the sum of the parts, we can learn to look at problems differently and change perspectives, allowing us and our way of thinking to evolve. The holistic way of thinking can transform our lives as we question our attitudes and gain inspiration to break out of recurring patterns in our everyday life. And by collaborating with all members and groups within society, we can innovate sustainable solutions that contribute to impactful world conservation.

Be open to change. Strive for balance. Think beyond.

To become a part of the change, see all the ways that you can contribute to wefuture global..

What Is Holism?

How psychologists use holism to understand behavior

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

Verywell / Laura Porter

In Psychology

In psychology, holism is an approach to understanding the human mind and behavior that focuses on looking at things as a whole. It is often contrasted with reductionism , which instead tries to break things down into their smallest parts. This approach suggests that we can only understand the parts when we view them in relation to the whole.

Overview of Holism

In terms of psychology, the holistic view suggests that it is important to view the mind as a unit, rather than trying to break it down into its individual parts. Each individual part plays its own important role, but it also works within an integrated system.

The basic principle of holism is that people are more than simply the sum of their parts. In order to understand how people think, the holistic perspective stresses that you need to do more than simply focus on how each individual component functions in isolation. Instead, psychologists who take this approach believe that it is more important to look at how all the parts work together.

Holism in Psychology

As an approach to understanding systems, holism is used in psychology as well as in other areas including medicine, philosophy, ecology, and economics. One key phrase that summarizes the key idea behind the holistic approach is that “the whole is more than the sum of its parts.”

The field of holistic medicine, for example, focuses on treating all aspects of a person's health including physical symptoms, psychological factors, and societal influences.

In order to understand why people do the things they do and think the way they think, holism proposes that it is necessary to look at the entire person. Rather than focus on just one aspect of the problem, it is necessary to recognize that various factors interact and influence each other.

One reason why it is so important to consider the entire being is that the whole may possess emergent properties . These are qualities or characteristics that are present in the whole but cannot be observed by looking at the individual pieces.

Consider the human brain, for example. The brain contains millions of neurons , but just looking at each individual neuron will not tell you what the brain can do. It is only by looking at the brain holistically, by looking at how all the pieces work together, that you can see how messages are transmitted, how memories are stored, and how decisions are made.

Even looking at other aspects of the brain such as the individual structures does not really tell the whole story. It is only when taking a more holistic approach that we are truly able to appreciate how all the pieces work together.

In fact, one of the earliest debates in the field of neurology centered on whether the brain was homogeneous and could not be broken down further (holism) or whether certain functions were localized in specific cortical areas (reductionism).

Today, researchers recognize that certain parts of the brain act in specific ways, but these individual parts interact and work together to create and influence different functions.

Uses for Holism

When looking at questions in psychology, researchers might take a holistic approach by considering how different factors work together and interact to influence the entire person. At the broadest level, holism would look at every single influence that might impact behavior or functioning.

A humanistic psychologist, for example, might consider an individual's environment (including where they live and work), their social connections (including friends, family, and co-workers), their background (including childhood experiences and educational level), and physical health (including current wellness and stress levels).

The goal of this level of analysis is to be able to not only consider how each of these variables might impact overall well-being but to also see how these factors interact and influence one another.

In other cases, holism might be a bit more focused. Social psychologists, for example, strive to understand how and why groups behave as they do. Sometimes groups react differently than individuals do, so looking at group behavior more holistically allows research to assess emergent properties that might be present.

Benefits of Holism

Just like the reductionist approach to psychology, holism has both advantages and disadvantages. For example, holism can be helpful at times when looking at the big picture allows the psychologist to see things they might have otherwise missed. In other cases, however, focusing on the whole might cause them to overlook some of the finer details.

Some of the key benefits of this perspective include:

It Incorporates Many Factors

One of the big advantages of the holistic approach is that it allows researchers to assess multiple factors that might contribute to a psychological problem. Rather than simply focusing on one small part of an issue, researchers can instead look at all of the elements that may play a role.

This approach can ultimately help them find solutions that address all of the contributing internal and external factors that might be influencing the health of an individual. This is sometimes more effective than addressing smaller components individually.

By looking at people holistically, health care providers can address all of the many factors that might affect how a person is feeling, including their mind, their body, and their environment.

It Looks at the Big Picture

When researching a topic, it's frequently helpful to step back and look at the big picture. Reductionism tends to focus solely on the trees, but holism allows psychologists to view the entire forest. This can be true of both the research and treatment of mental health issues.

When trying to help a client with symptoms of a psychiatric condition, for example, looking at the patient holistically allows mental health professionals to see all of the factors that affect the patient’s daily life, and also how the patient interacts with their environment. Using this type of approach, therapists are often better able to address individual symptoms.

Human behavior is complex, so explaining it often requires an approach that is able to account for this complexity. Holism allows researchers to provide a fully inclusive answer to difficult questions about how people think, feel, and behave.

Drawbacks of Holism

While holism has a number of key advantages, there are also some important drawbacks to consider. Some of these include:

It Tends to Be Non-Specific

When trying to solve a problem, it is often important to focus on a particular aspect of the issue in order to come up with a solution. Holism tends to be more generalized, which can sometimes make precision more difficult. Scientists, in particular, must be able to focus their research on clearly defined variables and hypotheses.

Looking at something too broadly can make it difficult to conduct tests using the scientific method, largely due to the fact that it incorporates so many varied factors and influences.

It Can Be Overly Complex

Because holism is so all-inclusive, it can make scientific investigations very challenging and complex. There may be many different variables to account for, as well as a plethora of potential interactions. This can make this approach unwieldy at times.

Examples of Holism

There are a number of examples in the field of psychology of how holism can be used to view the human mind and behavior. The early schools of thought, structuralism and functionalism , are good examples of reductionist and holistic views.

Structuralism focused on breaking down elements of behavior into their smallest possible components (reductionism), whereas functionalism focused on looking at things as a whole and considering the actual purpose and function of behaviors (holism).

Throughout history, there have been other perspectives and branches of psychology that have also taken a holistic approach.

Gestalt Psychology

Gestalt psychology is a school of thought that is rooted in holism. The Gestalt psychologists not only believed that human behavior needed to be viewed as a whole; they also worked to understand how the human mind itself uses a holistic approach to make sense of the world.

The Gestalt laws of perceptual organization , demonstrate that the ways in which individual items relate to one another can influence how we see them. When similar items are viewed together, the law of similarity, for example, suggests that people will perceive them as components of a whole.

This approach can also be applied to the treatment of mental health problems. Gestalt therapy is a person-centered approach to treatment that emerged from the Gestalt school of thought. Rather than breaking down aspects of a person's past to understand their current problem, this approach to therapy looks at all aspects of the individual's life in the here and now.

Humanistic Psychology

Humanistic psychology is a branch of psychology that emerged in the 1950s partially as a response to behaviorism. Where behaviorism had taken a reductionist approach to explain human behavior, humanist thinkers are more interested in looking at behavior holistically.

This approach to psychology looks at all of the factors that contribute to how people think and act, as well as how all of these different components interact.

Abraham Maslow’s famous hierarchy of needs is one example of a humanistic theory that takes a holistic look at human motivation. This theory doesn't focus on any single aspect of motivation. Instead, it incorporates many aspects including environmental, social, and emotional influences.

Social Psychology

Social psychology tends to take a holistic approach since it considers individuals in their social context. In particular, this branch of psychology looks at how group behavior is often different than individual behavior, which is a good example of emergent properties and the sum being more than its parts.

Holism vs. Reductionism

One way to look at how holism and reductionism are used is to observe how these approaches might be applied when studying a specific psychological problem.

Imagine that researchers are interested in learning more about depression .

A researcher using the holistic approach might instead focus on understanding how different contributing factors might interact, such as examining how thought patterns, social relationships, and neurotransmitter levels influence a person’s depression levels.
A scientist using the reductionist approach might look at a highly specific factor that influences depression, such as neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

A Word From Verywell

Much of the appeal of holism lies in its ability to incorporate all of the elements that make us who we are. People are infinitely complex and varied, and holism is able to address all of the external and internal factors that influence our past, present, and future.

Different areas of psychology often tend to focus on either one approach or the other. While reductionism and holism are often pitted against one another, they both serve an important role in helping researchers better understand human psychology.

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By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

What Is Holistic Education? Understanding the History, Methods, and Benefits

The holistic education concept—the philosophy of educating the whole person, beyond core academics—is gaining steam in learning circles as schools struggle to improve student outcomes. Many organizations are realizing that students need more than just a strong foundation in a core curriculum, they also need to be supported by a community and to develop a compassionate understanding of the world around them.

State governments and school district officials set the tone for whether learning environments will focus on academic-centric or holistic learning concepts. However, teachers play the central role in enacting learning policies, and they have the greatest opportunity to help students discover their identities and find meaning in community and world connections through holistic teaching methods. By pursuing a Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership or a Master of Arts in Teaching , educators can learn how holistic learning and other teaching strategies can shape students’ futures.

What Is Holistic Education?

Holistic education is a comprehensive approach to teaching where educators seek to address the emotional, social, ethical, and academic needs of students in an integrated learning format. Emphasis is placed on positive school environments and providing whole-child supports (services that support academic and nonacademic needs, also known as wraparound supports) to students.

Students are taught to reflect on their actions and how they impact the global and local community, as well as how to learn from the community around them. Teachers often engage students in projects that apply critical-thinking skills toward solving real-world problems.

History of Holistic Education

Holistic education is a relatively new movement developed in the 1980s to counteract the existing US learning structure that was perceived as mechanistic, according to Education Corner. However, the theory of educating based on a person’s entire experience has roots in ancient concepts of instruction, including those of Greek and native indigenous cultures, and has increased in prevalence over the past century. Several different approaches based on whole-person education gained steam in the 20th century, including Maria Montessori’s self-motivated growth philosophy and Rudolf Steiner and Emil Molt’s Waldorf experiential learning technique.

Many states are now incorporating holistic goals into their educational system improvement plans. This trend is encouraged by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which provides federal funding to foster state efforts. School systems are increasingly accepting the theory that learning conditions, whole-child services, and social and emotional development are measurable variables of education and can improve equity and outcomes, according to EducationCounsel.

Holistic Education Methods

The goal of holistic education is to cultivate a developing child’s physical, emotional, moral, psychological, and spiritual attributes. Serving the whole child means providing opportunities that are personalized to a child’s skills and feelings. Lessons are conducted in a safe, supportive environment that allows students to utilize their individual strengths. Teachers must be prepared to nurture students with varying educational levels and learning capabilities. While holistic education is guided by one overarching philosophy, teachers may employ a number of methods and strategies to create a holistic learning culture.

Educational Models

Experiential Learning : Schools focused on experiential learning provide hands-on educational experiences. For instance, students might work in groups exploring different learning styles to determine which styles are most effective for them. Holistic, experiential techniques often include problem-solving exercises to address community problems or create innovative products.

Self-Guided Learning : In self-guided educational environments, teachers allow students to learn at their own pace in the style that best suits them. The self-guided culture allows for personalization to mitigate the inadequacies of one-size-fits-all learning models. Low-stakes assessments are used to adjust the curriculum’s content and pace. Classrooms may be smaller and contain students of different ages and ability levels.

Community Schools : Community schools are based on the idea that people find meaning through connections with their community. Teachers partner with community members, including families, residents, organizations, and officials, to provide integrated support and expanded learning opportunities, including after-school and summer programs. Schools are a hub of the community bringing together academic, social, development, and engagement activities.

Interdisciplinary Coursework : Part of what makes up holistic education is the idea that students’ cognitive growth is improved when multiple subjects are addressed together. Some schools are creating integrated programs where teachers from different disciplines come together to teach thematic courses that address issues from multiple perspectives. Coursework might also include independent research, travel, fieldwork, and internships.

Teacher Strategies

Strong Student-Teacher Relationships : When teachers are able to form strong bonds with students, performance and engagement is positively impacted. At-risk students have a higher chance of success when they feel safe and nurtured. Teachers can foster strong relationships by responding to students’ strengths and needs and by acting in a culturally sensitive manner. Allowing students to help develop classroom rules and take on leadership roles helps encourage trust and communication among students and enhances their motivation to succeed.

Encouraging Self-Confidence : Students need to believe that they belong at school and have the ability to succeed. Teachers can help build self-confidence by providing multiple opportunities for students to digest structured information and communicate their understanding in a variety of ways. Teachers must recognize students’ unique strengths and treat all students equally. Student motivation can be enhanced by making sure that lessons are relevant to students’ lives and focus on realistic issues.

Incorporating Emotional Reflection : As a teacher, it’s not always easy to look beyond academic performance to nurture the mental and emotional well-being of a child. To encourage emotional reflection in daily routines, teachers might provide moments for students to reflect, contemplate, or meditate. Lessons to teach empathy could focus on effective listening and observation techniques or literature that presents varying perspectives on social issues.

Benefits of Holistic Education

Holistic education is based on a learning philosophy that brings a number of benefits to students, teachers, schools, and communities. Students are empowered to improve their educational outcomes and gain the life skills necessary to take on a successful professional career.

Improved Academic Achievement : Holistic education can improve the academic achievements of all children, regardless of background and circumstances, by catering to individual learning styles and providing a supportive learning environment. Children’s brain capacities are increased when they feel physically and emotionally safe and connected to others, according to the Learning Policy Institute.

Enhanced Mental and Emotional Well-Being : In a supportive environment, where social and emotional learning is emphasized along with academics, students have a better chance of emerging with self-awareness, confidence, and a sense of social responsibility.

Increased Problem-Solving Ability : Students who are tasked with solving real-world problems that exist in their communities emerge with strong critical-thinking skills. These hands-on projects give students skills that will apply to their adult careers, such as how to gather, analyze, and report data and how to collaborate with others.

Reduced Impact of Inequities : By emphasizing integrated learning concepts, the whole-child approach to education has been shown to reduce the psychological impact of issues such as violence, abuse, or poverty on academic achievement, according to the Learning Policy Institute.

Learn More About Holistic Education

Through holistic education strategies, including integrated learning formats and community interactions, teachers can help students develop a strong sense of self, as well as promote lifelong happiness and success. By pursuing a master’s degree in education, teachers can advance their knowledge of holistic education and other innovative learning concepts.

American University’s School of Education offers a Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree designed to enable teaching leaders to enact real change in learning environments. American University offers in-person, online, and hybrid degree program options.

Traditional vs. Progressive Education: Benefits and Challenges

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What’s the Difference Between Educational Equity and Equality?

Education Corner, “Holistic Education: A Comprehensive Guide”

EducationCounsel, “Social and Emotional Learning and Development, Conditions for Learning, and Whole Child Supports in ESSA State Plans”

Education Dive, “Teachers Can Use Proven Strategies to Help Students Develop Empathy”

Inside Higher Ed, “6 Ideas Whose Time Has Come”

Learning Policy Institute, “Educating the Whole Child: Improving School Climate to Support Student Success”

Learning Policy Institute, How Federal Policy Can Empower States and Communities to Provide Whole Child Education for All Students

NEA Today, “Bridging the Gap: Serving the Whole Child Involves Every Educator”

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Nursing and Holistic Care

First Online: 22 September 2023

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It is important to take a holistic view and prioritize the patient’s needs, as a person is much more than the health problems they are facing.

Holistic care is a nursing approach that considers the whole person, assuming that biological, psychological, and social factors are interrelated. Nurses need to have a holistic view of patients to respond to their real patient or client needs and promote their recovery.

Task-oriented nursing care, which is aligned with the medical view on health and care, has long existed. However, this approach ignores the fact that a person is more than their health problems.

Professionals often work disease-specifically, which leads to insufficient care for patients with multiple (chronic) illnesses, a patient group that has a higher risk of negative effects on health, higher healthcare costs, and lower quality of life.

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Sassen, B. (2023). Nursing and Holistic Care. In: Improving Person-Centered Innovation of Nursing Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35048-1_1

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The Five Cornerstones of Holistic Mental Wellness

Here are some expert tips for boosting well-being..

Posted May 22, 2024 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

Holistic health approaches address interconnected dimensions often overlooked in Western medicine.
Holistic health emphasizes the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of health.
The Five Pillars of Holistic Health offer practical tips for optimal well-being.

Have you ever wondered about the foundational principles that truly promote long-term wellness? Research suggests that adopting a holistic approach is key. Holistic health is defined as considering multiple dimensions of wellness, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

In Western medicine, these dimensions are often overlooked or compartmentalized. Fortunately, holistic health approaches aim to bridge these gaps by viewing health as a unified whole.

I interviewed Dr. Matt Chalmers, a leading figure in holistic health, and he emphasized a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond quick fixes, focusing on sustainable health practices that integrate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This approach recognizes the interconnected nature of our overall wellness.

The Five Pillars of Holistic Health (With Tips!)

The Five Pillars of Holistic Health represent foundational principles that can significantly enhance overall well-being when integrated into daily life. By implementing these practical tips, individuals can achieve a more balanced and holistic approach to health, addressing key aspects of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Let's explore each pillar and learn some practical tips to optimize health and resilience .

1. Nutritional Nourishment

Nutritional nourishment forms the cornerstone of good health, yet adopting a balanced diet can be challenging in today's fast-paced world filled with processed and convenience foods. The accessibility and prevalence of unhealthy food options can make it difficult to consistently prioritize whole, nutrient-rich foods.

To overcome this challenge, start by planning meals ahead of time and incorporating more fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet. Reduce reliance on processed foods and sugars by gradually replacing them with healthier alternatives. Experiment with new recipes and cooking methods to make nutritious eating enjoyable and sustainable.

Dr. Chalmers stresses the importance of consuming whole, nutrient-rich foods to support optimal health and well-being. By making intentional choices and gradually shifting your dietary habits, you can nourish your body and enhance your overall health.

2. Movement

Regular physical activity is essential not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. Research shows that even 5 minutes of physical activity a day can significantly improve mood and reduce stress levels.

To incorporate more movement into your daily routine, try pairing physical activity with activities you already do. For example, when driving to the store, park farther away from the entrance to increase the number of steps you take. Engaging in activities like yoga, tai chi, or daily walks can improve flexibility, strength, and overall mood, fostering a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit. By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy the benefits of mindful movement and enhance your overall well-being.

3. Mindfulness

In our fast-paced world, effectively managing stress is essential for maintaining overall well-being. Dr. Chalmers recommends incorporating techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing into daily routines to build resilience and cultivate a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

Mindfulness, at its core, is the practice of being fully present and aware in the current moment without judgment. According to experts , mindfulness breathing meditation can be a promising strategy to efficiently reduce the levels of stress, depression , and anxiety . One practical way to engage in mindfulness is to create mindful moments throughout the day. Set aside a few minutes to check in with yourself. Ask questions like: How am I feeling right now? What aspects of my day are going well? Where do I notice stress manifesting in my body?

Incorporating deep breathing into these moments can further enhance mindfulness and relaxation. Find a comfortable and quiet space where you won't be disturbed. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths, feeling the sensation of each inhale and exhale. Notice any tension or tightness in your body and allow your breath to ease these areas. By practicing mindfulness and deep breathing regularly, you can cultivate greater self-awareness, reduce stress, and enhance overall mental well-being.

4. Quality Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, yet it is frequently undervalued in today's society. Research consistently shows that both the quantity and quality of sleep impact various aspects of health, including cognitive function, mood regulation, immune function, and metabolic health. The recommended amount of sleep for adults is typically 7-9 hours per night, although individual needs may vary.

Dr. Chalmers emphasizes the importance of restorative sleep and proper sleep hygiene practices to optimize sleep quality. This includes maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, creating a comfortable sleep environment (e.g., dark, cool, and quiet), and limiting screen time before bed to minimize disruptions to the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

5. Mind-Body Connection

The mind-body connection lies at the core of holistic healing, highlighting how our mental and emotional well-being directly influences our physical health. When we encounter stress, anxiety, or negative emotions, our bodies respond with physiological changes like elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, unchecked, these responses can contribute to the development of physical health issues. The interplay between our mental and physical states is fundamental to overall health. Experts encourage practices like meditation, visualization , and positive affirmations to strengthen this connection and enhance resilience.

Bottom Line

Begin your transformative health journey today by incorporating the Five Pillars of Holistic Health into your lifestyle. Embrace these foundational principles outlined by Dr. Chalmers and experts in the field—nutritional nourishment, mindful movement, stress management, quality sleep, and holistic mental wellness—to cultivate sustained health and vitality. By integrating these pillars into your daily routine, you can take meaningful steps towards achieving overall wellness and building a strong foundation for lasting health and happiness . Start now and prioritize your well-being for a healthier and more fulfilling life!

Note: This post is part two of a series where I gather insights from experts in the areas of leadership , diversity, and wellness.

Kang, K. W., Kim, M. K., Nam, T. S., Kang, K. H., Park, W. J., Moon, H. S., ... & Joo, E. Y. (2023). Association Between Sleep and the Metabolic Syndrome Differs Depending on Age. Journal of sleep medicine , 20 (1), 19-27.

Komariah, M., Ibrahim, K., Pahria, T., Rahayuwati, L., & Somantri, I. (2022, December). Effect of mindfulness breathing meditation on depression, anxiety, and stress: A randomized controlled trial among university students. In Healthcare (Vol. 11, No. 1, p. 26). MDPI.

Ryan C. Warner, Ph.D. , is a sought-after speaker, researcher, consultant, and licensed clinical psychologist. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RC Warner Consulting.

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What is Holistic Care in Nursing? (With Examples, Principles, & Challenges)

If you have been around nursing or healthcare for any time, you have probably heard the word “holistic” more than a time or two. You may be in nursing school and wondering, “What is holistic care in nursing?” Perhaps you are already a nurse who wants to know how to improve your approach to holistic care. Either way, this article is for you. As you read further, I will tell you about holistic care in nursing. You will learn what it is, why it is important, and find some examples of how to use holistic nursing care. Additionally, I will share some of the challenges you will face in holistic nursing and give you some tips on how to overcome them!

What Exactly Is Holistic Care In Nursing?

5 reasons why holistic care is important in nursing, reason #1: holistic nursing embraces the whole person, reason #2: holistic nursing promotes preventive care, reason #3: holistic nursing helps promote self-care, reason #4: holistic care in nursing embraces cultural diversity, reason #5: holistic nursing benefits nurses as well as patients, 5 core principles of holistic nursing, principle #1: holistic philosophy, theories, and ethics, principle #2: holistic caring process, principle #3: holistic communication, therapeutic healing environment, and cultural diversity, principle #4: holistic education and research, principle #5: self-reflection and self-care, what are some good examples of holistic care in nursing, example #1: wellness coaching, example #2: massage therapy, example #3: aromatherapy, example #4: hydrotherapy, example #5: guided imagery, example #6: teaching stress management techniques, example #7: make patient interactions personal, example #8: respecting a patient’s religious beliefs and promoting their right to religious freedom, example #9: providing nutrition advice, example #10: utilizing therapeutic communication, 4 main challenges nurses face in implementing holistic care and how to overcome them, challenge #1: lack of enough education about the holistic care approach, about the challenge:, how to overcome:, challenge #2: getting caregivers involved in patient care, challenge #3: polypharmacy and its effects on patient health, challenge #4: overcoming socioeconomic barriers, my final thoughts, list of sources used for this article.

Home — Essay Samples — Arts & Culture — Cultural Anthropology — The Holistic Approach to Anthropology

The Holistic Approach to Anthropology

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Published: Mar 16, 2024

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Holistic Approach to Successful Aging Essay

Introduction, healthy aging and life expectancy, physiology and psychology of aging, factors that influence healthy aging and life expectancy, the theories of aging, health promotion and disease prevention strategies for healthy aging, analyze medical care and mental health services for older people, analyze the future directions of aging and the care of the older population.

According to World Health Organization, a country with more than ten percent aging populace is referred to as a state of aging society. An aging populace of more than twenty percent of the whole inhabitants is called an absolute aging society. In the US, there were 44.69 million individuals above the age of sixty-five in the year 2013 (Calasanti, 2015). They represent 14% of the American population.

It is estimated that by mid of this century, there would be more than 97 million aging persons. The figures are twice the number obtained in the year 2013 (Calasanti, 2015). Based on the above statistics, it is apparent that the USA will experience an absolute aging society in the future. The elderly will be relying on the American population to meet their health budget and overall spending. The article below focuses on a holistic approach to healthy aging. The approach will focus on five dimensions. They are healthy eating, injury prevention, physical activity, substance abuse cessation, and social connectedness.

One of the great accomplishments of healthcare in the 21 st century is an improvement in life expectancy. For instance, demographic figures indicate that life expectancy in America has increased from 45 years in the early 1900s to 75.6 in the year 2004 (Andel, 2010). The improvement in life expectancy is attributed to Americans adopting healthier lifestyles. Unlike in the past, more people are more aware of approaches to prevent and manage chronic disease.

Unlike in the past, more people are on healthier diets and exercise regularly. Nevertheless, improved life expectancy joint with decreasing birth rates is becoming a major concern in today’s society. Across the globe, the population is aging. The situation is being experienced at a time when the number of people required in the workforce is increasing raising fears over its impacts on the society. As such, diverse age groups have various desires and productive capabilities. Therefore, countries’ social, economic, political, and environmental features will vary as their population ages.

With an enhanced life expectancy, healthy aging is becoming a concern for most Americans (Stevens-Ratchford & Diaz, 2003). Healthy aging approaches focuses on enhancing prospects for good health with the aim of encouraging the elderly to engage in community roles and attain unrestricted and high quality of lifetime. An awareness of healthy aging should be promoted among the elderly. They should be informed that getting older is normal. However, their health conditions as they age rely on family and their lifestyle choices. If the population adopt healthy lifestyles and adopt ways of managing stress, they will be able to age healthily. Through this, the life expectancy of Americans will increase.

Aging is inescapable. As life expectancy improves, it becomes more significant to comprehend physiological changes related to the usual aging procedure. Upholding health among the elderly will help to decrease the burden caused by this population on the current healthcare systems. Among the physiological changes experienced by the aging population are the loss of teeth, loss of sensory memory, changes in the gastrointestinal system, dementia, hormonal imbalance, and changes in the musculoskeletal system. The elderly have a fewer muscle mass implying that thy have a lesser amount of generating apparatus. Besides, they have weakened neurotransmission leading to fewer capabilities or yearnings to initiate activities. An understanding of the physiology of aging procedures will be very helpful in developing a holistic approach to successful aging.

Psychological issues are also very common among the elderly. Researchers have indicated that worry and stress are very rampant in the aging populations (Hsu, 2010). Despair, tension, fear of death, health illnesses increases anxiety conditions in this group. The society should be sociable the group can help in mitigating anxiety disorders. Loneliness is another psychological problem common among the elderly. During their retirement from work, most parents have fully grown up children. The siblings are normally away from them due to marriage or job obligations. In this respect, the circle of friends around the elderly is reduced making them lonely.

Depression, loneliness, and abandonment cause hopelessness and other health disorders in the aging population. An understanding of phycology of aging will be very helpful in developing a holistic approach to successful aging. Psychology knowledge can aid during decision-making processes aimed at supporting quality of life for the elderly population.

Several factors affect healthy aging and longevity. They include genes, individual behaviors, and social and economic factors. A recent study indicated that monozygotic twins exhibit a more analogous lifetime compared with heterozygotic twins (Oeppen, 2008). The research confirmed that there is a definite inheritability of predisposition to continued existence from parents to offspring. It has also been observed that single-gene alterations affect the lifetime of C elegans. The above experiments indicate that genes are paramount in understanding the aging process. It is estimated that genes are responsible for twenty-five percent of what influences life expectancy.

Another factor that influences healthy aging is individual behaviors. People who adopt healthy behaviors will exhibit healthy aging. Some common health practices are taking physical exercise frequently, adopting a balanced diet, and obtaining essential immunizations. Socio-economic factors can also affect healthy aging and life expectancy. They comprise of income, education levels, surroundings, and social features.

They are the conditions in which persons are born, exists, labor, have fun, intermingle, and age. At every stage of aging, the health of an individual is influenced by various interactions among socioeconomic features, the surrounding, and personal behaviors. Prosperity, social status, and funds determine these factors. In turn, the above also affect strategies and choices leading to dissimilarities in health services received by persons and populations. Though these factors affect health outcomes in every phase of aging, the accumulative influence of socio-economic situations on health results is more distinct as persons get old. Normally, populations from low socio-economic rank have less healthy aging and reduced life expectancy. On the other hand, individuals from populations with higher socioeconomic levels have an enhanced healthy aging and improved life expectancy.

Aging concepts are categorized into three. They are genetic, biochemical, and physiological theories. Genetic theories focus on suppositions concerning the identity of aging genetic factors, the buildup of errors in the genetic apparatus, encoded senescence, and telomeres. Biochemical theories deal with energy breakdown, production of free radicals, the rate of existing, and condition of mitochondria. Physiological theories focus on endocrine structures and the functions of hormones in controlling the percentage of cellular senescence.

Some of the most common concepts are disengagement theory, activity theory, and neuroendocrine theory. Disengagement theory illustrates that individual’s relationship with the society lessens with age. It postulates that the elderly are less engaged with social activities as they were in their adulthood. Activity theory asserts that an individual’s self-concept is linked with his or her responsibilities. For instance, retiring might not have influence on a person who enthusiastically upholds other social roles.

The neuroendocrine theory suggests that wear and tear in human bodies are controlled by the neuroendocrine system. The structure is a complex network of biochemical, which regulates how and when hormones should be released. They work in conjunction with the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus oversees numerous chain responses to initiate other glands to discharge their hormones. However, as individuals grow old, the hypothalamus drops it supervisory accuracy capability and the receptors that rely on hormones become less reactive to them.

The model that aligns with the proposed approach is activity theory. The theory postulates that to uphold an affirmative sense of self, people ought to find new responsibilities as they age to replace lost roles after retirement. Through this, prospects for good health will be enhanced with the aim of encouraging the elderly to engage in community functions and attain unrestricted and high quality of lifetime.

If appropriate health promotion and disease prevention strategies for healthy aging are adopted, a reduction in demand for medical services and expenses will be experienced. Our approach focuses on five strategies recognized as vital for healthy aging. They are healthy eating, injury prevention, physical activity, substance abuse cessation, and social connectedness. Existing strategies focus on caring for the elderly. However, our proposed strategies concentrate on mitigating and managing conditions that compromise on healthy aging.

The first approach will be to enhance healthy eating among the elderly. The aging should put more efforts to regulate their food intake. They should eat a variety of foods with all the needed nutrients to ensure that they have balanced diets. Similarly, they should consume home-prepared meals as much as possible with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Equally, the elderly should be cautious to ensure that they limit the consumption of high-fat foods, high sugar foods, and sugars sweeten soft drinks. As such, healthy dieting is vital for the elderly to continue being independent, sustain their quality of life, and decrease the threat of contracting protracted disorders like hypertensions and cardiovascular diseases.

Another strategy that should be focused on is injury prevention. Among the aging communities, accidental injuries present costly expenses to the health care system. The injuries also pose serious threat to the health of the seniors. The approach suggests that all the risk factors linked with accidental injuries among the elderly should be identified. After that, appropriate mitigation strategies should be put in place to reduce the threats.

An additional approach that should be used to enhance healthy aging is physical activity. Physical exercise offers numerous benefits and considerably upholds healthy aging. To increase physical activity among the elderly, they must be prepared psychologically to enjoy the activities. By doing so, the aging will find it a habit of engaging in physical activity. The above initiatives can be achieved by encouraging the seniors to participate in community programs emphasizing in physical education. Similarly, they should be encouraged to engage in sports. Physical inactivity is associated with premature death, chronic diseases, illness, and disability, as well as reduced quality of life and independence.

The elderly should also cease from substance abuse. Substance abuse among the elderly is considered a major problem in America. The aging people are a predominantly susceptible because of the unprecedented challenges encountered by the group. As such, the aging is more likely to be ignored compared with the younger generation. Abuse of alcohol and tobacco makes them vulnerable to chronic disease such as cancer. Equally, the habit makes them susceptible to accidental injuries. Therefore, awareness should be created in the group to sensitize them about the risk posed by substance abuse.

Lastly, the elderly should be encouraged to be socially connected. Social care leads to improved quality of life, enhanced life gratification, and improved mental and physical health. On the contrary, isolation increases chances of developing depression, which is linked to the development of chronic diseases among the elderly. In this regard, the aging should sacrifice more time for social support.

In America, the aging spends a third of the allotted healthcare expenses. The cost is estimated at $300 billion annually (Ferrini, 2013). Experts allege that the cost of treating an elderly person is three times higher than treating an adult.

The aging population is subscribed to health care cover through Medicare. Medicare is responsible for meeting the expenses incurred by this group. However, it should be noted that the program has not been vigorously engaged in endorsing a better delivery system for the elderly. Medicare should put more emphasis on promoting defensive, outcome-based medicine, which is very helpful to the aging population. The above initiative will boost our program by enhancing the health of the aging population.

Management of mental illnesses among aging Americans is also considered an essential public health necessity. The number of elderly persons with psychiatric ailments is expected to reach 8 million in the next two decades (Ferrini, 2013). In America, primary care physicians manage many older people with mental challenges. However, the numerous burdens of primary care offer considerable difficulties to such care.

In the future, aging population is expected to increase (Ferrini, 2013). In this regard, future directions for the aging and their care should be developed. As such, the society should be preparing to come up with improved compensation and cover systems focused on long-term care. The systems should function better than the existing ones. Similarly, the society will be expected to utilize modern developments healthcare and behavioral health to sustain the health of the elderly. The society should also plan to amend the way it manages community services. All the services should be accessible to the aging population as much as possible. The cultural perception of the elderly should be changed to enable them to get integrated into the society.

The goals of the above directions should be focused on enhancing the proposed approach. As such, they should be customized to enhance healthy eating, injury prevention, physical activity, substance abuse cessation, and social connectedness.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the USA would experience an absolute aging society in the future. The elderly will be relying on the American population to meet their health budget and overall spending. Therefore, appropriate strategies should be adopted to manage the condition. The approach proposed above focus on healthy eating, injury prevention, physical activity, substance abuse cessation, and social connectedness.

Andel, R. (2010). Successful Cognitive and Emotional Aging. JAMA , 303 (19), 19-23. Web.

Calasanti, T. (2015). Combating Ageism: How Successful Is Successful Aging?. The Gerontologist , 27 (3-4), 19-37. Web.

Ferrini, A.(2013). Health in the later years (5th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. Web.

Hsu, H. (2010). Trajectory of Life Satisfaction and its Relationship with Subjective Economic Status and Successful Aging. Soc Indic Res , 99 (3), 455-468. Web.

Oeppen, J. (2008). Longer Life and Healthy Aging. Eur J Population , 24 (2), 237-238. Web.

Stevens-Ratchford, R., & Diaz, T. (2003). Promoting Successful Aging Through Occupation. An Examination of Engagement in Life. Activities, Adaptation & Aging , 27 (3-4), 19-37. Web.

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1. IvyPanda . "Holistic Approach to Successful Aging." June 30, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/holistic-approach-to-successful-aging/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Holistic Approach to Successful Aging." June 30, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/holistic-approach-to-successful-aging/.

Holistic Essays (Examples)

Holistic Care And Nursing How To Care For The Whole Person

Gestalt theory, gestalt therapy counseling psychology history and interventions.

Yontef, G. & Jacobs, L. (n.d.). Gestalt therapy. Retrieved from: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1211/3bf06e5fa3208fea4330873403ae65b0891c.pdf

Transitioning From Student To Nurse Leader

Current issue in nursing nursing shortage.

Nurse staffing crisis. (2019). Nursing World. Retrieved from: https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nurse-staffing/nurse-staffing-crisis/

Domestic Extremism And Terrorism

Doyle, E. (Ed.). (2018). Antifa and the Radical Left. Greenhaven Publishing LLC.

Violence Prevention Programs

Leadership in spiritual dimensions.

Van Velsor, E., McCauley, C. D., & Ruderman, M. N. (2010). Handbook of leadership development. Jossey-Bass.

Enterprise Risk Management In Wells Fargo During The Pandemic

Morgenson, G. (2020). More Wells Fargo customers say the bank decided to pause their mortgage payments without asking. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/business/personal-finance/more-wells-fargo-customers-say-bank-decided-pause-their-mortgage-n1234610

Self Care Action Plan

Robinson, R. B., & Frank, D. I. (1994). The relation between self-esteem, sexual activity, and pregnancy. Adolescence, 29(113), 27–35.

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Holistic Care Management of Diabetes Mellitus: An Integrative Review

I. gede juanamasta.

1 Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok, Thailand

2 Nursing Program, STIKes Wira Medika Bali, Indonesia

Yupin Aungsuroch

3 Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok, Thailand

Joko Gunawan

4 Postdoctoral Researcher, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok, Thailand

Ni Wayan Suniyadewi

Ni made nopita wati.

Comprehensive care includes the spiritual and the bio-psycho-social person. The aim of this study is to explain how people with diabetes mellitus manage holistic treatment. Search for multi-database papers: Ovid, CINAHL, and PubMed. PICOT-based keyword description is P: any diabetes population, I: holistic care, C: any comparison, O: blood sugar, T: whenever. The English article, journal quest, full-text article available, and published article were criteria for inclusion in this study. In the quest journal, a strategic manner is performed using three keywords: holistic, diabetes mellitus, and blood sugar. We reviewed ten papers. The result showed that comprehensive care was explained in terms of technology, holistic care program, and holistic care relating to complementary alternative medicine. Discussion in this study is that holistic care services give significant results in the treatment of people with diabetes mellitus.

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the priorities of four non-communicable diseases that are the target of follow-up by world leaders. DM is a hyperglycemia syndrome that can affect all organs of the body and cause various kinds of complaints. The prevalence of DM in the world in the last decade continues to increase.[ 1 ] In 2018, 463 million people experienced DM, which is projected in 2030 to reach 578 million, and in 2045 to 700 million.[ 2 ] Two-thirds of DM patients live in urban areas, and the majority are of working age. Estimates of 2045 deaths and DM care costs will be a major problem in social, financial, and health systems throughout the world.[ 2 ] The lifelong treatment process causes DM patients to experience fatigue, stress and increased life load. This will have an impact on the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual disorders of the patient Centers for Disease Control.[ 3 ] Complex conditions further increase blood glucose levels in patients. Blood glucose levels that are not controlled progressively can cause various complications. Complications that occur are heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, DM foot disorder, leg amputation, vision loss, and nerve damage.[ 1 ]

Comprehensive and holistic management is expected to be able to improve the condition of mind, emotions, and behavior of DM patients so that blood glucose is regulated, and the quality of life is improved.[ 1 ] Holistic nursing is an aspect of overall human experience and condition, both physically, emotionally, socially, culturally, and spiritually on the response and effects of the disease experienced by individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations.[ 4 , 5 ] Holistic philosophy intervention with traditional approaches is complementary therapy.[ 5 ] The reason patients use complementary therapy because it is harmonious; patients can get involved in making treatment decisions and improve their quality of life. 82% of patients also choose complementary therapy because they report the side effects of conventional medicine.[ 5 ] In 301 samples, the report, entitled the use of complementary treatment for DM patients, found that 81 (26.9%) patients had sought alternative therapies and 50 (16.6%) patients continued to use alternatives, as many as 43 (14.3%) patients used the product daily, and 24 (8%) patients used alternative medicines for up to 6 months. The result of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) decreased significantly.[ 6 ] Other studies explain the level of use of alternative and complementary therapies in 147 DM patients is 36.7%. The majority of their use in women found HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, serum post-prandial blood glucose levels decreased significantly in the group of complementary therapy use.[ 7 ] The purpose of this study is to explain the management of holistic care in people with diabetes mellitus.

Strategy searching for studies

The literature search use Ovid, CINAHL, and PubMed. Determination of keyword-based on PICOT framework, as follows P: any diabetes population, I: holistic care, C: any comparison, O: blood sugar, T: any time. We used MeSH as the keywords.

Study Selection

Figure 1 – Article selection Process.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is IJPVM-12-69-g001.jpg

Article selection Process

Search strategies defined in the study selection process and Appendix 1. Ten articles fulfill the inclusion criteria in this study are English articles, search from the journal, article available in full text, and original article. Strategic ways in searching journals were done by using the keywords holistic, diabetes mellitus, and blood sugar.

The result showed holistic care in the patient with diabetes mellitus refers to innovative care program three articles, holistic care using technology two articles, and holistic complementary and alternative medicine Five articles.

Table 1 . Result of Study.

Result of Study

T1DM: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus; T2DM: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; QoL: Quality of Life; HbA1C / A1c: Glycemic Control; OPD: Out Patient Department; hiPAPD: Holistic, Interactive and Persuasive Model to Facilitate Self-care of the diabetic Patients

Innovation holistic care program

There were three studies with an innovative program. Bott, Bott[ 8 ] integrated education, experience, and psychosocial program; Chalermsri, Paisansudhi[ 9 ] provided a holistic approach consisting of psychological support, lifestyle modification counseling and health education in the clinic; and Likitmaskul, Sahakitrungruang[ 10 ] implemented self-management education and skill.

Bott, Bott[ 8 ] developed an Interactive Care and Training System for Experienced Patients (TTPEP). A total of 76 patients of diabetes type 1 got psychosocial modules, had been trained in specialist diabetes centers, and had already undergone increased insulin therapy. The system was able to increase glycemic control due to a significant reduction in the incidence of severe hypoglycemia. Mean HbA1c values remained unchanged; however, several patients strengthened the harmony between healthy HbA1c and low risk of severe hypoglycemia. Also, the system was able to reduce the number of sick-leave days and days of hospitalization, although the difference for the latter was not statistically significant. The more controlled glycemic control has been linked to improved self - efficacy beliefs, less external control feeling, and enhanced interaction with the care practitioners. Nonetheless, during the follow - up time, patient coping strategies, and perceived social support did not change. Whether the average 8% HbA1c following program participation is a disappointing result will lead to ambivalent interpretations. At follow-up, patients attained a mean HbA1c level of about 7.5% in earlier basic care and teaching intervention studies. Such trials, however, included patients with shorter duration of diabetes (2-9 years), and patients who were not primarily affected by late diabetic complications. In contrast, the present sample had an average duration of 13 years with diabetes, with at least incipient late symptoms at baseline 59%. It should be noted that patients who have participated in this plan represent a group of somewhat difficult patients, as they have already invested in structured treatment and treatment programs but have not met their treatment goals.

Chalermsri, Paisansudhi[ 9 ] research showed a significant improvement in glycemic control in patients prior to enrollment in the Siriraj Continuity of Care Clinic (CC Clinic) and Internal Medicine Regular Outpatient Department (OPD). The result of this study showed that the amount of diabetic patients in the target HbA1c reported in the CC clinic is less than 7% higher than the group OPD. The percentage in the OPD group is 24.3%, and the CC clinic group is 32.1%. The CC clinic focuses on the holistic care management of patients with chronic diseases. CC Clinic provides a holistic approach consisting of psychological support, lifestyle modification counseling, and health education. Our data show the overall benefits of glycemic control registration with CC clinics, diabetes complications screening rates, malignancy screening, and other health - care aspects. The authors suggest that our findings can at least partially be explained by the continuity of care, the educational aspect of the CC clinical program, and the higher amount of time spent with each patient in the CC clinic.

Likitmaskul, Sahakitrungruang[ 10 ] revealed self-management education for diabetes, namely DSME, and skills for the patient and family have a significant impact on their DSME skills and controls of glycemic. DSME and skills program started by trained all of health care teams. All patients who initially used the analog insulin regimen were replaced with blood glucose self-monitoring, called SMBG, with four times per day for free. Two groups of three-day diabetes were formed to provide patients with diabetes, families, and groups to learn basic DSME in the first year. Four groups of two-day diabetes were created in four geographical regions of Thailand in the 2 nd and 3 rd years to provide awareness and satisfaction with diabetes. Participants in this studied were 85 patients type 1 Diabetes and 25 hospitals with 31 healthcare squads. End of the session, the proportion of HbA1C patients <7.5 percent increased from 18.3 percent to 24.5 percent. HbA1C patients rose from 23.9 percent to 30.6 percent from 7.5 to 8.5 percent. Severe hypoglycemia status decreased, SMBG measurement frequency increased by an average of 2.87-3.48 times/day. Eating disorders dropped from 35% at the beginning of 20% to 11% -5%. The care teams had more self - confidence in supplying patients and families with support and touch. Health care support encourages regular contact and interaction with patients, families, and providers in health care in order to facilitate better management results.

Holistic care based on technology

Technology is essential due to era 4.0. Based on the two articles, technology can minimize risk, maximize benefit, effective and efficient for users, and also help poor conditions. The study of Young, Thabit[ 11 ] showed closed-loop technology has a significant impact by experience to patients with type 1 Diabetes. Vargas-Lombardo, Jipsion,[ 12 ] also give substantial effects related to technology with patient diabetes with lowly economic status.

Young, Thabit[ 11 ] examined the holistic impact of closed-loop technology on the home environment. Closed-loop technology is a control system that regulates electronic devices automatically that regulate process variables to the desired state or situation. In this study, three case studies constructed to explore the impact, benefits, and challenges faced by adults at home for one month. The first man, 33 years old, to experience like “changing lives”. Its system gives users a sense of security and trust so that they feel like “a better version of themselves”. Major problems such as hypoglycemia at night were perceived as decreased to none. Feeling safe and comfortable using this tool, study participants felt they were missing something when it ended using this tool. This experience was in line with other participants who did not experience nighttime hypoglycemia and improved sleep quality, which had an impact on improving diabetes control to provide better peace of mind. For 32-year-old women, participants explained that this tool enhances work performance and flexibility. She described his experience in using this tool as “the best control I have ever had,” even though she needed to adapt to it. For 30-year-old men, these participants had difficulty using “very annoying” tools. He explained that this tool puts a burden on the mind. All of the participants reported technical barriers and challenges such as system portability, repeated alarms, and weak device connectivity.

Vargas-Lombardo, Jipsion[ 12 ] found in his work that there was clear evidence in the HiPAPD model experiments. HiPAPD is an information technology that helps to reduce adverse health conditions in diabetic patients. The HiPAPD model provides diabetes health training, regular health evaluations, continuous self – care, and social inclusion of thousands of people who suffer from diabetes. HiPAPD serves poor people who stay in areas far from primary health centers, rendering access to essential health services impossible for them.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Holistic care using complementary and alternative therapies started a long time ago. Study of Popoola[ 13 ] and Sachdeva, Khalique[ 14 ] got patients with diabetes used alternative food to control their blood sugar. They used herbs or local food to control their blood sugar. The other studies said researcher should develop herbal medicine to reduce diabetes complication[ 15 , 16 ]

Popoola,[ 13 ] in this study, the spiritual experience and encouragement of their loved ones have become life 's hope. The holistic balance is their way of looking at their problems, and their coping strategies enable them to live with this disease for years. They actively participate in activities outside the home, go to church, socialize, to find work. Economic drive and fear of losing limbs or vision often make Africans (Americans and Nigerians) focus on holistic health, especially spirituality. The participants explain the way to believe in faith and hope in God to survive. In addition, participants used simple daily CAM therapy to address their needs. They know the types and amounts of foods that raising or reducing blood sugar, understand the needs and changes of their own body, and use simple common sense. They know the benefits of workout and losing weight are alternatives treatments that have a significant impact. They understand the time to use traditional healers or herbal approaches that useful with diseases that would get a better life.

Chawla, Thakur[ 15 ] mentions that lack of awareness causes diabetes that suddenly raises the risk of ketoacidosis and diabetic coma. If this is not handled correctly, it will lead to complicated chronic diabetes. This multi-organ dysfunction syndrome that arises through this metabolic disorder can be reduced/postponed by using a holistic approach to herbal medicine. More studies are needed to ensure the development of a practical framework for the standardization of herbal drugs, accompanied by recommendations for regulatory standards for future research efforts.

In line with the previous study, Baldi, Choudhary[ 16 ] recommended the use of herbal medicines in diabetes therapy. The use of herbal medicine aims to overcome conventional therapy which can result in secondary failure and side effects such as hypoglycemia, liver problems, lactic acidosis, digestive system disorders, diarrhea, hematological disorders, and others. Ayurvedic treatment system recommends several polyherbal formulations with anti-diabetic potential. A large number of plants/plant parts have been investigated for the anti-diabetes potential to date. But the problem associated with polyherbal formulations is the lack of scientific evidence concerning their pharmacological effects and possible actions, difficulties to standardize and control the quality according to Food and Drug Association regulations. Many studies have reported that more than a thousand different botanicals and nutraceuticals have anti-diabetic activity. Fifty-eight studies were conducted in individuals with diabetes, 88% of trials evaluating single botany, and 67% of trials evaluating each vitamin or mineral supplement reported a statistically significant treatment effect. Side effects are only mild and mild such as gastrointestinal irritation and nausea. Some nutraceuticals and herbs are considered complementary therapy approaches diabetes type 2. Herbal treatments with the most persuasive evidence of clinical effects include American ginseng, C. indica , A. vera , T. foenum-graecum , and Opuntia (Nopal). Nutraceutical agents to increase insulin sensitivity and glycemic control are α-lipoic acid, vitamins C and E, and magnesium.

Kutty and Raju[ 17 ] revealed a study conducted by Kyizom, Singh[ 18 ] reported the beneficial effects of yoga therapy when included together with conventional medical treatment. Blood glucose is effectively controlled when traditional medicine is carried out along with yoga therapy. Other studies also show stable blood sugar in type 2 diabetes in response to yoga therapy. Kyizom, Singh[ 18 ] have shown that the practice of yoga for 45 days with conventional medicine effectively improves neurocognitive function. This study has several limitations. There is no correlation between cognitive improvement with stress level and education level. Age of patients with a history of the disease 2–10 years in the range of 35–60. A yoga regimen is carried out for at least six days a week under supervision to get better results. Yoga practice creates an internal atmosphere that is conducive from cellular to system level. This will help to effectively manage stress and anxiety in addition to the role of positive regulation in other systems. Maybe through combination therapy, we can effectively control diabetes, in addition, improve cognitive function and improve the overall quality of life.

Sachdeva, Khalique[ 14 ] got the result from their studies that researchers have to think about the cultural factor. Diabetes care requires cultural factors to provide better results. Prevention and care services, diabetes providers are expected to provide interventions that are in line with the patient's culture. Patients' perception is also related to local eating habits. The way to eat or international diet cannot be applied in all regions unless it has a similar family structure in the Euro-American context. The choice of the menu should be made more creative in adjusting to the culture of each region. Biomedical practitioners are expected to work hard to provide guidance related to understand and treat diabetes when there is a public health program for diabetes. Cultural features, such as values, beliefs, structures, behaviors, and family patterns, may be used as a culturally appropriate treatment plan for diabetics. It aims to provide culturally appropriate interventions so that a range of innovative care models for diabetics is effective with multi-disciplinary teams. Culture-specific approaches in accordance with local contexts and needs seem to have a considerable impact on diabetes care. A concept like that still needs to be tested and evaluated, however.

Holistic nursing care incorporates the mind, body, and spirit of the patient in a community that fosters a therapeutic nurse/patient relationship, resulting in incompleteness, harmony, and healing. Holistic approach in medicine is patient-led and patient-focused in order to offer individualized care while caring for the patient as a whole rather than in fragmented pieces.[ 19 ] Modern science, like nursing and medicine, has been one of the most showing that soul and spirit are important to health. As these advances continue, it is not just our patients who will benefit, but healthcare worker as well.[ 20 ] This study founded from basic holistic care (mind, body, and spirit) to holistic care combine with the technology.

Bott, Bott[ 8 ] integrated education, experience, and psychosocial program; Chalermsri, Paisansudhi[ 9 ] provided a holistic approach consisting of psychological support, lifestyle modification counseling and health education in the clinic; and Likitmaskul, Sahakitrungruang[ 10 ] implemented self-management education and skill. Those study showed the results HbA1c controlled, low risk hypoglycemia, and glycemic controlled. Self-management start from the patients and for the patients, it gives meaningful experience to the patients that would give a positive impact to controlled the diabetes.[ 21 , 22 ] Those also give positive impact to the healthcare teams that had more self-confidence in supplying patients and families with support and touch. Health care support encourages regular contact and interaction with patients, families, and providers in health care in order to facilitate better management results.

Nowadays, the era of technology 4.0 gives a lot of impact to healthcare. The holistic care approach, not only focus on the mind body spirit but also social, economic, cultural, and whole part human needs including technology. Technology can minimize risk, maximize benefit, effective, and efficient for users, and also help poor conditions. The study of Young, Thabit[ 11 ] showed closed-loop technology has a significant impact by experience to patients with type 1 Diabetes. Vargas-Lombardo, Jipsion,[ 12 ] also give substantial effects related to technology with patient diabetes with lowly economic status. Those articles showed technological is an integral part of caring competence and robotics is an unavoidable aspect of technological development. While these developments offer noted efficiencies and cost savings opportunities, a greater understanding of the effects of patient engagement, dignified, and empathetic treatment, is vital to ensuring that the application and use of technology aligns with nursing principles and vision for the future.[ 23 ]

Holistic care approach integrating with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) have been used in west country.[ 24 ] Kutty and Raju[ 17 ] revealed a study conducted by Kyizom, Singh[ 18 ] reported the beneficial effects of yoga therapy when combined with conventional medical treatment is effectively controlled of glycemic. Sachdeva, Khalique[ 14 ] have a notions about the cultural factor that will provide better results. Cultural features, including values, beliefs, structures, behaviors, and family patterns, it could provide culturally appropriate interventions with local contexts and needs seem to have a considerable impact on diabetes care.

A new idea of diabetic care is use herbal as a medicine. Study of Popoola[ 13 ] and Sachdeva, Khalique[ 14 ] got patients with diabetes used alternative food to control their blood sugar. They used herbs or local food to control their blood sugar. The other studied said researcher should develop herbal medicine to reduce diabetes complication.[ 15 , 16 ] Those study need empirical study because there is no empirical study have been tried related to herbal medicine for patients with diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

Management patient with diabetes mellitus by holistic care approach includes psychosocial, psychological support, lifestyle changes, health education, herbal food and medicine, culture, yoga, and technology. Indonesia has a diverse culture. Each island or region has different habits in consuming herbs as food or medicine. In addition, the healthy outlook held by each area is also different. The differences in each region can be a barrier to the treatment of diabetes. That is highly considered for further study by the authors.

However, to improve the effectiveness of diabetes treatment programs that are needed to be integrated with culture, health, and technology. Culture could be a barrier. On the other hand, it must be utilized as supportive therapy for diabetes. Technology helps reach the poor to get the proper care. In addition, technology provides a broader range. In this case, areas that lack health facilities.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge Chulalongkorn University for the Second Century Fund (C2F).

COMMENTS

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