Your first action when you start feeling under the weather might be to reach for a bottle of Tylenol or aspirin. While over-the-counter products or prescription medications can work to treat pain and illness, taking them isn’t always the right decision. Instead, you may want to consider seeking treatment from someone who specializes in homeopathy or holistic medicine.
But is there a difference between homeopathic and holistic? While the two words are often used interchangeably, there are some distinct differences between them that are important to understand. Keep reading to learn more about the two alternative medical treatments.
What is the holistic approach?
The holistic approach is an umbrella term that includes a wide variety of treatments and medicines. Holistic treatments consist of everything from massage therapy to chiropractic and aromatherapy. In the holistic view, ailments are often seen as an imbalance of the body’s systems.
To treat an ailment using the holistic approach, a practitioner must first find the core of what’s causing the disease or pain. Once the root of the problem is found, a holistic doctor will treat the ailment using natural medicines or techniques as opposed to chemical drugs.
The holistic approach can also be employed to prevent illnesses by placing an emphasis on optimizing one’s health. For example, a holistic practitioner may recommend switching your diet to get more fresh and hormone-free foods.
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathic medicine is a type of holistic medicine. But when it comes to the question of whether or not there is a difference between homeopathic and holistic, the answer is yes.
Unlike some holistic treatments, homeopathic medications are made of all-natural ingredients. Because they’re solely made of plants and minerals, you can rest easy knowing what you’re ingesting won’t cause any side effects.
These affordable medications are given in very small doses, so they’re safe for everyone from children to older adults or even ailing pets. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can even take homeopathic medications.
Biggest similarities and differences
There are more similarities than differences when it comes to homeopathy and other forms of holistic medicine.
Holistic doctors and homeopaths both look at the whole picture to diagnose and treat their patients. Additionally, both practices agree that bodies heal when they’re put on the least amount of medication. Patients can seek holistic treatments or homeopathy to treat everything from the common cold to more serious diseases.
The biggest difference between the two is that some holistic treatments rely on pharmaceuticals to help cure a patient. As we mentioned, homeopathy strictly deals with all-natural ingredients. Holistic doctors may also recommend getting a Western medical diagnosis, while homeopaths typically don’t advise searching out Western treatments at all.
We have all of the homeopathic products you need
If you’re looking for some homeopathic medications or if you’re still wondering if there is a difference between homeopathic and holistic, then come down to Bee Hive Natural Foods. Our friendly staff members will help you find just what you need to start feeling your best.