Thoughts on holistic care
Holistic is a charged word that gets used a lot. But what does it mean?
The definition of holistic is: characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole.
It is a philosophy that stems from holism, which is an understanding that the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts, that the parts are interconnected and inseparable. Using a holistic approach can unveil hidden correlations and help to identify the root of a problem.
Consider an individual through a multi-dimensional lens, encompassing their physical body, mental and emotional landscape, energetic body, familial context, and community integration. These facets are inherently interdependent. By examining an person's physiological systems, anatomical structures, nutritional habits, digestion, breathing, stress levels, environmental interactions, and interpersonal relationships, a more integrated understanding begins to develop. This holistic perspective yields deeper insights into the individual and the intricate interplay among their mental, physical, and spiritual attributes, as well as external determinants.
A linear approach to problem-solving often treats issues as discrete entities. For example, discomfort in the upper trapezius muscles might be viewed solely as a consequence of muscular tension. While addressing the immediate symptom through relaxation techniques may provide transient relief, if the underlying etiological factors are not identified and addressed, the muscular tightness is likely to recur.
As a case example, imagine someone presenting with cold extremities, difficulty breathing, & upper trap & neck tension. Though these issues may seem isolated, cold extremities point to lack of circulation, which can stem from blood vessels being restricted by a tight diaphragm, which would also affect the breathing, which in turns affects circulation as oxygen cannot as easily enter the bloodstream, shortness of breath indicates anxiety and can perpetuate the cycle of stress, which also causes upper trap & neck tension. So already, the respiratory system, the circulatory system, and the nervous system can be understood as systems in need of support. By opening circulation through diaphragm release, using nervous system calming techniques, the breathing, and circulation will be helped return back, creating a 3 axed approach in treating the client. In addition, referring to multiple modalities can help in creating a holistic care plan tailored to the person’s specific needs.
It is important to understand that there are many factors that go into creating a care plan. Massage is especially targeted at muscles, the nervous system, circulation of lymph and blood, the fascia, and the energetic body. The body is not the end of how we can begin to understand a person and the factors affecting them. The scope of massage therapy is limited to the physical, emotional, and energetic body. While taking care of ourself is important and enables us to show up in ways that benefit the greater good, it is equally crucial to recognize its limitations.
Our bodies, minds and souls are affected by what goes on outside as well, on a global scale. I have a hard time thinking or talking about holistic wellness without acknowledging the limitations of therapeutic modalities under a system that breeds unwellness on a variety of levels, within our connection with other humans, animals, and the earth.
The capitalist system in which we live harbours a total disregard for earthly life in the pursuit of profit for a select few, at the expense of everyone and everything else, with devastating consequences. There are limitations to “self care”, the effects of which do not extend much beyond the individual. In order to have true holistic wellness on a larger scale, we must recognize that self care is only a fraction of what we owe ourselves and each other. We must acknowledge our need for connection, and beyond that, the need for a revolution. In a holistic understanding of the world, capitalism is at the core of many forms of exploitation and injustices of our time, it relies on these to stay alive. We must disroot this vile invasive weed.
