A Holistic Lifestyle—What is it? Where do I start? by Dr. Jennah Dieter

We are bombarded with high levels of toxicity in our environment, food and water supply; high levels of stress due to our fast-paced lifestyles, career pressures, family matters or financial hardship; and more sedentary lifestyles due to our computerized, motorized world. A holistic lifestyle will offset these physical, chemical and mental stressors and help maintain balance between the mind, body and spirit.

Holistic healthcare is concerned with the whole person and complete body systems, which contrasts with the mechanistic philosophy of traditional medicine that address the body in parts and pieces. Holistic healthcare traditionally does not use medications, but rather looks to treat the cause of health problems and dis-ease, instead of masking symptoms with medications. A holistic approach is based on "vitalistic" principles in which the body is viewed as self-healing and governed by vital forces or innate intelligence. Dis-ease can only occur when there is interference with innate intelligence. Interference can occur due to stress; physical, chemical or mental. Reducing these stress factors will allow innate intelligence to promote optimal health.

Your traditional medical care should be balanced with holistic healthcare practitioners who can guide you to promote health naturally. Holistic practitioners include doctors of chiropractic, acupuncturists, naturopaths, massage therapists, psychotherapists, fitness experts, nutritionists, energy practitioners, and holistic dentists.

To address physical stress incorporate chiropractic care to reduce nerve and organ stress, massage therapy to relax muscle tension and stress, acupuncture to balance “qi” (energy flow), and proper exercise at least 3x/week (yoga, pilates, walking, dancing, stretching, etc). If you are currently experiencing pain in your body, this is your warning sign, your “check engine light,” which cannot be ignored, especially if it is preventing you from exercising! Address these issues as a priority with a doctor who will help reduce the cause of the pain and not just treat symptoms. Chiropractic is always a good place to start for chiropractors are portal of entry doctors (no medical referral is necessary) and they use gentle adjustments to remove spinal nerve stress, resulting in increased function, health and decreased pain. Chiropractors can also refer you to other holistic practitioners or medical professionals as needed.

To address chemical stress you should reduce pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and carcinogens in your food, household and personal care products. Eat “real,” whole and organic foods that are not processed. The diet should include mainly whole vegetables, protein (i.e.: poultry, fish, red meat, nuts, beans), whole fruit, unrefined sprouted grains or wild rice, filtered/purified water (1/2 your body weight in ounces). Reducing processed/packaged foods, sugar, inflammatory and trans-fats, corn, soy, juice, soda, and alcohol will quickly help boost your health and energy levels. Take one step at a time with respect to nutritional changes and it will seem less daunting. A good starting point: visit the Newburyport Famers Market on Sundays!

To address mental stress you could incorporate meditation, yoga, walks on the beach, holistic psychotherapy, reiki, motivational or relaxing CD’s or music. Taking time to pamper yourself and disconnect from your “to-do-list,” career, internet, and television, will help you recharge and allow you to reconnect with a clearer head and vision. Start with 5 minutes per day of “personal” time and gradually increase the time as it becomes habitual.

In my office, every patient is handled differently and has individual needs. When meeting with a new patient, I perform a lifestyle consultation and health history to determine which aspect of a patient’s health needs improvement. Wherever the current health program is lacking is where the patient should begin. Making slow and gradual changes is the best way to make long-lasting wellness lifestyle choices.

Complimentary consultations available with Dr. Jennah Dieter, Pediatric/Perinatal certified Chiropractor and Clinical Nutritionist at Healthcare Complete (offering chiropractic, nutrition, yoga, holistic psychotherapy, reiki/reflexology) 260 Merrimac St., The Towle Bldg-Colonial Wing, Newburyport, 978-499-WELL.