Hot take: My views on holistic medicine

Yoga seems ever more intertwined with the wellness industry as a whole. TikTok and Instagram are full of self-proclaimed 'yogis' trying to sell herbal remedies and alternative therapies. What should we make of it all?

Herbs, pills and capsules

I believe strongly in holistic health but...

... I don't equate that with holistic medicine. By holistic health, I mean the need to consider the whole person, not a single symptom. More and more scientific research shows the interconnectedness of physical health with mental health and lifestyle.

For example, I have a recurring issue with pain in my shoulder. When it first happened I went to the physiotherapist and they told me it's because my rotator cuff is too weak to hold my shoulder in place properly. They gave me exercises to strengthen it, which have generally helped to manage the problem. However, they didn't delve into why the muscles were weak. I began to notice the pain would return if I spent long days at my desk and if I was stressed, as well as if I didn't exercise. Massages also helped, even though they were not prescribed as part of my treatment.

Then there's the societal issues - I wasn't doing strength training because PE classes at school didn't teach me the need to include a balanced range of exercise. I felt uncomfortable walking into a gym because I didn't think it was for 'people like me'. I was sent the message that girls don't lift weights. Even though now I know it's something I need to do, my workouts can be erratic because I find it hard to fit them into a busy life. My weak muscles aren't so much the problem as the symptom.

I've had recurring shoulder pain for many years

Furthermore, there's lots of evidence about the benefits of a clean, green, and healthy living environment. This reduces the likelihood of people getting ill in the first place. The UK government states that "the NHS could save an estimated £2.1 billion every year in treatment costs if everyone in England had access to good quality green space". This is why we need a holistic approach, at a national (and international) scale.

So what about holistic medicine?

In the (perhaps overly blunt) words of Tim Minchin "Do you know what they call 'alternative medicine' that's been proven to work? Medicine".

However, it's important to mention that the majority of medicines used in the west are derived from plants. They were once herbal remedies. Scientists figured out which compounds had the medicinal effects and turned these into pill or other formats that can deliver a known dose. However, we shouldn't be arrogant enough as a society to assume there's no room for improvement. To assume there's not some validity in things we just don't know much about. A key principle in science is acknowledging when the evidence suggests you were wrong, or that you don't know everything.

Aspirin is derived from willow bark

Ahimsa

Ahimsa is the principle of non-harming, the first 'yama' in yoga. In all honesty, I find it difficult to balance the scientific part of me (I have a biology degree) with the part of me that wants to be respectful and open to new ideas.

On the one hand, modern, evidence-based medicine is important for helping people to get better and live comfortable lives. That is ahimsa. On the other hand, I don't want to diminish the importance of traditional medicine in various cultures around the globe. (I am, of course, not endorsing traditional medicine that harms nature by encouraging activities such as rhino poaching.)

I listened to a podcast (Yoga Meets Movement Science) where one of the hosts asked if there's any harm in holistic medicine. It's up to each of us how we spend our money and it may help people feel better, even if it's not evidence-based. After all, the placebo effect can be incredible - it can actually alter your physiology. The answer however, was that the harm comes if it stops or delays people seeking appropriate treatment. It can also increase suspicion of conventional, evidence-based medicine, which can lead to more illness in the long run.

However, the podcast did make some great points about what conventional medicine could learn from holistic practicioners. This includes a more welcoming, comfortable space. Giving people space to explain their issue, delve into the wider factors, and not feel hurried or judged. Just to make seeking medical help a more pleasant and validating experience. Unfortunately, I doubt the NHS has the budget or capacity to deliver most of this.

A pleasant waiting area can make a big difference

The conclusion

At school we were taught the World Health Organisation's definition of health:

"a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".

While this covers most of it, the key is to recognise the links between these factors, as well as the environmental impacts on our health. You can make your own mind up about alternative medicine, but let's agree to champion holistic health.