2. [2]
Holistic nurses believe that the human
being, composed of a mind, body and soul
integrated into an inseparable whole that is
greater than the sum of the parts, is in
constant interaction with the universe and
all that it contains.
Health and well-being depend on attaining
harmony in these relationships.
Healing is the journey toward holism. Using
presence, intent, unconditional acceptance,
love, and compassion, holistic nurses can
facilitate growth and healing and help their
clients to find meaning in their life
experiences, life purpose, and reason for
being.
3. [3]
What is Health?
Does it go beyond physical
experience?
Is it the absence of disease?
What does health have to do with
the way we think?
How is it related to our
relationships with others and with
the environment?
.
4. [4]
Holism and health
Come from the root as Heal,
Whole and Holy.
Health is the state or process in
which the individual experiences
as a sense of wellbeing, harmony,
and unity, where subjective
experiences about health, health
beliefs, and value are honored.
(Dossey & Guzzetta,2005)
5. [5]
Aspects of holistic health
Holistic health doesn’t solely look at the
physical body. Holistic health combines
five aspects of health, including
physical, emotional, social, spiritual,
and intellectual.
When combined, these five areas
enable a person to live their life to its
happiest and fullest.
If one area is compromised, there is a
chance that another area will be
affected.
Here we will look at the five aspects of
holistic health and how you can support
each one with simple yet effective
practices.
6. [6]
Physical health
Our physical health is what we associate the most often with the word health. The reason being is that signs and
symptoms that the physical body is hurting or performing can be pretty obvious. Physical signs are easier to measure
compared to non-physical signs and are not as abstract. Supporting your physical health starts with incorporating a
few key practices. Start by getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Getting a full night’s rest will allow your body
to relax and repair. Another key practice to implement is to be active for at least 30 minutes a day. Everyone’s
exercise routine may be a little different, but everyone will benefit from at least 30 minutes of activity. Limiting your
intake of processed foods is an additional practice. Committing to eating less processed foods and hydrogenated oils
will help decrease your risk of chronic disease.
7. [7]
Emotional health
An overlooked area of our wellbeing is our emotional health when, in reality, it just as important as our physical health.
Neglecting our emotional health can lead to detrimental effects and end up affecting our physical health. A great way to
support your emotional health is seeking therapy when needed. Another way to process your emotions is by keeping a
journal. Here you can record your thoughts, feelings, and highlight the good moments in your life. You will be grateful to
look back on the good times in times of stress.
8. [8]
Social health
People who have fostered a connection with family, friends, and their community are often happiest in life. Having an in-
person connection allows us to feel more interconnected with the world. A great way to continue to support your social
health is by becoming involved in your local community. Try volunteering an organization or becoming engaged in a
club. Forming relationships is only one part of supporting your social health. Sometimes you may have to leave
relationships to prevent them from negatively affecting your health. Don’t be afraid to separate yourself from those you
bring toxic energy or increase your stress levels.
9. [9]
Spiritual health
You don’t need to be religious to support your spiritual health. There may be a few overlapping
areas, but the main focus to improving your spiritual starts with connecting with your soul and
the world around you. Getting in touch with the world and yourself can be done by spending
time in nature or meditating. If you have a religion, feel free to practice your faith.
10. [10]
Mental health
The last aspect of holistic health is our mental health. This area will often overlap with our
emotional and physical health. While emotional health refers to our mood emotions, our
mental health refers to how our brains function. Excessive drinking, smoking, and drug usage
can lead to a decrease in our cognitive abilities. To support your mental health, keep your
brain active with learning opportunities and healthy by consuming foods that are nutrient-
dense and are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
11. [11]
Principles of holistic care
OPTIMAL HEALTH is the primary goal of
holistic medical practice. It is the conscious
pursuit of the highest level of functioning
and balance of the physical,
environmental, mental, emotional, social
and spiritual aspects of human experience,
resulting in a dynamic state of being fully
alive. This creates a condition of well-being
regardless of the presence or absence of
disease.
THE HEALING POWER OF LOVE.
Holistic health care practitioners
strive to meet the patient with
grace, kindness, acceptance, and
spirit without condition, as love is
life’s most powerful healer.
12. [12]
WHOLE PERSON. Holistic healthcare
practitioners view people as the unity of
body, mind, spirit and the systems in
which they live.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT.
Holistic healthcare practitioners promote
health, prevent illness and help raise
awareness of disease in our lives rather
than merely managing symptoms. A
holistic approach relieves symptoms,
modifies contributing factors, and
enhances the patient’s life system to
optimize future well-being
13. [13]
INNATE HEALING POWER. All people
have innate powers of healing in their
bodies, minds and spirits. Holistic
healthcare practitioners evoke and help
patients utilize these powers to affect the
healing process.
INTEGRATION OF HEALING SYSTEMS.
Holistic health-care practitioners embrace
a lifetime of learning about all safe and
effective options in diagnosis and
treatment. The realm of choices may
include lifestyle modification and
complementary approaches as well as
conventional drugs and surgery.
14. [14]
PATIENT -CENTERED CARE. The
ideal practitioner- patient relationship is
a partnership which encourages patient
autonomy, and values the needs and
insights of both parties. The quality of
this relationship is an essential
contributor to the healing process.
INDIVIDUALITY. Holistic health
care practitioners focus patient
care on the unique needs and
nature of the person who has an
illness rather than the illness that
has the person.
15. [15]
What is holistic nursing
Florence Nightingale is credited
with introducing the holistic aspect
to nursing. She believed that a
patient's environment had an effect
on a patient's health.
Consequently, a nurse should
recognize that a patient is more
than just their illness. Many
nursing schools incorporate the
concept of holistic nursing into
their Bachelor of Science in Nursing
(BSN) curricula since it is becoming
a widely accepted practice in
modern medicine.
16. [16]
Holistic nursing is generally defined
as all nursing practice that has
healing the whole person as its goal.
A holistic nurse is a licensed nurse
who takes a “mind-body-spirit
emotion environment” approach to
the practice of traditional nursing.
Holistic nursing is based on a
philosophy of living and being that is
grounded in caring, relationship, and
interconnectedness.
A holistic nurse recognizes and
integrates the principles and
modalities of holistic healing into daily
life and clinical practice.
Holistic nursing encourages nurses to
integrate self-care, self-responsibility,
spirituality, and reflection in their
lives.
17. [17]
Responsibilities of holistic nurse
Identify each patient as an
individual
Acknowledge the whole
patient
Interact with all patients
and colleagues mindfully
and respectfully
Assess patients holistically
through open
communication
Pinpoint potential
contributing stress factors
that impact a patient's
health