Holistic Medicine Research Articles

A critical analysis of J.C. Smuts’ theory of holism

IntroductionDue to the lack of a clear definition, the word holism has become a vague and unexplicit concept open to uncertain interpretations. In view of the increasing interest in holistic medicine and healthcare solutions, as well as the frequent labelling of non-reductive research models as holistic, a more specific definition of holism is essential to provide a structured foundation of the concept. MethodsIn order to reach a more explicit definition of the word holism, an integrative literature review methodology was utilised to critically analyse J.C. Smuts original theory of holism as presented in his book ‘Holism and Evolution’. ResultsThe results point to a diverted theory with one part presenting an advanced view of the physicality of reality, while the second part lacks a logical foundation. ConclusionIn line with current biological systems theories and neurological research, a new definition of holism is suggested, taking into consideration the element of evolution through a mainly intrinsic process, with an emphasis on individual abilities of self-maintenance and resilience towards the impact of psychosocial stressors.

THE IMPACT OF FOOD ANIMAL WELFARE ON HUMAN WELLBEING: SCIENTIFIC AND ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES

Animal warfare includes consideration for all aspects of animal welfare and meeting their physical and mental needs. It generally concerns at keeping, handling, providing nutrition and disease prevention of animals especially in three important stages which are production, transportation, and slaughtering process for food animals. From the holistic medicine point of view, human wellbeing covers all aspects of physical, social, psychological and spiritual. About 80 percent of the human population of the World relies on animals for their food in which the food animals serve as the main source for most of the protein, fats, iron, and some vitamins. World Health Organization (WHO) reported that chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and dental diseases, cancer and osteoporosis are related to human diet and nutrition. The welfare of food animals should be considered not only for the sake of animals but also for human wellbeing because the cruelty to animals is linked with animal stress which in turn have negative effects on human wellbeing. This paper uses the literature search and analytical method. It aims to explore the impact of food animal welfare to human wellbeing with the research scope on the Islamic perspectives as well as the scientific findings in the related area. Islam provides fundamental ethical guidelines in dealing with animals and highlights the importance of halalan toyyiban to achieve meat quality for human wellbeing. The scientific findings supported that mishandling of animals while keeping or slaughtering lead them to face physical and psychological stress which in turn affect the quality of the meat and chances of getting foodborne diseases. Both scientific and Islamic perspectives pointed out the requirement of animal welfare for human well-being. Thus, the welfare of food-producing animals such as ruminants and poultry should not be neglected since they have positive and negative consequences on human wellbeing. The food animal welfare should be implemented and integrated the existing and established guidelines of the meat industry to achieve the optimal value of human wellbeing.

Modern Holistic Medicine from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Modern Holistic Medicine from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Application of holistic integrative medicine in clinical teaching of postgraduates in burn surgery

In order to improve the quality of the clinical teaching of postgraduates in burn surgery and cultivate high-quality interdisciplinary talents, this study explores the significance and role of the concept of holistic integrative medicine in the clinical teaching of postgraduates in burn surgery. By cultivating the thinking of holistic integrative medicine among teachers and students, a variety of teaching methods are used to integrate burn surgery with multiple disciplines such as rehabilitation medicine, plastic surgery, psychology, and pathophysiology in the clinical teaching of postgraduates. The results show that the introduction of the concept of holistic integrative medicine in the clinical teaching of postgraduates can enhance their enthusiasm for learning, improve the quality of teaching, and provide a reference for exploring the training model for high-quality talents in burn surgery. Key words: Burn; Holistic integrative medicine; Postgraduate training; Clinical teaching

Modern holistic medicine from the perspective of traditional chinese medicine

The work presented in this paper aims to study modern holistic medicine fromthe perspective of traditional Chinese medicine and to elucidate the concept of holism intraditional Chinese medicine Based on a secondary analysis of available literatures the study findings have led the author to the conclusions that in spite of the superficial similarities modern holistic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine are different in essence and the future architecture of modern holistic medicine should incorporate the thinking modes clinical experience treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine and these two medical systems can complement each other in the st century In addition this paper also puts forwardthe suggestion of making full use of thecurrentprosperity of wellness tourism in Thailand to promote Thai traditional medicine

Perceptions of German patients consulting a general practitioner or a gynaecologist on conventional medicine, naturopathy and holistic/ alternative medicine

IntroductionPatients’ perceptions regarding the relationship between conventional medicine, naturopathy and other types of medicine (for example homoeopathy or holistic medicine) have not been studied in depth. MethodsPatients visiting a general physician or a gynaecologist in two private practices in Germany were asked to complete a survey while waiting for their physician’s appointment. They were asked to rate efficacy, side effects, comprehensiveness, personal preferences and cost effectiveness of various types of medicine (conventional medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy and alternative/holistic medicine). The survey was anonymous. ResultsA total of 862 patients returned the assessment forms (91% response rate) which were then evaluated. Most patients trusted in conventional medicine, however, patients were also interested in other types of medicine, to some degree. Patients associated naturopathy with homoeopathy and holistic medicine, despite the fact that classical naturopathy can be considered as a part of conventional medicine in Germany and is taught at universities. Furthermore German naturopathic societies have developed a clear association with medical societies of conventional medicine. ConclusionsIn order to have a common background when communicating with the patient it seems very important to clearly define terms associated with complementary, alternative and integrative medicine. Allowing patients to differentiate between reasonable, integrative approaches according to the definition of the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH; USA) on one hand and questionable treatment concepts on the other could facilitate communication between physicians and patients so that patients are able to make better treatment decisions.

Clinical Ecology—Transforming 21st-Century Medicine with Planetary Health in Mind

Four decades ago, several health movements were sprouting in isolation. In 1980, the environmental group Friends of the Earth expanded the World Health Organization definition of health, reminding citizenry that, “health is a state of complete physical, mental, social and ecological well-being and not merely the absence of disease—personal health involves planetary health”. At the same time, a small group of medical clinicians were voicing the concept of “clinical ecology”—that is, a perspective that sees illness, especially chronic illness, as a response to the total lived experience and the surroundings in which “exposures” accumulate. In parallel, other groups advanced the concept of holistic medicine. In 1977, the progressive physician-scientist Jonas Salk stated that “we are entering into a new Epoch in which holistic medicine will be the dominant model”. However, only recently have the primary messages of these mostly isolated movements merged into a unified interdisciplinary discourse. The grand, interconnected challenges of our time—an epidemic of non-communicable diseases, global socioeconomic inequalities, biodiversity losses, climate change, disconnect from the natural environment—demands that all of medicine be viewed from an ecological perspective. Aided by advances in ‘omics’ technology, it is increasingly clear that each person maintains complex, biologically-relevant microbial ecosystems, and those ecosystems are, in turn, a product of the lived experiences within larger social, political, and economic ecosystems. Recognizing that 21st-century medicine is, in fact, clinical ecology can help clear an additional path as we attempt to exit the Anthropocene.

The remember regeneration therapy method: An overview of new therapy protocol to approach diseases

Epigenetic mechanisms, which cannot be explained by genotypic changes, but reveal the phenotype formation differences of genes, take part in the whole cellular process throughout our life. Recent advances in today’s rapidly evolving technology have shown that erroneous epigenetic regulations can contribute to serious biological consequences and diseases in human. Human is the smallest model of the universe with its memory, which is processed into DNA codes within the cell, which is the smallest building block. All the phenomena we see as causal relationships in the human body are a reflection of “balance and harmony” relationship. We can see the intersection point of the quadruplet body (human body, energy body, electrical body, and energy channels) as a homeostatic system that produces continuous “balance and harmony” for the coordination of the inheritance DNA. As known, therapeutic approaches that are called as holistic or complementary medicine mainly target to the causes underlying basis of the diseases by using natural therapeutic agents and methods. Thus, it is primarily aimed to protect physiological mechanisms of the body. Also, such therapeutic methods allow medicine to avoid possible side effects of the modern therapeutic approaches. Probably, these are benefits of holistic or complementary medicine methods. On the other hand, many complementary and alternate medicine methods are commonly available, reasonable, and regularly used in many countries. And, these therapies are maintained by practical evidence on protection and efficacy. A growing amount of scientific clinical studies nowadays maintain the usage of definite these therapies. The Remember Regeneration Therapy Method (RTM) is a holistic medicine that describes the anatomical and physiological aspects of physiopathological changes in quadruplet body structures (QBSs), which is unique treatment system where phytotherapy is at its center and integrated with traditional and complementary applications. In the RTM model, diseases are seen as the reflection of epigenetic changes in the phenotype resulting from the gene-environment mismatch. The treatment strategy is based on the recovery of health by essentially improving the deteriorating structures. Considering that many of the epigenetic changes that cause disease can potentially be reversed, it has been clinically observed that epigenetic changes and irregularities improved when appropriate treatment protocols were applied, as in the RTM model. In conclusion, the main aim of this review is to introduce a new model of diagnosis and treatment to medical literature and to demonstrate the efficacy of RTM, which has been characterized by clinical experience (nearly 130,000 individuals suffering from several disorders) over a long period (approximately 25 years) and the reviewing of previous scientific knowledge.

Toward holistic medicine and holistic biology: life sciences after precision medicine and systems biology

In the field of life sciences, systems biology has encountered insurmountable obstacles caused by the complexity and adaptability of organisms. In the near future, precision medicine is expected to establish a personalized state-description system and a corresponding targeted-treatment system, but the comprehensive treatment of disease will remain a significant and difficult problem that needs to be resolved. As the holistic modeling method in complexity science matures and its concordance with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) methods is increasingly revealed, the introduction of this method into the life sciences will become a necessity for scientific development. The incorporation of this method in the fields of biology and medicine will lead to the emergence of ‘holistic biology’ and ‘holistic medicine’. Holistic medicine is a personalized medicine system that incorporates TCM’s holistic concept and treatment approaches based on syndrome differentiation. Holistic medicine fundamentally solves the problem of complex life system integration and transforms adaptability from an obstacle for understanding organisms into an indispensable tool for more effective regulation and control of organisms. As a result, systems biology and precision medicine will be followed by an era of holistic medicine and holistic biology.

Coconut oil pulling – The holistic medicine: Evaluation of efficacy of coconut oil pulling therapy as an adjunct to scaling in diabetic patients with chronic gingivitis – A clinical and microbiological study

Context: Oil pulling is the traditional medicine practised in ancient India. Limited scientific data is present illustrating the role of oil pulling. Therefore, we conducted a study to introduce a natural ingredient which can be used as an adjunct in diabetic patients. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Coconut Oil as an adjunct to scaling in diabetic patients with chronic gingivitis. Material and Methods: 60 Diabetic patients with Chronic Gingivitis were divided into 3 groups: Group A: Scaling and root planing only (n=20), Group B: Scaling and root planing followed by Coconut Oil Pulling Therapy (n=20) and Group C: Scaling and root planing followed by rinsing with 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash (n=20). The following clinical parameters were recorded at baseline after SRP and 15 days post-treatment : Plaque index (P.I.), Gingival index (G.I.) & Total colony forming units (CFU/ml). Results: The method used for statistical analysis was repeated measure ANNOVA followed by post-hoc test. The results of the study demonstrated the difference in the reduction of all the scores to be clinically significant and not statistically significant. Conclusion: Thus, this study shows the positive effects of coconut oil pulling in the control and prevention of progression of gingival disease.

GC–MS Profiling and In Vitro Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activities of Bauhinia racemosa Lamk. and Bauhinia tomentosa Linn.

Bauhinia racemosa Lamk. and Bauhinia tomentosa linn. (Ceasalpiniaceae) leaves are used as holistic medicines mainly for inflammations and various skin disorders by the tribal sovereignty in Odisha ecoregion. This research work presents a study on chemical composition and tyrosinase inhibitory property of the methanol extract of leaves of Bauhinia racemosa (MBR) and Bauhinia tomentosa (MBT) with computational approaches. GC–MS technique, in-silico approach and in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory assay models were used for analysis of skin-whitening efficacies of these plant extracts. The major chemotype of the MBR was found to be myo-Inositol 4-C-methyl- (14.50%), whereas 3-O-Methyl-d-glucose (91.89%) was present in MBT as major compound. Tyrosinase inhibition was investigated against monophenolase (l-tyrosine). IC50 values of MBR and MBT were found to be 280 ± 0.9 and 610 ± 1.7 μg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking analysis of the binding of myo-Inositol, 4-C-methyl- and 3-O-Methyl-d-glucose with protein (PDB ID: 1wx2) showed an extensive hydrogen bond network with amino acid residues like ASN 191, ALA 202 and SER 206, THR 203, ASN 191, respectively. Both these compounds showed good binding affinities with target receptors and can be used as lead molecules for inhibition of tyrosinase. MBR and MBT might be suggested as a better source of skin-whitening agents for cosmetic and medicinal applications.

Planetary Health: From the Wellspring of Holistic Medicine to Personal and Public Health Imperative

The term planetary health - denoting the interconnections between the health of person and place at all scales - emerged from the environmental and holistic health movements of the 1970-80s; in 1980, Friends of the Earth expanded the World Health Organization definition of health, stating: "health is a state of complete physical, mental, social and ecological well-being and not merely the absence of disease - personal health involvesplanetary health". By the 1990s, the concept of planetary health was part of the fabric of integrative medicine; more recently, after the 2015 Lancet Commission on Planetary Health report, the concept has penetrated mainstream academic and medical discourse. Here, we explore this history and describe its relevance to contemporary healthcare; integrative medicine is uniquely positioned to educate and advocate on behalf of patients and communities (current and future generations), helping to safeguard health of person, place and planet. We use the emerging microbiome science as a way to illustrate the interconnectivity and health implications of ecosystems (including social/political/economic systems) at all scales. As highlighted in the Canmore Declaration, mainstream planetary health discourse will be strengthened by inter-professional healthcare perspectives, and a more sophisticated understanding of the ways in which social dominance orientation and medical authoritarianism compromise the World Health Organization's broad vision of global health. Planetary health isn't a "new discipline"; it is merely an extension of a concept that was understood by our ancestors, and remains the vocation of all healthcare providers. Discourse on the topic requires cultural competency, critical consciousness and a greater appreciation of marginalized voices.

Application of holistic medicine in the field of reproductive medicine: is it right to only focus on cells and organs? It is a time to convert to a new paradigm in reproductive medicine

About 40 years progress of artificial reproductive technology made dream of many patients come true. However, there still remain many patients with recurrent failures of IVF by the conventional technologies. It is because we have too much focused on cells such as oocyte and sperm, and organs such as uterus, ovary, and testis. It is a time to convert to new paradigm in reproductive medicine. We should treat the whole body that includes mind and whole body. Integrated medicine considering nutrition, mental care, and other alternative medicine should be applied to raise success in artificial reproductive technology. If we can collect high quality evidence from the field, it would open the window for new era and solve issues that cannot be treated via conventional western technologies.

Clinical Practice Guidelines and Evidence for the Efficacy of Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine (Kampo) in Treating Geriatric Patients.

Frailty is defined as a state of increased vulnerability to poor resolution of homeostasis following stress, which increases the risk of adverse outcomes such as falls, delirium, and disability in the elderly. Recently in Japan, clinical practice guidelines (CPG) have recommended kampo treatment. We conducted a search for reports on Japanese CPG and kampo medicine in the treatment of symptoms in the elderly. The search was performed using the databases PubMed, Ichushi Web, J-Stage, Japan Medical Publishers Association, Medical Information Network Distribution Service, and CPG containing kampo products in Japan; reports from January 1st, 2012 to October 31st, 2017 were reviewed. Over the past 5 years, nine CPGs have recommended kampo treatment based on the evidence for improvement in skin symptoms, cough, gastro-intestinal dysfunction, urinary dysfunction, and dementia. Treatments with kampo medicine are performed depending on the coexistence of manifestations based on the original kampo concept, i.e., cognitive dysfunction and dementia with sarcopenia showing urinary disorder. Each kampo formula includes multiple crude drugs that have several pharmacological functions; these drugs include alkaloids, glycosides, and polysaccharides. Thus, kampo formula has an effect on multiple organs and coordinates the relationship between the brain, endocrine system, immune system, and skeletal muscles. Kampo treatment can be considered as supporting holistic medicine in elderly individuals with frailty.

Toward a new era of holistic integrative medicine

“ The all-round moderately prosperous society could not be achieved without people’s all-round health ”, President Xi Jinping said at a national meeting on health held on 19–20 August 2016. President Xi stressed that public health should be given priority in the country’s development strategy. We should make comprehensive efforts to promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen medical services and disease prevention, and develop health-related industries.

Can community pharmacy successfully bridge the gap in care for housebound patients?

There are an increasing number of older housebound patients who are not seen by the pharmacists responsible for the provision of their medications. This growing population is increasingly dependent on time-limited carers for their medication support. To evaluate the findings of pharmacist led holistic domiciliary medicine use reviews (dMUR) targeted at this group of housebound patients, in terms of required medication support and the identification of unmet social care needs. Patients were identified in the London Borough of Richmond (UK) who were predominantly housebound and taking multiple medications. Twelve community pharmacists visited patients and carried out interviews as part of a structured holistic dMUR, which included understanding the patients' living conditions. Altogether 133 patients completed the dMUR with the pharmacist. Patients had a mean age of 81.7 years (range 49-98 years) and took an average of 9.4 different medications, 3 of which being high risk. Nearly 40% had difficulties taking their medications, including a lack of dexterity or difficulty swallowing. Over a quarter (26.8%) of diabetic patients lacked monitoring. Patients were identified with a risk of falling (14.3%) and inadequate social care (11.3%). Continence, dehydration, hygiene and nutrition issues were found, often caused by mobility problems or a lack of suitable toilet facilities. A need for home modifications such as hand rails to prevent falls was also identified. This study highlighted the varied difficulties facing housebound patients identified during the pharmacists' visits, including a lack of social care provision and fall hazards. Domiciliary visits by pharmacists may be able to help identify the diverse care needs of isolated housebound patients helping to integrate their care requirements.

Great Hospitals of Asia: Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery at Xi'an Jiaotong University-Affiliated Honghui Hospital

Established in 1987, the Spine Surgery Hospital at Honghui Hospital is one of the oldest spinal surgical departments in China. The first chairman, Yuan Fuyong, devoted himself to the development of the department. The current president, Hao Dingjun, assumed the position in November 2008. The current department consists of 5 wards and 235 beds, encompassing the entire spectrum of spinal surgical diseases, with 27 specialized faculty members and care teams. The remarkable growth of the hospital during the last 30 years made it possible to perform 8000 operations in 2017. A total of 300 articles were published in scientific journals, of which more than 100 were published in international journals between 1987 and 2017. At present, the developmental model of neurosurgery and spine surgery at Honghui Hospital is based on the concept of holistic integrative medicine. It was jointly developed by several departments including those of spine surgery, neurosurgery, traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation, and basic research. This article traces the history, research and teaching accomplishments, academic exchanges, and future directions.

Protective vaccinations - contemporary dilemmas of holistic and traditional medicine

Protective vaccinations - contemporary dilemmas of holistic and traditional medicine

Introduction to Holistic Integrative Ophthalmology

The detailed classification of subspecialties of ophthalmology has helped to boost the development of ophthalmology in the past. However, while such detailed classification enables a clearer and more profound understanding of eye diseases, it has also brought about problems such as fragmentation of knowledge of ophthalmologists. On December 17, 2012, Academician Fan Daiming organized the first “Summit on Integrative Medicine” in Beijing and thus put the “Holistic Integrative Medicine (HIM)” in domestic medical development agenda. Inspired by HIM, the concept of Holistic Integrative Ophthalmology (HIO) was gradually accepted by most ophthalmologists. HIO systematically and integrally studies and analyzes the pathogenesis, treatment and specific issues of eye diseases and makes adjustment and improvement according to the social, environmental and psychological reality so as to produce a new system that can better meet and adapt to eye disease treatment. HIO is the innovation and revolution of the traditional concept of ophthalmology and signifies a new development stage of ophthalmology. This article identifies the challenges faced in the development of traditional ophthalmology, expounds on the concept of HIO, clarifies the necessity and urgency of the establishment of HIO, and proposes future direction of establishing the platform for the development of HIO.

Nature, Mind, and Medicine: A Model for Mind–Body Healing

The human mind-body possesses a remarkable innate ability to heal. Grounded in the evolutionarily conserved systems of the brain and body, nature appears to function as the fundamental source of wellness along the two vectors of attention and relaxation. Yet, our species is moving away from nature at a time when humanity is just beginning to rediscover its benefits. Exposure to natural environments may provide a "window" of healing that can be extended through a continuum of intervention through the use of guided meditation and ultimately hypnotic suggestion. The result may be an improved ability to promote greater executive functioning and more robust immune regulation. The time has come for a more holistic medicine guided by the hand of nature.