T. Darlene (Dar) Cheek, Contributing Editor of Holistic Alternatives, author (Secrets and Silent Tears), is a Natural Health Consultant, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Reiki Master. Her other therapies of interest include Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Crystal Healing, Herbs, Aura and Color Therapy, and Meditation.
Dar, first of all, I'd like to welcome you back to Suite101. You're presence, and topic, have been sorely missed.
Would you provide our readers with a little background of your learning experiences in the field of Holistic Therapy?
I began using self-hypnosis, herbs and aromatherapy in my teens. Later on, I was drawn to learn more on natural healing and began studying crystal therapies, the chakras and the aura, energy and color therapy, and Reflexology. It was at this time that I seriously delved into my spiritual studies, too. I have been a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist for over 5 years now, and I've been teaching Reiki for 4 ½ years. I began working as a Spiritual Counselor just over 3 years ago, shortly before I started writing for Suite101. I've just recently completed my studies for fitness, nutrition, and natural health consulting. Of course, this field grows every day, so I have to keep up on my studies.
Please explain your interpretation of the concept of the holistic (body, mind, and soul) approach to healing - for those who may not be familiar with the philosophy behind it?
Holistic therapy is based on the concept that the body, mind, and spirit must all be in a state of wellness in order for a person to be considered completely healthy. Holistic medicine treats the whole person and the root cause of an illness or disease, instead of just the symptoms of an illness.
What are some of the main points distinguishing between the holistic approach and traditional/modern medicine?
Modern medicine focuses on physical and mental/emotional healing. It treats the symptoms that the individual client has based on the symptoms of all other clients with the same illness. Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person - body, mind, and spirit; and, it treats each client as an individual, unique unto themselves. Modern medicine rarely ever takes our spiritual health into consideration, and it is often the strongest point of focus in holistic medicine. Holistic medicine also treats illness with natural remedies and therapies as often as possible, whereas modern medicine relies strongly on treatment with drugs.
What do you see as the principal strength of holistic medicine that is lacking in traditional/modern medicine?
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