Holistic Health = Life Balance

The general welfare state of the human being understood as physical, mental and emotional health, is what the WHO (World Health Organization) defines as Holistic Health. That is a set of biological, emotional and spiritual factors that contribute to a state of balance in the individual.

Holistic health is not only the absence of diseases

According to this definition, health is not only the absence of illness or disability but a condition of human development that each one, as an individual, must take care of and preserve.

Holistic health is an ideal state of well-being that is only achieved when there is an adequate balance between physical, emotional, spiritual, biological and social factors. In this way, the human being grows in all areas of life and, therefore, feels healthy and happy.

The boost of our capabilities

Despite the differences that exist between each human being, holistic health allows us to boost our abilities and abilities as unique people. In fact, individuality is one of the most important factors within the concept of holistic health. It is about creating an awareness that no one person can compare to another because each one of us has grown up in different circumstances, with more or fewer opportunities, different physical and emotional conditions, specific environmental factors and, even, access to medicines and unequal medical treatments.

However, although each person, family, community or country gives health a different value, we all have understood that being healthy means being well, looking good, feeling good, acting well, being productive and relating adequately with others.

What affects our holistic health?

At present, several challenges affect our holistic health. At the physical-biological level, obesity, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and cancer are the main barriers to achieving the well-being state. Addictions also reduce our physical and mental health. Smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction, obsessive-compulsive dependencies are another obstacle to holistic health. And the evils of the 21st century: anxiety, depression, lack of adaptation to the environment, as well as other mental disorders, also directly affect our quality of life.

Controversy, some believe that the concept must be updated

The WHO established the definition of holistic health in 1948. And to the letter, it says: "The WHO Constitution defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not only the absence of diseases or illnesses. It includes an important subjective component that must be taken into account in the evaluations of health risks."

This definition was revolutionary because, for the first time, the negative view of health was left behind only as the absence of disease, emphasizing the physical, mental and social aspects. However, after about 70 years of establishing the concept, there are voices that claim that it is insufficient.

Many authors propose to redefine the concept of health based on the resistance or ability to cope with maintaining or restoring one's integrity, balance and sense of well-being. That is the capacity for adaptation and self-management in all aspects; physical, mental and social.

The controversy continues, but we are left with a basic conclusion. Holistic health goes far beyond the biomedical system but encompasses human behavior. It is a positive concept that implies degrees of vitality and adaptive functioning. Holistic health means life balance.

Holistic health is ALL about YOU...