The following is the "Holistic Health" chapter from the critically acclaimed book, The Illustrated

Encyclopedia of Body-Mind Disciplines, published by The Rosen Publishing Group in 1999 and
presented here with permission. This material was written by AHHA President, Suzan Walter.
Holistic Health is actually an approach to life. Rather than focusing on illness or specific parts of
the body, this ancient approach to health considers the whole person and how he or she interacts
with his or her environment. It emphasizes the connection of mind, body, and spirit. The goal is to
achieve maximum well-being, where everything is functioning the very best that is possible. With
Holistic Health people accept responsibility for their own level of well-being, and everyday choices
are used to take charge of one's own health.
How Holistic Health Developed
Ancient healing traditions, as far back as 5,000 years ago in India and China, stressed living a
healthy way of life in harmony with nature. Socrates (4th century BC) warned against treating only
one part of the body "for the part can never be well unless the whole is well." Although the
term holism was introduced by Jan Christiaan Smuts in 1926 as a way of viewing living things as
"entities greater than and different from the sum of their parts," it wasn't until the 1970s
that holistic became a common adjective in our modern vocabulary.
Holistic concepts fell temporarily out of favor in Western societies during the 20th century. Scientific
medical advances had created a dramatic shift in the concept of health. Germs were identified as
outside sources causing disease. Gaining health became a process of killing microscopic invaders
with synthesized drugs. People believed that they could get away with unhealthy lifestyle choices,
and modern medicine would "fix" them as problems developed.
However, for some conditions medical cures have proven more harmful than the disease. In addition,
many chronic conditions do not respond to scientific medical treatments. In looking for other options,
people are turning back to the holistic approach to health and healing. The Holistic Health lifestyle is
regaining popularity each year, as the holistic principles offer practical options to meet the growing
desire for enjoying a high level of vitality and well-being.
The Basic Principles of Holistic Health
Holistic Health is based on the law of nature that a whole is made up of interdependent parts. The
earth is made up of systems, such as air, land, water, plants and animals. If life is to be sustained,
they cannot be separated, for what is happening to one is also felt by all of the other systems. In the
same way, an individual is a whole made up of interdependent parts, which are the physical, mental,
emotional, and spiritual. When one part is not working at its best, it impacts all of the other parts of
that person. Furthermore, this whole person, including all of the parts, is constantly interacting with
everything in the surrounding environment. For example, when an individual is anxious about a
history exam or a job interview, his or her nervousness may result in a physical reaction--such as a
headache or a stomach ache. When people suppress anger at a parent or a boss over a long period
of time, they often develop a serious illness--such as migraine headaches, emphysema, or even
arthritis.
The principles of Holistic Health state that health is more than just not being sick. A common
explanation is to view wellness as a continuum along a line. The line represents all possible degrees
of health. The far left end of the line represents premature death. On the far right end is the highest
possible level of wellness or maximum well-being. The center point of the line represents a lack of
apparent disease. This places all levels of illness on the left half of the wellness continuum. The right
half shows that even when no illness seems to be present, there is still a lot of room for
improvement.
Holistic Health is an ongoing process. As a lifestyle, it includes a personal commitment to be moving
toward the right end of the wellness continuum. No matter what their current status of health,
people can improve their level of well-being. Even when there are temporary setbacks, movement is
always headed toward wellness.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the key factors influencing an
individual's state of health have not changed significantly over the past 20 years. Quality of medical
care is only 10%. Heredity accounts for 18% and environment is 19%. Everyday lifestyle choices are
53%. The decisions people make about their life and habits are, therefore, by far the largest factor in
determining their state of wellness.
The most obvious choices people make each day is what they "consume"--both physically and
mentally. The cells in a person's body are constantly being replaced. New cells are built from what is
available. Harmful substances or lack of needed building blocks in the body can result in imperfect

cells, unable to do what is required to keep that person healthy. Similarly, on the non-physical level,
a person's mental attitudes are "built" from what they see and hear.
The majority of illnesses and premature death can be traced back to lifestyle choices. There are the
well-known dangers connected with drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and unprotected sexual activity. Less
recognized is the impact of excesses in things like sugar, caffeine, and negative attitudes. Combined
with deficiencies in exercise, nutritious foods, and self-esteem, these gradually accumulate harmful
effects. With time they diminish the quality of the "environment" within that human being, and can
set the stage for illness to take hold. Quality of life, now and in the future, is actually being
determined by a multitude of seemingly unimportant choices made everyday.
How Holistic Health Is Practiced
While preventing illness is important, Holistic Health focuses on reaching higher levels of wellness.
The right half of the wellness continuum invites people to constantly explore which everyday actions
work for them and discovering what is appropriate to move them toward maximum well-being.
People are motivated by how good it feels to have lots of energy and enthusiasm for life, knowing
that what they are doing that day will allow them to continue to feel this great for years to come.
When disease and chronic conditions do occur, the Holistic Health principles can also be applied. The
term is usually changed to holistic medicine, and additional factors are added. The healthcare
professionals using the holistic approach work in partnership with their patients. They recommend
treatments that support the body's natural healing system and consider the whole person and the
whole situation.
A holistic approach to healing goes beyond just eliminating symptoms. For example, taking an
aspirin for a headache would be like disconnecting the oil light on the dash of a car when it flashes.
The irritation is eliminated, but the real problem still exists. In holistic medicine, a symptom is
considered a message that something needs attention. So, the symptom is used as a guide to look
below the surface for the root cause. Then what really needs attention can be addressed.
The Benefits of Holistic Health
Holistic Health supports reaching higher levels of wellness as well as preventing illness. People enjoy
the vitality and well-being that results from their positive lifestyle changes, and are motivated to
continue this process throughout their lives.
Resources:
American Holistic Health Association (AHHA)
Dept. R
PO Box 17400
Anaheim, CA 92817-7400 USA
Phone: (714) 779-6152
E-mail: mail@ahha.org
Website: http://ahha.org
This nonprofit educational organization has compiled lists of self-help resources available in the
United States. These free materials and a booklet, Wellness From Within: The First Step, which
introduces the holistic approach to creating wellness, are available on the Internet or by mail.
Graduate Certificate Program in Holistic Health Care
Western Michigan University
Holistic Health Department
1903 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008 USA
Phone: (269) 387-2650
Fax: (269) 387-3348
E-Mail: holistic-info@wmich.edu
Web site: www.wmich.edu/holistichealth/
Unique opportunity to study holistic health care in an accredited academic program. Consists of 18
semester hours of study in holistic health care and related topics. Can be taken as an independent
certificate or can be used to supplement graduate training in related fields. Three main areas of
holistic health care (promotion, prevention, and treatment) are addressed through a combination of
education, research, promotion, training, administration, program planning, and program
development efforts. Graduates are able to work within their chosen professional areas from a
holistic perspective.
Further Reading:

Collinge, William, Ph.D., The American Holistic Health Association Complete Guide to Alternative
Medicine, New York: Warner Books, 1996.
Gordon, James S., M.D., Holistic Medicine, New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1988.
Travis, John W., M.D. and Regina Sara Ryan, The Wellness Workbook, Berkeley: Ten Speed Press,
1988.
Any use of this material requires written permission following these guidelines:
Contact Erica Smith
The Rosen Publishing Group
29 East 21st Street
New York, NY 10010
800-237-9932
Fax: 212-253-6915
E-mail: ericas@mail.rosenpub.com
State that you are requesting permission to use some Rosen copyrighted material. Identify the
original source, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Body-Mind Disciplines - Holistic Health chapter, and
include the entire text you wish to use. Define where you would use this text, the format, and how
many copies would be made. Provide a contact person with phone number and e-mail address. Allow
two weeks for processing.
Once you have this permission in writing, next notify the
author, Suzan Walter
American Holistic Health Association
PO Box 17400
Anaheim, CA 92817
714-779-6152
mail@ahha.org

Health and development

WHO/Virot
The Tappankala resettlement area, Delhi, India
Better health is central to human happiness and well-being. It also makes an important
contribution to economic progress, as healthy populations live longer, are more
productive, and save more.
Many factors influence health status and a country's ability to provide quality health
services for its people. Ministries of health are important actors, but so are other
government departments, donor organizations, civil society groups and communities
themselves. For example: investments in roads can improve access to health services;

inflation targets can constrain health spending; and civil service reform can create
opportunities - or limits - to hiring more health workers.
WHO's work on 'Health and development' tries to make sense of these complex links. It is
concerned with the impact of better health on development and poverty reduction, and
conversely, with the impact of development policies on the achievement of health goals.
In particular, it aims to build support across government for higher levels of investment in
health, and to ensure that health is prioritized within overall economic and development
plans. In this context, 'health and development' work supports health policies that
respond to the needs of the poorest groups. WHO also works with donors to ensure that
aid for health is adequate, effective and targeted at priority health problems.
This website provides an update on WHO activities in the area of health and
development, including recent publications, reports of country work and information on
training courses and capacity-building activities.
http://www.md-health.com/Dimensions-Of-Health.html
Dimensions of Health
There are many paths to wellness that such as spiritual, environmental,
emotional and physical health. Ensuring that all aspects of your health are
functioning well will help you develop a better sense of overall wellness.
The term wellness can refer to a variety of conditions within
the body. While many people associate their wellness to
their physical health it can also be used to describe your
environmental, mental, intellectual, occupational,
emotional or spiritual well-being. These different
dimensions of health will interact together to help
determine your full quality of life.
Dimensions of Health

1. Physical

Physical wellness can refer to any of the aspects that are

needed to keep your body in top condition. Consuming a
healthy diet and getting an adequate amount of exercise to
build cardiovascular health, endurance or flexibility are
essential to this goal.
You are responsible for your health care which means
treating minor conditions and consulting a professional to
manage more serious conditions. On the path to good
physical health, you should

Monitor warning signs so you understand when your body is not getting the nutrition
it needs or establishing an unhealthy state.
Keep on top of your physical health which helps to improve determination, selfcontrol and self-esteem.
Get a sufficient amount of sleep, avoid harmful substances like tobacco products,
get annual physical exams.
Know the ideal health numbers for conditions such as weight, cholesterol, blood
pressure or blood sugar and develop a regular exercise routine.
2. Intellectual

Finding a way to engage in creative and stimulating

activities that allow you to share your gifts and expand your
knowledge is essential to your overall health.
Those that have high intellectual wellness

Engage in the exploration and their understanding of new ideas.

Cherish stimulation and mental growth.
Get involved in cultural and intellectual activities.

This will allow you to find a path to explore your creativity,

problem solving skills and ways to learn more about your
personal interests and the world around you. Keeping up
with current events and finding new ideas to strike your
intellectual curiosity will allow you to continue to grow over
time.
3. Emotional

Emotional wellness focuses on ensuring that you are

attentive to your feelings, thoughts and behavior. This
includes both positive and negative reactions, though
overall you should

Seek an optimistic approach to life, enjoying life in spite of occasional

disappointment
Adjust to change and express your emotions appropriately.
Express your feelings freely while managing your feelings, allowing yourself to cope
with stress in a way that is healthy.
Those working toward a path of emotional wellness will
work to

Keep a positive attitude.

Learn to manage their conditions.
Maintain a balance in life by setting their priorities.
Seek support for expressing their emotions appropriately.
Remain aware of their thoughts and feelings.
4. Spiritual

Spiritual wellness involves discovering a set of beliefs and

values that brings purpose to your life. While different

groups and individuals have a variety of beliefs regarding

spiritualism but the general search for meaning for our
existence is considered essential to creating harmony with
yourself and others regardless of the path to spirituality
you choose to follow.
It is considered healthier to find your own path to the
meaning of life that allows you to be tolerant of the beliefs
of others and life a life that is consistent with your beliefs.
On the path to healthy a healthy spiritual life, you should

Apply your values to your actions and decisions.

Make time to relax each day.
Accept the views of others.
Make time for prayer or meditation.
5. Social

Social wellness refers to your ability to interact with people,

respect yourself and others, develop meaningful
relationships and develop quality communication skills. This
allows you to establish a support system of family and
friends.
Those with high social wellness believe that it is important
to

Live in harmony with the environment and others.

Consider the common welfare of the community over their own.
Those on the path to healthy social wellness will work to

Develop interdependent healthy relationships while developing healthy behavior.

Create a balance between their community and the environment.

6. Occupational

The ability to find peace between your leisure time and

work time while managing stress from your relationships
with coworkers effectively is essential to occupational
health. Your work takes up a great deal of your time so it is
important to find something that you love to do and gives
you a sense of purpose.
To achieve occupational wellness it is important to

Feel as though you enjoy your work most days.

Feel like you can talk openly with your employer and coworkers.
Have a manageable workload.
7. Environmental

The environment can have a significant impact on our

feelings about overall health. For developing environmental
wellness, you should

Live in harmony with your environment.

Take action to protect this environment from harm.
Minimize behavior that could impact your environment while protecting yourself
from environmental hazards.
Realize the effects of your daily habits on the world around you.
Live a life that is accountable to your short and long term environmental needs.
Bring awareness of the Earths limits and resource to others.
http://www.gbophb.org/center-for-health/resources/five-dimensions-of-health/
https://www.apha.org/apha-communities/member-sections/public-health-education-andhealth-promotion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_education

Health education is a profession of educating people about health. [1] Areas within this
profession encompass environmental health, physical health, social health, emotional
health, intellectual health, and spiritual health. [2] It can be defined as the principle by
which individuals and groups of people learn to behave in a manner conducive to the
promotion, maintenance, or restoration of health. However, as there are multiple
definitions of health, there are also multiple definitions of health education. The Joint
Committee on Health Education and Promotion Terminology of 2001 defined Health
Education as "any combination of planned learning experiences based on sound theories
that provide individuals, groups, and communities the opportunity to acquire information
and the skills needed to make quality health decisions." [3] The World Health Organization
defined Health Education as "compris[ing] [of] consciously constructed opportunities for
learning involving some form of communication designed to improve health literacy,
including improving knowledge, and developing life skills which are conducive to
individual and community health." [4]
http://www.publichealthonline.org/degree-programs/health-education/
http://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/careers/what-is-public-health ----<
What is Public Health?
WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF PUBLIC HEALTH?

Public health is defined as the science of protecting the

safety and improving the health of communities through
education, policy making and research for disease and
injury prevention.
The definition of public health is different for every person.
Whether you like to crunch numbers, conduct laboratory or
field research, formulate policy, or work directly with people
to help improve their health, there is a place for you in the
field of public health. Being a public health professional
enables you to work around the world, address health
problems of communities as a whole, and influence policies
that affect the health of societies.

Public health involves the application of many different

disciplines:
Biology
Anthropology
Public policy
Mathematics
Engineering
Education
Psychology
Computer science
Sociology
Medicine

Business
and others
WHAT DO PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DO?
As a public health professional, you will be trained to
perform one or more of these ten essential services:

Monitor the health status of a community to identify potential problems

Diagnose and investigate health problems and hazards in the community
Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues, particularly the
underserved and those at risk
Mobilize community partnerships to identify and solve health problems
Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts
Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety
Link people to needed personal health services and ensure the provision of health
care when otherwise unavailable
Ensure a competent public health and personal health care workforce
Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based
health services
Research new insights and innovative solutions to health problems

https://phe.uncg.edu/masters-of-public-health-education/
Advocacy is a process of supporting and enabling people to: Express their views and
concerns. Access information and services. Defend and promote their rights and
responsibilities.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advocacy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_health
https://www.google.com.ph/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi6gJGjorDJ
AhWIHpQKHd0SCY4QFggxMAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki
%2FState_of_the_art&usg=AFQjCNEm8QOgU-8m7d6DeQl4F14nSiq-6w