Holistic Therapies

Defining ‘Holistic’

‘Holistic’ is an adjective used to describe seeing something in unity. Something that is holistic is ‘characterised by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole.’ Holistic, as a descriptor, then, indicates seeing not small, discrete details but an overview of something. It requires us to assess the ‘full picture’ rather than focus on specific elements of an experience. This may at first seem quite antithetical to Western medicine, where we take a symptom-based approach to treatment. For example, someone dealing with anxiety may be given a targeted prescription of sedatives to ease their symptoms, or someone struggling with their sleep may be advised to go to bed at the same time every night. Whilst both of these are valid forms of treatment, they perhaps risk focusing on one element of an issue rather than considering the range of perspectives that treatment can take. For example, sedative medication may help to ease physical symptoms but may not address an individual’s experience of cognitive distortions or trauma responses. Focusing on sleep hygiene may be useful, but it does not necessarily give space to consider what may be causing insomnia in the first place.  Holistic therapy works in opposition to this.

Holistic therapy

‘Holistic medicine,’ then, ‘is an attitudinal approach to health care rather than a particular set of techniques.’ It is a way of combining the ‘psychological, familial, societal, ethical and spiritual,’ with the biological. It promotes the belief that our bodies do not exist in a vacuum, and therefore, that our health can be both compromised and impacted by more than just physical experiences. This can take many different shapes.

Addiction is a multidimensional disease.[5] It is something that impacts our physical, mental and psychic health. Symptoms of addiction manifest in the ways that we think and feel, in the ways that we act and interact with the world around us. They also mark our bodies and the ways we physically function, as well as how we perceive the world. In this way, the effects of addiction are all-encompassing. A range of factors can also cause addiction – be they physical, mental, situational or familial. Addiction is complex, and often exists in a complex web of causes and effects. Holistic approaches to addiction treatment understand this, and therefore seek to offer treatment in an equally layered way.

A holistically designed programme

At UKAT London Clinic, there is an opportunity to engage directly with holistic therapies specifically. Outside of this, however, we intentionally design bespoke treatment plans in a holistic style. This means that an addiction treatment programme is very unlikely only to address physical health concerns or solely focus on the psychology of addiction. Rather, it will blend therapeutic approaches in order to create something that is able to address multiple levels of need simultaneously. For example, nutrition support can tackle physical health problems while promoting positive wellbeing by nurturing our bodies with good food rather than neglecting them. This nurturing practice can feel spiritual, with some reconnecting to nature and their heritage through the creation and consumption of balanced, intentional eating.

In short, rehab programmes will integrate therapies that aim to rebalance your physical, mental and spiritual health in tandem. This can be a very powerful way of catalysing a reconnection with yourself. By assessing the needs of your body, your mind and your deeper self, you can begin to uncover some of the more powerful information about yourself – your goals, your values, and your emotional needs. This knowledge is invaluable in helping you to move forward to a life free of addiction.

Holistic Therapies at UKAT London Clinic

The aim of holistic therapy is healing. However, healing can take many forms, leading to a plethora of benefits that manifest in different ways. Examples include:

This may include:

• Yoga
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Breathwork
• Sound therapy
• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Exercising
• Gratitude practice

The aim of holistic therapy is healing. But that healing can take many forms, leading to a plethora of benefits that manifest in different ways. Examples include:

• Higher distress tolerance
• Offers distraction from cravings and urges
• Reduction in depression symptoms
• Reduction in anxiety symptoms
• Improved sleep hygiene
• Feeling reconnected with yourself
• Less tension in the body
• Reduced aches and pains
• Clarity of thinking
• Regulates hormone levels
• Increases confidence
• Heightens feeling of ownership and control
• Integrates wellness activities into routine
• Exposure to potential new hobbies and coping mechanisms

Call us today to receive an assessment of your current difficulties and needs, allowing us to establish the most appropriate treatment for you. Addiction is a heavy burden to bear, and we are here to help you lighten this weight and start your journey towards an addiction-free future.