what does holistic health really even mean?
I used to have no idea what holistic health meant.
But I really thought I did! And by the end of this blog, you might realize you had the wrong idea about it, too. 👀
Life would be boring if we weren't always learning new things, right?!
So today, I'm diving into what holistic health REALLY means, and why I became a holistic health coach.
What I thought holistic health meant for a LONG time:
When I first heard the term holistic health, I pictured: accupuncture, yoga, massages, aromatherapy, apple cider vinegar shots, and meditation.
What do all of those things have in common? They're all forms of alternative medicine.
Alternative medicine is exactly what it sounds like: it is used as an alternative to Western medicine (e.g. using accupuncture instead of medication to help with pain).
Alternative medicine is holistic in nature, but holistic health is not necessarily alternative medicine.
In other words, you can't replace Western medicine and treatments with holistic health practices. But, you CAN use holistic health as a form of prevention, or alongside standard Western medicine and treatments!
What holistic health really is:
Now that you know you can't become a holistic health expert with a few apple cider vinegar shots and essential oils, I'll explain how to actually make holistic health a priority in your life!
Holistic health means looking at health as more than just eating nutritious foods and working out.
It's about ALL aspects of a person's well-being: their mental well-being, physical well-being, and emotional well-being.
It's about making your health choices based on how that one choice will impact you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
As a holistic health coach, I am always trying to empower my clients to think through their decisions with this in mind so that they can feel truly balanced in all 3 aspects of their health journey.
Some of the ways I do this are by:
🔹 Having my clients journal to reflect on their progress and goals
🔹 Asking my clients to report to me during check-ins how their nutrition or fitness program is impacting them mentally and emotionally
🔹 Having one phase of my private coaching program focus entirely on mindset
Want to continue to explore holistic health?
I would be happy to work with you so that you can make holistic health a priority in your life!
Personally, it has transformed the way I see health. I no longer stress about my physical goals, like fat loss or muscle growth — because I'm confident I'll achieve them naturally just by looking at the bigger picture.
You can always contact me directly through my website, or shoot me a DM on Instagram @madeline_grace or @madstrengthcoaching.
Good luck on your holistic health journey!
