Mindfulness and Holistic Therapy: Keeping an Open Mind
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Many people wonder, what is holistic therapy? The term ‘holistic’ has typically been associated with negative connotations as, for some, it’s linked to controversial treatments, such as homeopathy. However, widely accepted and accredited treatments, such as chiropractic and massage therapies, are forms of holistic therapies that are used by an estimated 9 million people in the UK[1].
olisitc therapy is treatment that considers all aspects of a person’s health, such as the physical, mental and spiritual, combined with an understanding of the complex nature of conditions including depression, stress, anxiety and addiction. Some people also see holistic therapy as a response to reactionary approaches to health, for example, treating only the symptoms, instead of finding and treating the root cause of a condition or addressing the multiple factors that contribute to a person’s wellbeing. For example, those with anxiety might experience chronic pain in relation to their illness (usually in the form of headaches and migraines and muscle tension) and a therapist will then explore possible psychological sources of their suffering and, if an emotional issue is found to be the source, dealing with it could also help to alleviate or lessen the chronic pain. It’s important to remember that holistic therapy doesn’t necessarily exclude conventional medicine – it can involve utilising these complementary techniques alongside treatments prescribed by GPs. While medication may be a big part of a person’s treatment (for example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs] and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs] for depression) a holistic approach may include other treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to address unresolved issues and triggers, and help to learn relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and more. Some examples of mindfulness and holistic therapy activities include: • • • • • •
acupuncture and acupressure aromatherapy art therapy breathing exercises ecotherapy guided meditation
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• • • • • •
hypnotherapy journalling meditation music therapy nature therapy yoga.
Whilst holistic therapy has been effectively used around the world for centuries, the scientific and medical communities today are now recognising the importance it can play in maintaining good mental health and overall wellbeing. A published study undertaken by the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey and Wellmind Health in early 2018, evaluated the effect of the Be Mindful course (the only clinically validated mindfulness-based cognitive therapy [MBCT] programme and listed on the NHS Apps Library) on depression, anxiety and perceived stress. Results showed that participants who completed the course reported a 63% decrease in depression, a 58% reduction in anxiety, and a 40% reduction in perceived stress, these effects were maintained at the 3- and 6-month follow-up[2]. These findings strongly support the effectiveness of holisticbased therapies and MBCT. The same study also looked at the effect of mindfulness related to work-associated rumination, chronic and acute fatigue, and sleep quality. Again, the results showed significant changes. Participants reported a 25% decrease in rumination, a 26% reduction of chronic fatigue, and 33% improvement in sleep quality[3]. The findings not only show the positive benefits of mindfulness, but also strongly support the effectiveness of online mindfulness training. Mindfulness Mindfulness is not only developed through online courses but is a technique you can learn which involves making an effort to notice what’s happening in the present moment, within your mind, body and surroundings. Professor Mark Williams, former Director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, defines mindfulness as “directly what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment”[4]. Mindfulness aims to help you: • Become more self-aware • Feel calmer and less stressed • Feel more capable to choose how to respond to thoughts and feelings • Cope with difficult or unhelpful thoughts • Be kinder towards yourself.
