The madness of the Fifa Soccer World Cup has finally ended and we can all now get back to normal! For this weeks article we’re going to discuss a Holistic vs Vitalistic health approach, both are very beneficial but they have their differences. In this article we’ll discuss those benefits and differences.

Defining Both Approaches

What is vitalism and what is holistic?? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition are as follows:
Vitalism:

1. a doctrine that the functions of a living organism are due to a vital principle distinct from physicochemical forces.
2. A doctrine that the processes of life are not explicable by the laws of physics and chemistry alone and that life is in some part self-determining.

Holistic:

1. relating to or concerned with complete systems rather than with individual parts.

Holistic Approach

With a holistic approach, like the definition states, the focus is on the the complete system rather than just one area. With this approach it can involve a lot of herbal remedies and roots supplements. These can be good but, if you are experiencing headaches or back pain and taking herbal medicine and other types of holistic medicines, it’s still not going to help get to the root cause of why you’re experiencing the headaches or back pain.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still great that you are not relying on medications that have so many side effects and can potentially cause more issues later on down the road. Supplementation is good and should be used but at times people can use it as a crutch and rely on the supplements instead of focusing on the root cause.

Vitalistic Approach

Vitalism focuses not only on physical and chemistry effects to the body but also emotional. Without the balance of these three elements, you cannot be in equilibrium. This approach takes a lot of change in a persons life but the hard work is beneficial. Less pain…less stress… less illness… who wouldn’t want that????

Combining Holistic & Vitalistic

Chiropractic uses both vitalistic and holistic approaches, but our main focus is the nervous system. The nervous system is the most important part of your body. The nervous systems helps control all vital systems, without it we would cease to function. If we don’t change the neurology first, using supplementation or balancing your thoughts, traumas and toxins would only provide so much help since it’s not addressing the root cause.

Get Involved

What’s your view on holistic and/or vitalistic health approaches? Leave comments below!