The holistic approaches to medicine tend to view health as an inherent or natural balance that can be disturbed by circumstances such as diet, lifestyle, seasonal and mental conditions, giving rise to different kinds of disorders.

A comparison of Oriental and Western medicine shows that they begin from completely opposite standpoints. Western scientists look through a microscope to discover disease-causing agents and provide quick acting symptomatic treatments. Eastern physicians however first consider the patients disposition to obtain a clear view of causes and conditions governing disease.

The difference makes for strengths and weaknesses in both and provides the value to learn from each other and integration of these approaches is now steadily gaining acceptance. As interest in the value of Holistic therapies grows, Western healthcare professionals are recognizing that by integrating them with Western techniques, they can support and enhance conventional medicine because they are complementary rather than an alternative treatment in many cases.

It is now becoming the norm to find that medical treatment will often include dietary and behavioural advice as many people gamble with their health. Sadly, it often takes a serious illness to provide the wake up call to make the necessary changes. Eastern practitioners have long viewed prevention of illness through appropriate diet and lifestyle to be of primary importance.

Regarding disease as a breakdown in the harmony of normal physiological functions and re-establishing balance as all important, leads to the understanding that prevention is better than cure.

We are never too old to start noticing an improvement in our wellbeing and reduce the risks we take with it.

It would be unrealistic to expect the healthcare professionals to take the responsibility for our health when it rests firmly with ourselves.