Holistic Health: A Whole-Body Approach to Wellness
What if keeping your child healthy wasn’t just about treating fevers or coughs, but about understanding how every part of their life connects?
That’s the idea behind holistic health. It sees your child’s body and mind as parts of a bigger whole. How they sleep, what they eat, how they handle emotions, and even how safe and supported they feel; all of it shapes their overall well-being.
In this article, we’ll answer the question of holistic health and explore how Grove Health Pediatrics uses a whole-body approach to help your little one thrive. We’ll walk through the core principles, everyday benefits, and practical tools families can use to support a more connected and intentional path to wellness.
What Is Holistic Health?
Holistic health is a way of thinking about wellness that looks at the whole person. Instead of asking "What's wrong with you?" it often starts with "What do you need to feel well?"
It's called "holistic" because it sees all parts of your life as connected. Your sleep, your food choices, your relationships, your stress, all of it plays a role in how your body and mind function.
In simple terms, holistic health means caring for your entire self. It's sometimes called integrative health, whole-person care, or mind-body wellness.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
Modern medicine has done a lot of good, but when it comes to mental health, many traditional approaches have started to fall short. A major 2024 study in PLOS Mental Health called for a broader shift toward holistic care, especially for mental health. The researchers found that:
Many mental health conditions are linked to lifestyle factors like poor sleep, unhealthy diets, and lack of movement, along with chemical imbalances.
The number of people diagnosed with anxiety and depression has surged in recent decades, even as psychiatric drugs became more common.
More people are turning to holistic practices like yoga, meditation, gardening, and group healing for support.
The study argued that treating symptoms alone isn't enough. Real healing also requires restoring balance to everyday life, things like eating well, moving your body, resting, and making space for inner reflection.
We can't separate mental wellness from how we live. And the more we treat the body and mind as one system, the more likely we are to find care that actually works.
What Are Examples of Holistic Medicine and Treatments?
Holistic medicine includes a wide range of treatments designed to care for the entire person. For children, these approaches can gently support their development, help manage common conditions, and reduce stress in natural, safe ways. Here are some widely practiced examples of holistic treatments:
Acupuncture
A traditional Chinese technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points in the body to improve energy flow and reduce pain.
Massage Therapy
Used not only for relaxation but also to treat muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and promote circulation, often part of recovery plans for physical injuries or emotional trauma.
Herbal Medicine
Natural remedies like echinacea, ginseng, garlic, and St. John's Wort are often used to support immunity, mood, or energy.
Nutritional Therapy
This includes anti-inflammatory diets, gut-health protocols, and plant-based approaches for managing chronic conditions.
Breathwork and Meditation
These mind-body therapies help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and build resilience.
Chiropractic and Osteopathic Manipulation
Manual adjustments help restore movement and reduce discomfort, particularly for musculoskeletal issues.
Energy Healing and Biofeedback
Techniques such as guided imagery, and biofeedback target the body's energetic or mental-emotional patterns to support healing from within.
So, does holistic mean no medication? Not necessarily.
According to a study by Mortada (2024) titled Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the most effective holistic models are integrative, combining conventional care with complementary treatments.
So, for example, if your child is dealing with anxiety, a full care plan might include therapy, medication if needed, specific tailored supplement support, nutritional support, and calming practices like breathwork or dietary support.
Holistic medicine doesn’t mean skipping necessary treatments. It means asking: What else could help support the body’s natural healing process?
Are There Downsides to Holistic Health?
Holistic care offers many benefits, but it's not without challenges. Some concerns come up again and again, and they're worth knowing about before diving in.
Misinformation is common
Online wellness advice can be a mix of solid insight and total guesswork. Some "natural" remedies aren't backed by science, or worse, could be harmful. A 2024 journal review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine sheds light on the fact that while many CAM therapies are backed by studies, others still need stronger research to confirm safety and effectiveness. We know that just because there are not studies, it doesn’t mean a particular approach or remedy can’t be effective- but studies can support having more options, and safe options when properly studied.
Delayed care for serious conditions
If someone chooses holistic treatments instead of necessary medical care, it could delay a diagnosis or worsen a condition. Holistic health works best when necessary medical care is also included.
Accessibility and cost
Not all holistic services are covered by insurance. Things like acupuncture, massage, or functional medicine visits may require out-of-pocket payments, making them harder to access regularly.
That said, not all holistic treatments carry these risks. When based on research and used alongside conventional care, holistic approaches can be both safe and effective. The key is to stay informed, ask questions, and choose practitioners who value both tradition and science.
Final Thoughts
Holistic health takes a step back and considers the bigger picture: your child’s routines, emotions, environment, and relationships. It’s a way of asking how all these parts come together to support their well-being and development.
If you’ve been wondering what holistic health is, think of it as an approach that sees your child as a whole person. It looks beyond symptoms and supports their body, mind, and spirit through thoughtful, gentle care.
Sometimes, the smallest changes (better sleep, time to play freely, a calmer family rhythm) can spark meaningful growth. Grove Health Pediatrics is here to support those shifts with care that honors every part of your child’s life.
Take the First Step With Grove Health Pediatrics
At Grove Health Pediatrics, we bring holistic health into everyday care through our Direct Primary Care model. That means same-day or next day sick visits, direct text messaging with your healthcare provider, and support for your little one’s body, mind, and everything in between, without insurance headaches.
Let us take some of the stress off your shoulders, so you can focus on feeling well, staying well, and caring for your family in a more connected way.
Ready to feel supported in your whole-body health?
Join Grove Health Pediatrics today and start experiencing care that actually sees all of you.
Thank you for being a part of the Grove Health community! We’re honored to support your family’s health and wellness. Stay connected with us through our monthly newsletters and blog posts—we love sharing helpful tips and inspiration with you.
At Grove Health, our mission is to provide thoughtful, compassionate care that supports the whole child and empowers families. Your trust in us strengthens that mission, and we’re so grateful to walk alongside you on this journey.
With Gratitude,
The Grove Health Pediatrics Team