What is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic medicine is the art and science of healing that addresses the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. In practice this means that every person is seen as a unique individual, rather than an example of a particular disease. Disease is understood to be the result of physical, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental imbalance. Healing therefore takes place naturally when these aspects of life are brought into proper balance. The role of the practitioner is as guide, educator, mentor and role model, helping the patient not only with traditional medicines and techniques, but also in changing lifestyle, beliefs and old habits in order to facilitate healing. All appropriate methods may be used from medication to meditation.

What is a Holistic Physician?

A holistic practitioner: 1) views the patient as the focus, not the illness; 2) fosters and maintains a partnership with the patient, using therapies with which both feel comfortable; 3) evaluates and recommends treatment options that address the cause of an illness, as well as the symptoms. The holistic practitioner may choose or recommend from a variety of both conventional and "alternative" treatments and therapies. Together, the practitioner and patient/client work to develop an optimal course of treatment. This partnership is a powerful approach to healing and is the cornerstone of the holistic philosophy.

What is a Diplomat of the American Board of Holistic Medicine

Dr. Pearson is now one of 600 doctors of this strong and fast growing part of this health care system of the future.  Being board certified shows that he has completed the only recognized and peer reviewed intensive review course and examination process for all alternative or complementary providers.  Not to be confused with Homeopathic, Complementary, or Alternative Medicine, Holistic Medicine is an all encompassing specialty in which the physician is committed to offering the patient all available techniques to heal their problem, prevent further illness, and maintain health. The American Holistic Medical Association was organized over 25 years ago and has been gaining strength ever since. More physicians of all specialties are realizing that modern medicines trends of over treating patients most commonly with dangerous medications and surgeries do nothing to heal what is truly ailing the patient. This board certification was recently approved in 2000, and Dr. Pearson is now one of the few available doctors certified in the entire state of Florida.

What are the main benefits of Holistic Medicine?

The main benefits of Holistic Medicine are:

1) The central role of the patient’s lifestyle, beliefs, observations and habits is honored. Holistic Medicine recognizes the person who has the illness to be more important than the type of illness that person is manifesting.

2) Treatment methods which are least likely to do harm are used first in Holistic Medicine. These are often also more cost effective than conventional drugs or surgery.

3) Holistic Medicine is part of a worldview which promises to achieve societal change through respect for the individual and for the contribution of diversity to an integrative model of healing. Healing must take place on all levels - individual, social, cultural and planetary - for the survival as well as the happiness of life on earth.

How do I find a good holistic physician?

Dr. Pearson is located at Pearson Wellness Center located at 1649 Main St. in Dunedin, at the Virginia St. cross street about 1 mile west of US 19. He works alongside his wife, Dr. Julie Pearson, a chiropractor known nationwide for her uniquely successful techniques, as well as being specialized in sports, natural pediatric & pregnancy care. Physicians in other areas can be found either through the AHMA physician finder service found online at www.holisticmedicine.org, or through the AHHA or holisticmedicine.com websites.

Will a Holistic Practitioner fix my problem?

A Holistic Practitioner will work with you to develop a treatment program designed to assist you in healing. The idea that anyone else can "fix" your problem is not a part of the holistic model. Most illnesses and disabilities are the result of a complex interaction of events, habits, and choices and are not amenable to Band-Aids or "sweeping it under the drug" therapies which do not address the underlying causes. Most patients aren't told that even a heart bypass is a temporary fix that does not address the real problem. All modern treatments are like this, with serious side effects that are commonly ignored.

What is the treatment decision making process?

This decision making process has been all but lost in the modern medical model where the physicians TELL the patients what they need. In Holistic medicine, the options are presented to the patient and together the physician and patient decide the best treatment approach. Often times this is simple as in casting a broken bone, whereas other times it is difficult as in choosing among the various treatment options available for cancer. The physician must help the patient understand the disease he/she faces and the risks and benefits of the various modalities. The patient’s hopes and fears must be addressed as well as psychological factors and family expectations. The patient must be aided in coming to an understanding of what this disease means in his/her life at this time. The physician should not hesitate to call on other sources of support and expertise and the patient should be encouraged to seek other opinions and points of view. The physician should help the patient realize that there is often no "right" answer, but only multiple trade-offs as they negotiate these complex decisions together.