Holistic Healing: Returning to Root Causes

Returning to Root Causes

The word holistic gets thrown around a lot these days — often without a full understanding of what it truly means. In many ways, I believe this surge in interest is due to a growing dissatisfaction with the conventional medical model. Many people are realizing that something is missing.

In generations past, doctors often had more time to listen, evaluate, and understand a patient’s broader life circumstances. Their training encompassed a wider scope, and they weren’t as heavily influenced by pharmaceutical agendas as they are today. While there are still many well-meaning practitioners in the system, modern healthcare has largely shifted toward symptom management. This often looks like prescribing medication to suppress or manage issues — sometimes without fully understanding the long-term side effects or addressing the underlying cause.

That said, I still believe doctors and modern medicine have an important place in the healing process. Personally, I’m incredibly grateful for medical intervention — both in my own life and for my daughter, who wouldn’t be here today without access to pharmaceuticals and emergency care. But I’ve also seen the darker side, where people are prescribed multiple medications that begin to conflict with each other. This approach can gradually wear down the body, leading to more problems rather than true healing.

What Is Holistic Healing?

At its core, holistic healing brings one critical ingredient into the equation that is often missing from conventional care: a focus on the root cause.

Your body is intelligent. It has the innate capacity to heal itself when given the right conditions. This includes proper nutrition, movement, emotional well-being, rest, and a supportive environment. However, in today’s fast-paced world, many people unknowingly lead lives full of destructive habits — habits that have become normalized in our society. Then, when a diagnosis arrives, they scramble for a quick fix that allows them to continue living the same way.

Here’s the truth: your body is your guide. When something is out of balance, it’s a signal — not a nuisance. Pain, fatigue, and illness are often messengers pointing toward something deeper that needs attention.

Common Root Causes of Illness

While every person is unique, many health issues can be traced back to common root imbalances. These include:

– Lack of physical movement
– Nutritional deficiencies (minerals, vitamins, protein)
– Environmental toxins
– Overeating or undernourishment
– Alcohol, smoking, or vaping
– Excessive sugar, artificial sweeteners, and processed seed oils
– Food additives, colorants, and preservatives
– Chronic EMF (electromagnetic field) exposure
– Poor sleep or excessive screen time
– Suppressed emotions and unresolved trauma
– Limiting beliefs or chronic stress
– Postural or structural misalignments
– Lack of hydration and proper detoxing
– Isolation or lack of meaningful community
– Excessive chlorine or chemical exposure
– Constant comfort and disconnection from natural discomfort
– People-pleasing and unfulfilled basic needs

Individually, these factors may not cause illness — but when several compound over time, they can overwhelm both body and mind, setting the stage for chronic issues.

A Holistic Path Forward

Holistic healing doesn’t mean rejecting doctors or medications. Instead, it means expanding your perspective. It’s about integrating different healing modalities — sometimes involving multiple practitioners in specialized fields — to support the body, mind, and spirit as a whole system.

You can (and sometimes must) manage symptoms in the short term, but for long-term transformation, it’s essential to go deeper. Begin slowly. Tune in. Identify the areas in your life that feel off or out of alignment. And little by little, start making changes that move you toward a healthier, more grounded lifestyle.

One of the phrases I often share with my clients is:

“Your body is the temple of your soul — treat it as such.”

The journey to holistic health isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being curious, compassionate, and committed to listening to what your body is trying to tell you.