Clinical practice focuses mainly on somatic aspects of health – physical activity, diet, and lab test results. Although these are important elements of prevention and treatment, they do not fully encompass the definition of health.
A disruption of this balance may manifest in non-specific ways, such as chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, increased muscle tension or low mood.
Cause of these symptoms is often no clearly defined but result from overload of the body’s regulatory systems: the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, the autonomic nervous system and the immune system.
Modern medicine increasingly integrates multidisciplinary approaches, taking into account both symptomatic treatment and methods that support adaptive mechanisms.
If you notice symptoms such as chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating or other signs of systemic overload, don’t postpone your consultation. In the Polish medical clinic in London, doctors and therapists combine clinical knowledge with practices supporting health from a functional and regulatory perspective.
As part of the care, we offer consultations with an internal medicine doctor, neurologist, dietitian and reflexologist. Each specialist works in line with current medical knowledge, taking into account the impact of lifestyle, stress and environment on the body.
In the following sections of the article, we will discuss how to recognise early signs of overload, which compensatory mechanisms are worth supporting, and how to implement practical strategies that improve our body’s functioning in modern-day stress.
Definition of a holistic approach to health
A holistic approach to health is based on the assumption that a human being is a whole –the unity of body, mind and spirit. This philosophy views health in a comprehensive way, taking into account physical, psychological and emotional aspects of life.
Unlike approaches that focus solely on treating disease symptoms, holistic health emphasises the underlying causes of problems and their prevention.
In practice the holistic perspective does not separate the areas of our life but treats them as interconnected. For example, psychological stress can affect physical health, and lack of physical activity can reduce emotional well-being. The key is striving for harmony between different aspects of life.
Holistic health draws from various traditions, such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and Western integrative medicine. It also promotes conscious daily choices – a balanced diet, physical activity, mindfulness and caring for relationships. This approach encourages us to view ourselves as a whole and understand that health is not just the absence of disease but also vitality and inner balance.
Key pillars of the holistic approach to health
A holistic approach is built on harmony between different areas of human life. There are four main pillars that form the foundation of comprehensive self-care:
Physical health
Physical health is the basis of overall well-being. To support it, try:
- engaging in regular physical activity (e.g., walking, yoga, strength training),
- maintaining a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats,
- ensuring adequate sleep (on average 7–9 hours per night),
- undergoing regular preventive check-ups and responding to the body’s signals.
Mental health
Mind plays a crucial role in the overall state of health. To take care of it, try:
- managing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness or deep breathing,
- developing a positive mindset and building emotional resilience,
- seeking support in difficult moments – talking to loved ones or consulting a psychologist,
- finding time for hobbies and rest to balance work and personal life
Social health
As social beings, our relationships significantly influence our well-being. Social health includes:
- building and nurturing relationships with family, friends and colleagues,
- seeking support during challenging times and sharing joyful moments,
- being open to new connections and engaging in community life,
- setting boundaries to avoid toxic situations and conflicts.
Spiritual health
Spiritual health is a sense of meaning and inner harmony. It does not need to be tied to religion –it is about values and one’s view of the world. It can be supported by:
- practising gratitude and appreciating small everyday things
- meditation, yoga or other forms of introspection which help you make a contact with “inner you”
- seeking goals and values that give life meaning
- spending time in nature to regain calm and balance
Why is it worth approaching health holistically?
A holistic approach views a person as a whole – considering the body, mind, emotions and spirit. This perspective is valuable because health is not just the absence of disease but a state of complete harmony that allows us to enjoy life.
The first reason to choose a holistic approach is its comprehensiveness. Focusing solely on physical symptoms often brings only short-term results because it doesn’t address deeper causes. Holistic care goes further – examining how lifestyle, stress, emotions and relationships influence overall health. This makes it easier to identify true source of problems and introduce changes that bring long-term benefits.
Another advantage is prevention. Holistic approach helps prevent disease before it develops. Instead of treating consequences, we focus on maintaining balance – through a healthy diet, physical activity, stress management and spiritual growth. These actions strengthen the body's resilience and ability to cope with challenges.
Holistic health also promotes self-awareness. It teaches us to listen to our body and mind, helping us understand how different aspects of life affect our well-being. We start to see connections – for example, how work-related stress affects sleep quality, and how lack of exercise influences mood. This awareness leads to conscious decisions that enhance well-being.
Finally, holistic approach teaches balance. In a fast-paced, demanding world, it reminds us that life is more than a to-do list. It’s about nurturing relationships, finding moments of peace, developing passions and cultivating values.
Choosing holistic approach gives us more than health – it teaches us how to live in harmony with ourselves and the world around us. It is an investment that pays off in every area of life.
How to implement a holistic approach in everyday life?
Implementing a holistic approach does not require drastic changes – the key lies in small, conscious steps that gradually bring harmony between body, mind and spirit.
Start with physical health, the foundation of overall well-being. A balanced diet, regular physical activity and sufficient sleep are essential. Small changes – such as adding more vegetables to daily meals or taking short walks – can bring surprising results.
Next, focus on mental health. In everyday rush, it's important to find time for relaxation –meditation, deep breathing or reading a favourite book help reduce stress and recharge your inner batteries. Cultivating positive thinking and practising gratitude for little things also makes a difference.
Social relationships are equally important. Time spent with loved ones, conversations with friends and involvement in local initiatives strengthen the sense of belonging and support. It is also important to set boundaries to protect your needs and avoid unhealthy situations.
Holistic approach also includes nurturing the spiritual aspect of life. This can mean something different for each person – contact with nature, prayer, meditation or moments of reflection. What matters is finding what brings peace and a sense of meaning.
The most important element of a holistic lifestyle is flexibility and balance. You don’t need to introduce everything at once – small steps, like five minutes of morning relaxation or swapping one coffee for herbal tea, can be the beginning of meaningful change. Even if some days do not go as planned, the key is to return to practices that support harmony.
Holistic approach to health leads to greater energy, inner peace and a fuller life. It is not just caring for the body, but also for the mind and spirit –a long-term investment in well-being and living in alignment with yourself.
