Goals of Healing

When we're thinking about where healing comes from (is it divine? is it scientific?), we often think about results.

And this, then, begs another sticky and yet valuable question: What is the goal? Is the goal of health to get better and not be sick? Is the goal to improve the quality of life? Is the goal to not die?

If we can’t agree on exactly where healing comes from, it would seem we could agree on a goal, and yet here I notice there are differences, too. It seems that the different types of health care professionals in our culture have different goals:

Allopathic doctors and nurses, for instance, have the goal to heal the disease and save the life. This is a linear, streamlined approach and while it is lacking in key concepts such as the mind-body connection and personal empowerment, it is a powerful and often effective form of healing. Most doctors hone in on the specific medications, procedures, equipment, and protocols necessary to heal wounds and reverse disease.

Holistic practitioners, on the other hand, have the goal to heal the person and save the quality of life. This is a cyclical approach, and while it is lacking in key concepts such as emergency measures and streamlined technology, it is also a powerful and often effective form of healing.  Most holistic practitioners, while working to heal wounds and reverse disease, address a palette of topics including lifestyle choices, mental health and stress, and nutrition.

Balancing Allopathic and Holistic Work

I think both allopathic and holistic practitioners can capitalize on what they do best and accomplish their goals by using what I call the Priorities of Care, a short list that—surprisingly—does not begin with “fix the problem.” You’ll find these in the next blog installment.