After all, is holistic therapy the same thing as spiritism?

Holistic therapy and spiritualism are familiar to each other because they both work with the energies of the universe, people, plants and so on. Because of this, it's normal for people to confuse one with the other, and this is for a few specific reasons.

In spiritist centers, mediums practice the "spirit pass", which is the laying on of hands on an individual to donate bioenergy with the help of a spirit of light to help cure an illness. This practice is based on fraternity and helping others, which is different from therapy.

Unlike spiritism, which is considered a religion by some people and a philosophy of life by others, holistic therapies deal with spirituality and can work with past lives. Read this article to find out more about the differences between holistic therapy and spiritism and how they work.

Understanding holistic therapy

Nowadays, the number of people looking for therapies, new lifestyles and beliefs that prioritize mental and emotional health has increased. If you're interested in learning more about holistic therapy and spiritualism, read the topics below and find out about their characteristics, similarities, how it works, and more.

What is holistic therapy?

Holistic therapy is a set of natural therapeutic techniques with the aim of caring for mental and emotional health, considering that all living beings, including humans, are more than the physical body. Health and well-being are related to the emotional, spiritual, social, mental and energetic.

Therefore, if one of these areas is out of balance, especially the energetic and spiritual, the other bodies are affected in some way. Each therapeutic technique focuses more on one area, so if the person has problems with their energy, one of the therapies will treat this, curing the side effects in the other areas that the energetic problem brings.

The word "holistic" comes from the Greek "holos", which means "whole" or "entire", and is a concept that shows that everything is connected, even if each thing has its own distinct function. It is a system that cannot be defined solely by the sum of its parts.

In short, holistic therapy takes into account each factor responsible for the well-being of each individual, because one affects the other. The health of the human being is the sum of the set of emotions, thoughts and beliefs and takes into account the person's past, such as traumas, achievements, points of view, among others.

What is spiritism?

Spiritism is a religious and philosophical doctrine whose main approach is spiritual evolution through reincarnation. Despite embracing the precepts of other religions, Spiritism has its own particularities.

This doctrine uses the Bible as a tool for study, since there are passages that refer to the spirit world, but it also has its own books, usually psychographed by spirits who have already passed through the planet, reporting on life and experiences on the other plane.

In Spiritism, Jesus Christ is the superior spirit assigned to take care of planet Earth and the evolution of all beings who pass through it until they reach perfection. Unlike Christianity, there is no belief in a supernatural birth of Jesus.

The relationship between holistic therapy and spiritism

Although they are different from each other, there are some links between holistic therapy and spiritism, the main one being that they both use the energies of the universe or nature to cure some illness. However, the treatment of physical and psychological illnesses with earthly medicine should not be replaced, but treated together.

Holistic therapy and spiritism work with treatments for mental, emotional, spiritual, energetic, environmental and social cures, but in different ways. Even though each has specific characteristics, one can use some of the other's techniques to complement the cures.

Similarities

There are similarities between some holistic therapy practices and spiritism, for example, the use of plants, universal energy or past lives to treat the energy field or overcome an individual's trauma. This is because energy manipulation and spiritual cleansing are carried out.

Holistic therapy and spiritism are based on spirituality, practicing the care of an individual as a whole, especially the spirit, without discarding science. Another practice that they both resemble is apometry, which consists of the unfolding of the spirit to find a cure on the spiritual plane.

Differences

While holistic therapy focuses more on the use of spirituality and energies to help people heal and feel better, spiritism is a belief, focused on reincarnation and spiritual evolution to reach the state of pure spirit, or perfect spirit.

Holistic therapy works with spirituality and can be used or practiced by anyone, whether religious or atheist, while spirituality encompasses beliefs and the search for a connection with something greater that brings meaning to life, and is individual to each individual.

What is holistic therapy for?

Holistic therapy looks for the roots of problems in order to change toxic patterns of thought, belief and behavior, as well as unbalanced energies, in order to take care of health. Because it doesn't just treat symptoms or is a reactive treatment, other illnesses and problems are avoided.

With the help of various types of techniques, holistic therapy is able to treat people's various problems and help find balance between all the bodies (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual). Therefore, therapy and its range of benefits should be taken seriously.

Therefore, holistic therapy serves to reconnect with your essence and spirituality, have healthier thoughts and relationships, get rid of blockages, traumas and negative beliefs, bring balance between the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies, as well as learning to deal with conflicts.

How does holistic therapy work?

Holistic therapy works according to the technique used to treat the individual. Some of the main elements used are plant and crystal energies, cosmic energies, specific points on the physical body and, above all, self-knowledge.

Most people are used to putting all their attention on what's going on outside themselves, such as gossip, bad news, events at work, and so on. What's more, when they get sick, they quickly resort to taking medication to relieve the symptoms.

When people turn to holistic therapy to complement their medical treatment, they can find the root of various problems and pains they are experiencing. With self-knowledge exercises, it is possible to understand the signals that the body transmits, as well as learn about one's own fears, traumas and the origin of certain beliefs and thoughts.

Main benefits of holistic therapy

Each technique brings various benefits to a person's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and well-being in a natural way. Find out what the main benefits of holistic therapy are by reading the following topics.

It is a complete and individual treatment

Depending on the problem an individual has, their treatment will be different from that of another person, even if they both have the same symptoms, such as feelings of fear and stress. There are various factors that make human beings feel stressed and afraid, for example, some negative event in childhood.

It is possible to carry out more than one treatment at the same time, because holistic therapy is complete and individual. If a person is in pain and the medication isn't having the expected effect, therapy can be of great help. This pain could be caused by anxiety or stress - there are many possibilities.

Provides balance between body, mind and soul

When a therapist indicates one or more specific treatments for the problems and pains that the individual has or is going through, depending on the technique, it provides balance between body, mind and soul. With this, as well as improving quality of life, it can open up areas that were previously blocked.

Helps treat stress, anxiety and depression

Some techniques help to treat stress, anxiety and depression by bringing out information and limiting beliefs from the subconscious. By changing negative patterns, this improves mental and emotional health.

Provides emotional intelligence and self-knowledge

Self-knowledge is important for getting to know oneself and identifying what needs to be improved or dealt with. It also provides emotional intelligence, helping the individual to control their own emotions and impulses in order to deal with life's various situations and conflicts.

Encourages a change in lifestyle

When an individual tries one of the holistic therapy techniques and feels its benefits acting on their body and their life, their perceptions of the world change. They change their lifestyle, their diet, some beliefs and their care for their own health.

It's a natural and non-invasive treatment

Holistic therapy does not use chemical substances or conventional medicines, but plants, energetic fluids and other natural elements. Because of this, it is a natural and non-invasive treatment, respecting the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and energetic bodies, causing little or no side effects.

Promotes longevity

Holistic therapy encourages people to adopt healthier habits to improve their health and quality of life, promoting longevity. With the increase in cases of physical illness, anxiety, depression and the side effects of traditional medicines, the demand for alternative and natural therapies has increased, with the aim of treating health as a whole.

Improves sleep quality

All types of holistic therapy promote emotional balance and relaxation, which results in improved sleep quality, as well as other benefits that come from a good night's sleep. This way, you wake up with more energy and willingness to enjoy the day.

Main types of holistic therapy

You just need to identify which treatment is right for your problem with the help of a professional therapist. To do this, you just need to want to improve your quality of life by identifying any traumas or blockages you may have at the moment. Here's a look at the main types of holistic therapy and which ones you're interested in.

Reiki

Reiki is a type of therapy that originated in Japan and consists of the laying on of hands to rebalance the chakras of a person or oneself using the energies of the universe. It helps restore vital energy, brings well-being, reduces fatigue and improves mental health.

It is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is applied in the Unified Health System (SUS). Reiki is applied by a reiki master and can help treat anxiety, depression, heart disease, fatigue, chronic pain, cancer, among others.

Radionics Table

The Radionics Table is a type of energy rebalancing treatment that helps to alter the vibrational field of a person, animal, plant, object or environment. Using a pendulum or other small object, the therapist picks up radiation and changes the energy field to bring balance to different areas of life.

It is indicated for treating the energies of an environment, conflicts in any relationship, energetic cleansing, lack of confidence, transmuting conscious and unconscious blockages that may have their origin in the current life or in past lives.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy in which several fine needles are used at specific points on the body to improve the individual's physical and emotional health. Depending on what the patient is feeling, the therapist will place a certain amount of needles in certain parts of the body.

This practice is based on the belief and study of the energies of the human being, that if a meridian (energy channels through the body) is unbalanced in any part, it triggers pain and disorders. It can help treat orthopaedic pain, sciatica, sleep disorders, emotional disorders, chronic pain, headaches, knee pain, cramps, among others.

Yoga

Yoga is a well-known practice where people perform certain body positions that are in tune with their breathing, with the aim of working on the mind and body in an interconnected way. This type of therapy helps to control stress and anxiety, as well as improving mood and back pain.

However, yoga shouldn't be practiced alone, you need the guidance of a qualified teacher to avoid any problems and it should be done regularly. Other benefits are better control of the mind over the body, control of blood pressure and good functioning of the heart and lungs.

Meditation

To achieve a state of mindfulness, meditation uses concentration exercises with a focus on breathing in order to be present in the present moment. In this way, it is possible to balance emotions and thoughts, increasing the perception of the mind and what is happening around it.

This ancient technique helps to slow down, releasing accelerated and repetitive thoughts, anxiety and stress. This slowdown makes the individual perceive things that they couldn't before. In traditional meditation, a focus of attention is used to concentrate, whether it's breathing, a mantra, a sound or a syllable, over and over again.

Floral Therapy

Flower Therapy is a therapeutic process that uses the natural essence of flowers and plants to treat cases of emotional imbalance such as fear, insecurity, hopelessness, despair, excessive worry, loss of interest, among other problems.

Flower essences act through water, carrying information and energies to the patient. The therapist indicates the correct amount of drops to be diluted in a glass of water to be consumed throughout the day. There is no set time for flower essences to take effect, it depends on each person.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a technique that uses the particles released by the essential oils of plants and flowers to stimulate parts of the brain in order to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and respiratory problems. It also helps with relaxation, memory stimulation and reduces muscle pain.

Blending oils and essences extracted from various plants and other plant compounds is an ancient practice with the aim of promoting well-being and improving the health of the physical and mental body. For example, orange essential oil helps to reduce anxiety.

Mint essential oil reduces stress when inhaled, as it discourages the brain from releasing cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, as well as reducing fatigue. Cinnamon oil, on the other hand, reduces frustration, increases concentration and focus, as it nourishes the part of the brain that governs attention.

Phytotherapy

Phytotherapy prevents and treats illnesses through remedies made from medicinal plants, flowers and seeds. It is the oldest type of natural medicine on the planet, applied mainly in indigenous and African cultures. By making full use of the medicinal power of plants, it acts on physical and emotional health and is found in compounding pharmacies.

Homeopathy

The practice of homeopathy consists of re-establishing the balance of the individual's health by stimulating the organic reaction. The patient uses small doses of this pharmaceutical medicine to avoid intoxication and to encourage their own body and immune system to be more active.

Homeopathic remedies are prepared with plant, mineral, animal and synthetic extracts based on the dilution and suction of the mixture of these extracts. To consume one of these remedies, you need to go through a homeopathic doctor who will analyze your lifestyle, eating habits, preferences, personality, temperament, sleep patterns and medical history.

Thetahealing

Thetahealing is a technique that can be done online, a good opportunity for those who don't have the time to travel to a location or for those who are shy. Although this technique is done over the internet, some modalities require video calls.

At the time of the consultation, the therapist analyzes the person's current moment and past moment in order to apply the technique. Thetahealing treats the patient with energy therapy techniques together with meditation to identify limiting beliefs and transmute them.

Family Constellation

Family constellation is a type of therapy that has gained prominence because of its group dynamics, where participants interpret and act out the patient's family history, like a theater. In this way, it is possible to identify the cause of problems, conflicts and difficulties in family relationships.

Massage therapy

There is a set of massage techniques called Massotherapy, each with a different focus and benefits that improve mental and physical health, bringing relaxation and relieving muscle and back pain. Another advantage of this therapy is that it improves mood and can be used as an aid to any medical treatment.

Massage therapy breaks down muscle tension, stimulates blood circulation and promotes a feeling of well-being. People who have a lot of stress or anxiety, work a lot, have poor posture, sleep disorders or other similar problems can book an appointment with a massage therapist to apply the best technique for their case.

Further information about holistic therapy

After learning about the different types and techniques of holistic therapy, you'll want to try some of them, but you have to be careful not to book a session with a therapy that won't help your case. Read on for more information about holistic therapy.

What's the difference between a holistic therapist and a spirit medium?

To be a holistic therapist, you don't need specific training to apply techniques that work with natural and universal energies, as the profession is not regulated by federal law. However, it is important to seek training through courses so that you can carry out treatments correctly and appropriately for each client.

Spirit mediums have different functions to holistic therapists, although some of their activities are similar or they can use certain techniques. The medium is the intermediary between the spiritual and material worlds, incorporating a spirit of light to assist people, apply passes and help with their spiritual and moral evolution.

Who is holistic therapy suitable for?

All types of holistic therapy use elements of natural and energetic origin. They are non-invasive and help with relaxation, well-being, the healing of physical pain, anxiety, trauma and other problems. This way, people change their pattern of life by adopting healthier habits.

So, holistic therapy can be indicated for anyone, of any age, of any belief, although it is most suitable for those who are experiencing emotional or psychological problems or who need help with traditional medical treatment.

Which type of holistic therapy to choose?

The type of holistic therapy to be chosen should be the one that the therapist indicates according to the analysis he or she makes of the patient's behavior, beliefs and life. There is no ready-made method for choosing one, each type has its own form of application and treatment that are suited to certain problems.

How to have a holistic therapy session?

To have a holistic therapy session, you need to make an appointment with a holistic therapist to gather information about your behavior, beliefs, patterns, relationships, where and how you work, what you're feeling, etc. This will indicate the best type of therapy to treat your problems, the cost of the session and the days of the appointment.

Contraindications and precautions with holistic therapy

Although most therapies have no contraindications or restrictions, some cannot be applied to everyone. For example, massage therapy may require medical approval, or there may be cases in which it should be discarded.

If the person has a diagnosis of previous health conditions such as bleeding, infectious fevers, thrombosis, fractures, recent burns, severe mental disorders and calcium deficiency, the application of massage therapy or other massage therapy techniques should be canceled.

Enjoy all the benefits of holistic therapy!

People of any age and of any religious or philosophical belief can take advantage of most holistic therapy techniques to improve their health and quality of life. In addition, self-knowledge is a powerful tool for discovering more about yourself, as well as being able to connect with yourself and spirituality.

Being in balance with yourself and the universe develops emotional intelligence, you learn to deal better with conflictive situations, you manage to control your emotions better and have less negative thoughts. It's even possible to change your diet to a more natural and healthy one.

There are many benefits and transformations that the types of holistic therapy can bring to each individual's life. It doesn't matter if the sessions are done at home or in a clinic, the important thing is to choose a professional you can trust and who will indicate the best technique for the problems you have.