This long but interesting article describes several holistic therapies including yoga, massage, accupuncture, nutrition, and others, and how they may help treat drug or alcohol addictions, eating disorders, stress or even smoking.

When addressing an addiction, all holistic techniques begin with the same basic philosophy: people develop addictions to correct an “imbalance” within them. Addicts become stuck, unaware, and unable to deal with their thoughts, feelings, and actions. They may drink, take drugs, or eat to excess to disassociate from their deficiency. Holistic therapies work to restore balance by connecting mind and body. They take away some of the underlying causes of abuse by helping people become aware of and take responsibility for the way they’ think, feel, and act.

The goal of many holistic therapies is to restore the body to its naturally healthy state. The best treatments are not offered in isolation; they’re carried out with psychotherapy or group therapy–especially when it’s open to the holistic view of treating the entire person, not just the addiction–and other holistic therapies.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 30 Apr 2004
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.