The Holistic Approach - Ancient Greeks

The Holistic Approach

It all began with the ancient Greeks.

The ancient Greeks and their understanding of health and disease was based on the theory of the four “humors”, which translates to fluids. These include blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile, these would be equivalent to the four elements, earth, wind, fire and water; along with the four corresponding qualities; hot, dry, humid and cold.

Pythagoreans advocated that one’s health was a condition of harmony and the perfect equilibrium of bodily fluids. Illness is a result of when this balance is upset; therefore, it is best to practice a lifestyle/way of life that does not interfere with this fluid balance in the body.

But as we know and as the ancient Greeks also recognised that this was somewhat difficult and that external factors where a major cause to this unbalance. The best way to counteract this was by concentration on physical and nutritional needs. The Greek word “hygieia” translates to health which embraces contentment and completeness.

Hippocrates the father of medicine and his teachings advocated the importance of equilibrium between the external and internal factors; which is still relevant and practiced in modern medicine today. Health professionals today are big advocates of regular exercise, which could be as simple as walking and a correct diet, this can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. Their health education was based on holistic principles and the incorporation of both social and the physical environment.

We as individuals and our health professionals today recognise the importance of diet and exercise to maintain that balance for a healthy lifestyle. This is to counter act the affect of social factors which can lead to serious disease, stress and anxiety.

These foundations and teachings have been carried through the generations, its important for each and everyone of us to embrace this way of life.

Clean living, clean food and simplicity.