All about holistic approaches to managing chronic conditions

Written in association with: Dr Siobhan Graham
Published: | Updated: 01/07/2024
Edited by: Conor Lynch

Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and heart disease requires more than just medication. Holistic approaches, which consider the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—can be highly effective in improving overall health and quality of life.

 

These methods aim to address the root causes of conditions, promote self-care, and integrate various forms of treatment to achieve optimal health outcomes. Here to delve a little bit more into detail about this topic is Dr Siobhan Graham, an esteemed private GP in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 

What does holistic health encompass?

Holistic health is based on the principle that physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors all play a crucial role in an individual's well-being. By considering these interconnected elements, holistic approaches aim to create a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Here are some key components of holistic health:

 

  1. Nutrition and diet
  2. Physical activity
  3. Mind-body practices
  4. Alternative therapies
  5. Emotional and mental health
  6. Sleep and rest
  7. Social and spiritual well-being

 

How can a holistic approach be combined with conventional medicine?

While holistic approaches offer many benefits, they should be integrated with conventional medical treatments for chronic conditions. It is important to work with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive care plan that includes both traditional and holistic methods. Open communication with your healthcare team ensures that all aspects of your health are considered and managed effectively.

 

What health conditions typically need to be treated with a holistic approach?

Conditions such as chronic anxiety, depression, insomnia, diabetes, heart conditions, debilitating arthritis, and high blood pressure can all be treated effectively via a holistic approach.

 

To book an appointment with Dr Siobhan Graham, visit her Top Doctors profile today. 

By Dr Siobhan Graham
GP (general practitioner)

Dr Siobhan Graham is a distinguished private general practitioner (GP) with a special interest in sports medicine, who specialises in general health screening, women's health, joint injections, blood tests, lifestyle medicine, sports injuries, and sports medicine. She is the founder and current director of the Vitalis Health Belfast clinic, where she currently practises. 

She is highly regarded for her empathetic patient interactions and her ability to diagnose and manage a variety of medical conditions effectively. Dr Graham completed her medical training at a prestigious institution, where she developed a strong foundation in various medical disciplines. Her commitment to ongoing education ensures that she stays updated with the latest advancements in medical science, allowing her to offer the best possible care to her patients.

In her practice, Dr Graham emphasises preventive medicine, encouraging patients to engage in healthy lifestyles to avert potential health problems. She conducts thorough health assessments, including routine check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations, tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Other than the areas of expertise highlighted above, Dr Graham is also an expert when it comes to chronic disease management, mental health, and paediatric care.

She works closely with patients to develop personalised treatment plans that address their specific conditions, whether managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, or providing support for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Her holistic approach to medicine involves considering all aspects of a patient's health, including physical, emotional, and social factors.

Impressively, Dr Graham has practised medicine for over 22 years in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Central America. She possesses over 18 years of experience carrying out joint injections and minor surgery to remove moles, cysts, and skin tags. She also speaks Spanish. 

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