Root Cause Consultation

The term ‘holistic’ and holistic health has been used for many years. Holistic medicine traditions began thousands of years ago and is not a new concept. By definition, it simply means “relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts” (Mirriam-Webster.com).  As a nurse, I have been trained in the holistic mindset to where we should see each patient, client and individual as a whole person and treat them as such, rather than just focusing on symptoms or diagnoses.  While this is taught to us in nursing, unfortunately this has not been truly carried out in real life practice.  The western medical model and conventional medicine continue to focus on symptoms and just relieving them with temporary means, rather than getting to the root issue.  That being said, over the course of the previous several years, many practitioners and professionals are working with the holistic mindset more and more.  We need to acknowledge that at the root of dysfunction there is always a reason and that it affects multiple systems in our bodies because we have been created to be interconnected.  God made us to be connected in the body of Christ as well. He gave us the outline to follow to be sure we are healthy of mind, body and spirit.

“From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love,” Ephesians 4:16

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Many groups understand this and operate in this arena.  It is very attractive to those who have seen the detrimental effects of medication and the medical community, or just simply understand the necessity of providing the body with what it needs, not just what works to relieve symptoms.  Either way, I find the need to caution you that not every measure that follows the claim of holistic health is necessarily the best for us.  Yes, as mentioned, God has created us to be whole, but whole in Him, not chasing after other methods that do not align with His order.  When you are seeking after holistic measures, be sure to read between the lines and truly understand the root of the method and the goal.  

The traditions that began thousands of years ago are riddled with practices from Eastern religion, Pegan rituals and others that have been rooted in witchcraft that denies the power of God. There are many subtle ways these methods enter into culture and even church life.  We have to be very careful to avoid the appearance and guard our own hearts from these influences. There are many references within God’s word that warns us against sorcery, witchcraft, divination and the like.  While some of what I will be showing you may not come out and show itself as obvious sorcery, we need to use discernment and test the spirit, as 1 John 4:1 says: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

‘So, what’s the big deal,’ you might ask, ‘isn’t holistic medicine the way to go?’ The idea of it, yes.  But let me take a moment and give you a glimpse of a few practices that you should be cautious of participating in as a disciple of Christ.

• Acupuncture: Originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy (qi) and address conditions like pain, stress, and digestive issues.
  • Its foundational principles are rooted in the belief that health depends on the balanced flow of a vital life force called qi (pronounced “chee”) through pathways in the body known as meridians, which focus on interconnectedness between the systems of the body.
  • Its focus is also on yin and yang, expressing a harmony of light and dark, good and evil.
  • While it may seem harmless at first, puncturing and opening the skin in the natural opens up the spirit for evil, unholy things to enter in and/or influence.
• Meditation and mindfulness: Practices to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote emotional balance by thinking inwardly, focusing on self.
  • Its focus relies on self-motivation, self-sustaining measures and self-exaltation primarily.
  • While it may seem beneficial to some degree, this practice, when done in this manner, elevates self too much and invites pride.
  • This is one exception that I would consider could be re-routed to use that focus on God and His precepts, instead of simply looking to self. Scripture repeats many times on the importance of meditating on the Word of God to strengthen us and keep us centered.
• Yoga: Combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to enhance flexibility, strength, and mental well-being, outside of God as source and center.
  • It has been noted by those who previously were in the new age lifestyle and have since found the Lord that each position of yoga mimics that of ancient pagan gods. While this may seem harmless at first, practicing those positions in the natural can open the spirit to receive and be influenced by those evil spiritual beings.
  • Making an alternative to Christian music and Scripture should not be acceptable. It’s not just about the focus, but also about the physical movements.
  •  Would you want to mimic the positions of ancient gods or continue to pursue the Lord and look more like Jesus? 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes this process that the more we behold the glory of the Lord, the more we are transformed into His image. We were created by Him, for Him and for our worship to be to Him!

These are just a few to mention about modalities and treatments you may come across as you search or hear about holistic health. There is a common theme between them – they all seek to find solutions OUTSIDE of God’s will and way. God created us and He sustains us as we depend upon Him and His ways. Hebrews 1:3 expresses that Jesus upholds “all things by the word of His power.” God is well aware of the environment and what is happening in the world. Whatever we are facing, whatever trial we may be going through, He knows every detail. So, when it comes to our health, He should be our source for wisdom, strength, healing and refreshment. There is no other source for us to find true healing!

So, as you find various modalities, I encourage you to take a moment and pray through if they are the right route for you to take. As Christians, we are to avoid the appearance of evil and to be aware of the schemes of the enemy. Satan will mask as an angel of light – deceiving someone into thinking something is good when he truly has an evil plan. He did it to Adam and Eve in the garden, now is no different. He pulls the same tricks. That being said, when it comes to this arena, take a moment to use discernment. Ask yourself:

• Does this method point to God or something else?
• Does it focus on looking to and depending upon God, or a different source?
• Is there focus on ‘me’ and self-talk, or is it centered on prayer and seeking God’s will and design for my life?
• Is there potential for me to open myself up to something unclean, unholy and apart from God’s plan?

We would not (hopefully) willingly put ourselves into harm’s way. That is why this is especially an area that needs to be treaded carefully and thought through before just jumping into. There is a challenge when there are so many who are selling supplements, products and more with many claims for a better life, but at times do not have the necessary training to know how it works on the body. We have each been uniquely designed by God with a purpose. We are all dealing with various health conditions and not all will be affected the same by the same product. Therefore, once again, take a moment to identify the motivation:

• Am I just looking for a ‘quick fix’ or do I really want to see change?
• Do I trust this company, person, etc. that is pushing this product?
• Is there a health professional that could help me navigate this for my own health?

While there are plenty of ‘snake oil’ scenarios within the holistic health genre that are not proven to be safe and effective, there are still plenty of options that are proven to be safe and seek to identify root causes, which we should be looking for.  If there is any imbalance, deficiency, condition, illness, symptom or group of symptoms in our body that needs to be addressed, this should be done methodically and with care. Just throwing a product or treatment may not be enough and will sometimes cover up what needs to be identified and dealt with. Here are some clues to what you should be looking for when finding what is needed for your health journey:

• Root Cause Approaches – Functional Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Naturopathy: These seek to find true answers uncovering symptoms including taking an extensive medical history, using testing that reveals true answers and following guidelines that use natural, God-given strategies for true healing.
  • Using nutrition and lifestyle evaluation, these modalities are seeking to find the reason for symptoms and illness, rather than just covering them up. Additionally, using herbal/botanical solutions are helpful as well to activate the body’s natural healing process.
• Aromatherapy: With use of essential oils, this modality works to complement the root cause approach. This should not be stand alone, but to coincide with use of testing, supplements as needed and so forth. Oils are used topically to help with the process.
• Chiropractic Care: Focuses on spinal adjustments and musculoskeletal alignment to improve nervous system function, reduce pain, and enhance overall health.
  • We are only given one body, one back to steward. It is vital to keep our backs aligned and strengthened as this is connected to our nervous system. Routine adjustments are very important for optimal health.
  • Typically, if surgery is used to correct something with the back, many do not find lasting relief. Ideally, preventing injury with proper positioning and regular adjustments for maintenance could potentially save from having to have surgery or live in discomfort.

Many seek out holistic health measures for various reasons. Ultimately, either they want to help resolve a health condition without conventional means or they want to prevent problems and provide natural solutions for their body. In any case, there should be forethought in deciding on any modality used to prevent and treat illness. Stewarding our bodies should be priority, with the focus on wisdom from God, the One who made us. Here are tips for you as you navigate how to know what you are seeing is on the right track:

• Identify if it aligns with God’s design for healing to truly nourish the body.
  • If there are elements that may cause harm or mimic something ungodly, seriously pray for the right direction.
• For what is best for your body and life, avoid just finding a quick fix.
  • There is always a root cause. If that is not identified, the problem will continue without resolve. Finding the root cause creates a path to healing and restoration.
• If gravitating toward herbals, oils and the like, be sure to use it as an additional measure and not the only measure.
  • If your body is lacking vital nutrients that are causing the symptoms and/or disorders, they will need to be replaced with quality sources.
  • If there is inflammation, infection or another disruption that is causing the symptoms, this needs to addressed to stop the cycle of harm.
• For stress management and stretching, choose practices and movements that glorify the Lord and extend the body’s natural process.
  • Living a lifestyle of prayer and devotion to Jesus will make room for discernment, wisdom and understanding to find the right path for your life. God gives peace that passes understanding and joy that runs deeper than any temporary experience.
  • To download a FREE PDF on devotional practices that glorify God, email me at rachel.rootcause@gmail.com with the subject “Devotion to Jesus Free Guide.”

“Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil. It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts] and refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones,” Proverbs 3:5-8