East Meets West: Bridging the Gap Between Holistic and Western Medicine

What Does It Mean To Be Truly Healthy?

Is it the absence of disease, the presence of vitality, or a harmonious balance between body, mind, and spirit? Across cultures and histories, the definition of health has varied, shaped by philosophical beliefs, societal norms, and medical paradigms. In the Western world, health is often defined in terms ofmeasurable outcomes and symptom management, whereas Eastern traditions emphasize balance, energy flow, and holistic well-being. At Akhila Health, we recognize the value in both perspectives and strive to integrate them to better serve our communities.

The Western Medical Model: Precision and Pathology

Western medicine, rooted in the scientific revolution, approaches health through the lens of biology and pathology. Its origins are based upon the biomedical model, which posits that identifiable pathogens, viruses, or physical malfunctions cause diseases. As a result, the Western medical model often focuses on managing symptoms or eliminating these causes through interventions like pharmaceuticals, surgeries, and other targeted therapies. This perspective has led to remarkable advancements in treating acute conditions and the development of specialized fields of expertise. However, it often emphasizes disease treatment over prevention and may overlook the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical health.

Eastern Medicine: Harmony and Holistic Healing

In contrast, Eastern medicine—encompassing practices from Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and other ancient systems—views health as a state of balance within the body and between the individual and their environment. In this tradition, illness is understood as a disruption of internal harmony, and healing focuses on restoring that balance through practices such as guided meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and gentle movement like qigong. Eastern approaches extend beyond symptom management by adopting a more comprehensive view of well-being. They prioritize preventative careand consider the individual’s physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, offering personalized treatments that align with each person’s unique constitution and life circumstances

Integrating Traditions: A Holistic Approach to Health

The modern healthcare landscape increasingly recognizes the value of combining the strengths of both Eastern and Western traditions. One key framework that reflects this shift is the biopsychosocial model. This perspective expands upon the traditional biomedical model by considering not only biological factors but also psychological and social influences on health.

Where the biomedical model focuses on identifying and treating physical causes of illness, the biopsychosocial model offers a more comprehensive understanding of overall well-being. It acknowledges that emotional stress, social environments, and individual belief systems all play vital roles in shaping health outcomes. While the biopsychosocial model expands Western medicine’s view by including psychological and social influences, it still does not fully encompass the spiritual dimension emphasized in many Eastern traditions. At Akhila, we take this integration further by embracing the body, mind, and spirit approach reflected in the koshas. This model closely aligns with holistic philosophies and acknowledges the importance of spiritual well-being as a vital component of overall health.

At Akhila Health, we embody this integrative approach. Through our partnerships with shelters and community organizations, we offer a curriculum steeped in the philosophy of the koshas that, in addition to workshop presentations, incorporates modalities such as breathwork, yoga, guided meditation, and somatic practices—all designed to support emotional regulation, stress reduction, and a deeper connection to oneself. These tools not only address symptoms but also help rebuild a sense of safety, agency, and inner balance for women navigating instability or trauma. Learn more about our program here.

Bridging the Gap: Akhila's Commitment to Comprehensive Care

By uniting the strengths of both medical traditions, we offer a more comprehensive approach to health that addresses the multifaceted needs of those we support through our partner organizations. This synergy allows us to honor the cultural and personal narratives of the individuals we serve, fostering a sense of empowerment and agency in their healing journeys.

At Akhila, we believe that proper health encompasses more than just the absence of illness. It involves nurturing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and acknowledging the diverse paths to wellness. By bridging Eastern and Western medical philosophies, we strive to deliver inclusive, compassionate, and effective programs that resonate with the communities we support.

Learn more about Akhila Health at www.akhilahealth.org.