Marin County, known for its interest in physical wellness, health food stores, and yoga studios, has an 85-year average life expectancy, compared to a 77-year national average. Many factors contribute to this increased lifespan, such as quality healthcare, clean outdoor spaces, and a population that values an active lifestyle. However, Marin’s longevity may have a lesser-known factor: holistic wellness.
Holistic medicine originates from the Greek word “holos,” meaning whole, and it aims to “understand and treat the whole person from their condition, not just the symptoms.” From Traditional chinese herbs to acupuncture and yoga, Holistic medicine differs from Western or conventional medicine, where medical doctors such as nurses, pharmacists, and psychologists “treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery, according to the National Cancer Institute”
With abundant local holistic healing options, Marin County residents can explore numerous approaches of practices, such as focusing on specific exercise and diet guidelines, taking doses of Chinese medicinal herbs, or seeing acupuncturists, chiropractors, or massage therapists. Many options are available from certified clinicians and professionals with years of experience.
Homebirth midwife and physician assistant Diane Holzer has over 40 years of experience in both holistic and Western practices, working with her clients from childbirth to death in all aspects of care. Holzer carefully respects her clients’ boundaries regarding holistic medicine when beginning a medical journey with new patients.
“The first time I meet a patient, I immediately begin to gauge their openness to more natural treatments and try to adjust my approach to their needs,” Holzer said. “It’s useless to prescribe someone Chinese herbs if they don’t believe they might work, because they’re either not going to do it, or they’re going to say it doesn’t work.”
People newly learning about holistic medicine may be cautious towards its practice and deem it pseudoscientific due to its lack of “robust evidence or logical method of action.” Holzer understands her clients’ hesitation and aims to support them despite common concerns in whichever direction of medical assistance they choose.
“I work with almost every kind of specialist you can think of: acupuncturists, chiropractors, homeopathics, massage therapists, yoga teachers…the whole lot of them,” Holzer said. “Every patient comes into my office with a different problem. Whether it’s a 70-year-old man with chronic pain or a family trying to get pregnant, I want to give them every option available for success.”
One of the most ancient forms of present-day holistic medicine comes from Asia, and is now an internationally accepted form of treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine has origins dating back to 200 BCE when forms of herbal medicine were theorized, diagnosed, and treated in classical Chinese texts. This practice has been a longstanding tradition in Marin County and continues to thrive through its practitioners.
Andrew Radar, a licensed acupuncturist and hypnotherapist, holds a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Science from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. With over 35 years of experience in holistic medicine, Radar has seen his practice have lasting impacts on his clients.
“Many of my clients come to me as a last resort, after seeking relief from medications or over-the-table drugs to no avail. Compared to traditional Western medicine, herbal remedies often show surprisingly positive results for people,” Radar said.
Chinese medicinal herbs are usually prescribed when specialists look at bodily extremities and their features, such as the whiteness of fingernails, how warm the center of the stomach feels, and whether the tongue is gray or red-tinted. Radar uses these indicators to curate the correct blend of natural herbs for his clients.
“My favorite part of the job is watching the physical indicators change with the client’s overall well-being,” Radar said. “Not only does the tongue become more red and the stomach feels warmer, but the person seems to glow a little brighter than before.”
When working within holistic medicine, many practitioners believe it is important to focus on the individual’s daily habits, such as healthy movement and quality food choices. Lesley Desaulniers, a yoga teacher and founder of Padma Studio in Fairfax and San Anselmo, understands the impact of a consistent yoga practice.
“My personal practice has really transformed over the years,” Desaulniers said. “I used to go down to the basement and spend an hour on the mat before the rest of my day began. I didn’t realize how much of an impact it made on me until I noticed that my body, mind, and soul felt more connected and at peace.”
Yoga can improve overall mental and physical health. With a focus on deep breathing and a balance of physical exertion and rest, numerous studies have shown a correlation between practicing yoga and longevity, stronger physical abilities, and overall happiness.
“The yoga practice is like a microcosm of our actual lives, and anything that comes up on the mat inevitably comes up in everyday life,” Desaulniers said. “If there’s a pose you find really challenging, do you decide to hide in the bathroom during it, or do you try to push yourself to improve?”
Whether someone ventures into holistic practices instead of Western medicine is entirely personal. However, traditional healing and holistic medicine could be an option for personal health and wellness in Marin. With an abundance of support from professionals spanning from experienced yoga teachers to certified doctors, residents can be sure that their health is in good hands.
