ALLEGANY COLLEGE OF MARYLAND

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH PROJECT

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Guiding Principles (7 Pillars) for Allegany College’s Integrative Health Education Model are:

1. UNIQUENESS

We believe that every person experiences health and healing

differently according to their biochemical makeup, their beliefs,

their personality, and their environment. Good health care

respects this uniqueness and tailors treatment to the individual

and their social context.

2. HOLISM

We believe in caring for the whole person (mind, body, and

spirit) so that balance can be restored and the bodies natural

healing capacity can be utilized. Healing is viewed as a process

of moving towards wholeness and the power to heal is acknowledged

to be within everyone.

3. HEALING PARTNERSHIPS

We believe that healing is a collaborative partnership that

unites health care professionals, patients, their families,

communities, society, and spiritual sources of strength within

a context of hope and possibility. Belief, expectations,

compassion, and acceptance are all mobilized to enhance and

develop a healing environment.

4. SELF-CARE

We believe that the foundation of health care is self-care and

that the primary role of health care professionals is to serve as

guides and teachers. We encourage people to take responsibility

for their health through self-awareness, healthy lifestyles, and

regular practice of self-care techniques.

5. OPENNESS TO CONTRIBUTIONS OF ALL HEALING SYSTEMS

We believe the perspectives and practices of al the great healing

traditions are resources that can be tapped for the promotion of health

and healing. We value not only the modern techniques and research

of Western medicine, but also the accumulated wisdom and experience

of other cultures, folk traditions, and nature.

6. GROUP/SOCIAL SUPPORT

We believe that people do not heal alone. Love, intimacy,

and connection are viewed as powerful factors in health and

are actively engaged to support the healing process.

7. SPIRITUALITY/TRANSFORMATION

We believe that illness can be a doorway to transformation and

a powerful teacher for each person on their spiritual journey.

We recognize that illness is often a signal for change and growth

and we support the potential for healing even when curing is no

longer possible.