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.