Holistic

A term describing an integral, inclusive approach, which regards each being, system, or object as more than the sum of its parts. Holism is often associated with medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle. The term can imply a pretechnological lifestyle which uses alternative healing practices vs. contemporary established western practices. Holistic practices deal with the whole person, in which one's entire well-being is analyzed—his/her physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, social, environmental factors, etc.

Although often described as a New Age concept, Eastern, earth-centric, and indigenous peoples have practiced holism for many centuries. The term holism derives from the Greek holos (whole), and was first used by Jan Christian Smuts in his book Holism and Evolution (1926). Smuts states, "Both matter and life consist of unit structures whose ordered grouping produced natural wholes…The rise and self-perfection of wholes in the Whole is the slow but unerring process and goal of this Holistic universe."

The notion prefigures theologian Teilhard de Chardin's theory that the human race is "evolving mentally and socially, towards a final spiritual unity."

Holism is primarily associated with healing processes and advocates patient-centered medicine in which the physician treats the person as a whole being, rather than focusing on a set of symptoms. It promotes preventative medicine by maintaining the health of all aspects of the self—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Generally, however, holistic medicine is simply a generic phrase referring to a variety of healing practices, some beneficial and some questionable.

Alternative therapies normally associated with holistic medicine include:

Acupuncture/acupressure —alleviating pain and increasing immune responses by balancing the flow of vital life energy through twelve major body energy pathways called meridians.

Aromatherapy —the use of essential oil extracts from herbs and plants to treat a wide range of conditions and disorders.

Ayurvedic medicine—an ancient Indian medical practice which treats disease by providing natural therapies designed for particular metabolic types.

Craniosacral therapy—manipulates bones in the skull to treat disorders and improve overall body functioning.

Herbal medicine—including Western, ayurvedic, or Chinese, employs naturally occuring herbal remedies for disorders and diseases.

Homeopathy—the use of non-toxic, extremely diluted, low-cost medicines to treat chronic illness and maintain self-care. Used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide, homeopathy entails a "like curing like" approach to healing.

Osteopathy—treatment of bodily disorders by restoring the structural balance of the musculoskeletal system.

Reiki —the channeling of universal energy to aid in the healing process.

As we enter the 21st century an increasing number of physicians are advocating a holistic approach to health care, emphasizing prevention as well as treatment. Noted published practitioners (and their specialties) include Dean Ornish (reversing heart disease), Deepak Chopra (ayurveda/mind-body), Christiane Northrup (women's health), and Andrew Weil (overall health and preventative medicine).