Holistic medicine is a broadly descriptive term for a healing philosophy that views a patient as a whole person, not as just a disease or a collection of symptoms.

According to the American Holistic Health Association, “holistic health” is “the unlimited and unimpeded free flow of life force energy through body, mind, and spirit.”

It integrates conventional “Western” medicine and alternative therapies to prevent and treat illness. Most importantly, holistic medicine promotes “wellness,” creating habits that will ultimately reduce the need for medical treatment.

Holistic practitioners use a variety of options in diagnosis and treatment of illness, including information on lifestyle changes, alternative medications and therapy, and conventional drugs and surgery. [source: BA Parent]