Holistic medicine

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Holistic Medicine

Holistic medicine (pronunciation: hoh-LIS-tik MED-uh-sin) is a form of healing that considers the whole person -- body, mind, spirit, and emotions -- in the quest for optimal health and wellness.

Etymology

The term "holistic" comes from the Greek word "holos," which means "whole." The term "medicine" comes from the Latin word "medicina," which means "the healing art."

Definition

According to the holistic medicine philosophy, one can achieve optimal health -- the primary goal of holistic medicine practice -- by gaining proper balance in life. Holistic medicine practitioners believe that the whole person is made up of interdependent parts and if one part is not working properly, all the other parts will be affected. In this way, if people have imbalances (physical, emotional, or spiritual) in their lives, it can negatively affect their overall health.

Related Terms

  • Alternative Medicine: Any of a range of medical therapies that are not regarded as orthodox by the medical profession, such as herbalism, homeopathy, and acupuncture.
  • Integrative Medicine: A healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies.
  • Homeopathy: A system of alternative medicine created in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, based on his doctrine of like cures like, a claim that a substance that causes the symptoms of a disease in healthy people would cure similar symptoms in sick people.
  • Acupuncture: A form of alternative medicine and a key component of traditional Chinese medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body.
  • Naturopathy: A system of alternative medicine based on the theory that diseases can be successfully treated or prevented without the use of drugs, by control of diet, exercise, and massage.

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