Holism (from
ὅλος holos, a Greek word meaning all, entire, total) is the idea that
all the properties of a given system (physical, biological, chemical,
social, economic, mental, linguistic, etc.) cannot be determined or
explained by its component parts alone. Instead, the system as a whole
determines in an important way how the parts behave.
Holistic
health is a philosophy of medical care that views physical and mental
and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally
important approaches to treatment.
The
goal is a wellness that encompasses the entire person, rather than just
the lack of physical pain or disease. This means that not feeling sick,
does not necessarily mean you are well, just that you are between Well
and Sick. When symptoms develop, it is often long after the cause of the
symptoms occurred. It is often used in contrast to the medical model
that focuses on treating symptoms and syndromes without attempting to
address functioning beyond the absence of disease, the Holistic approach
focuses on the cause.
The
holistic process offers individuals the opportunity to be the creators
of their own reality of health, through an understanding of all levels
of health and a balanced lifestyle
