Holistic in its simplest form means "whole". The term "holistic" is very popular today but it dates back to Hippocrates who knew it was necessary to understand how the human body worked and how it related to its environment. Today, homeopaths, naturopaths, herbalists and acupuncturists all subscribe to that logical way of thinking and treat patients as a whole, without addressing the obvious symptom or the disease itself but by examining a person's multidimensional aspects.
Holistic medicine recognizes that an individual is more than just the sum of his parts; he is made up of physical, mental, emotional aspects as well as influenced by predispositions, diet, lifestyle and relationships. All of these elements work together to create a living person and that is what holistic treatments focus on, the entire person. A disease is never manifested on only one level or a single part of the body; all planes of a person are affected when a disease or imbalance is expressed. When a treatment path follows the same course, that all human levels are addressed, a disease is cured permanently.
Holistic treatments aim to achieve a positive state of wellness within each person - so that one's body, mind and spirit are in harmonious balance. It is a very respectful way of thinking and one that educates a client on their diseased state as well as on obstacles that may stand in their way of total health. A frame of mind and new habits are incorporated that allow healing to take place and wellbeing to return. The potential for healing ultimately lies with each person; the practitioner is a catalyst for change and a supportive member of the client's life. The practitioner is responsible for creating the proper conditions for the client's recovery. The treatment encourages the healing process to begin, the experience itself does not "heal", it simply creates the foundation through which self-healing can occur.