Holistic health is a practice that recognizes the intricate synergy between the body, mind, and spirit and that health should be perceived in its entirety, with equal attention to physical, psychological, and emotional dimensions.

The term “holistic” dates back over 2,500 years to Hippocrates an advocate of holistic health arguing that the human body operates as a cohesive system of interdependent components, each influencing the other.

The ethos of holistic health is to restore equilibrium across various facets of well-being by considering other factors that may exacerbate a condition (Ventegodt et al, 2007). For instance, stress, a psychological response to life’s challenges, can also trigger physical symptoms like sleep disturbances, appetite changes, digestive issues, fatigue, and muscle pain.

By considering the whole person, holistic health practitioners can tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of an individual, fostering a more personalised and effective path to health and wellness. In the 1970s, practitioners in the health care field began to see the benefits of this and that treating only one symptom at a time did not succeed in improving overall quality of life (Relman, 1979).

The principles of holistic health are rooted in the belief that our bodies possess an inherent ability to heal themselves. Thus, healing commences internally, using the power of the subconscious mind which further empowers individuals to take an active role in their own health journey.

With a deeper understanding of how emotions, thoughts, physical experiences, and spiritual beliefs work together to support behaviour, an individual can find self-acceptance and healing (Latorre, 2000).

Holistic practices such as mindfulness, meditation, hypnosis, acupuncture, massage, reiki, expressive therapies, body movement, breathwork and sound therapies can improve specific health outcomes but also contribute to a greater sense of harmony and fulfilment.

In embracing holistic health, individuals can achieve a more balanced lifestyle, leading to improved health outcomes and a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to their overall well-being. It is a proactive approach that encourages self-care, prevention, and a deeper connection with one’s own body and mind.