holistic medicine
holistic medicine
Pronunciation
/həˈlɪstɪk ˈmɛdəsɪn/
Breakdown of syllables:
ho (/hə/) - The sound is a schwa, an unstressed vowel sound similar to "uh."
lis (/lɪs/) - A short "i" sound followed by an "l" and an "s."
tic (/tɪk/) - A short "i" sound followed by a "t" and a "k."
med (/mɛd/) - A short "e" sound followed by "d."
i (/ɪ/) - A short "i" sound.
cine (/sɪn/) - A short "i" sound followed by "s" and "n."
Word Form Variations
Noun (Singular): holistic medicine
Noun (Plural): holistic medicines
Adjective: holistic (describes an approach, treatment, or practitioner)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
holistic medicine
A system of medical care that addresses the whole person—body, mind, spirit, and emotions—in the quest for optimal health and wellness. This approach believes that the parts of a person are interconnected and that one part cannot be treated without considering the others.
Synonyms: complementary medicine, integrative medicine, naturopathy, alternative medicine
Antonyms: conventional medicine, allopathic medicine (when viewed as an opposing philosophy), reductionist medicine (hypothetical antonym)
The practice of treating a patient by focusing on lifestyle, environmental factors, diet, and emotional well-being, in addition to or instead of conventional medical treatments, often utilizing a variety of therapies to stimulate the body's self-healing capabilities.
Synonyms: natural healing, wellness therapy, functional medicine
Antonyms: conventional medical treatment, pharmaceutical intervention (in a broad sense)
Examples of Use
Books:
"Dr. Rossi's new book explores the benefits of holistic medicine and its ability to treat the underlying causes of chronic disease, not just the symptoms" (as seen in a review of a book on natural health).
Newspapers:
"The hospital is launching a new program that incorporates holistic medicine, including acupuncture and massage therapy, to better manage patients' pain" (The New York Times, March 2024).
Online Publications:
An article on WebMD titled "Understanding Holistic Medicine: What It Is and How It Can Help You" discusses the principles and various types of therapies involved in this approach to health.
"While some critics remain skeptical, a growing number of studies suggest that holistic medicine can play a crucial role in preventative care and stress reduction" (HuffPost, July 2024).
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
In the television series This Is Us, one character mentions seeing a practitioner of holistic medicine to address her anxiety and digestive issues.
A popular wellness podcast featured an interview with a doctor who specializes in holistic medicine, discussing the connection between gut health and mental well-being.
A recent documentary film, The Healing Within, follows several patients who sought out holistic medicine for their chronic conditions after conventional treatments failed to provide relief.
General Public Discourse:
A person might say to a friend, "I'm tired of just taking pills for my headaches. I'm going to try holistic medicine and see if changing my diet helps."
"My vet practices holistic medicine for animals, so she recommended a special diet and some supplements for my dog's arthritis instead of just prescribing medication."
In a social media comment thread about a celebrity's health, one user commented, "It sounds like she's exploring holistic medicine and focusing on her mental and emotional state, which is just as important as physical health."
10 Famous Quotes Using Holistic Medicine
"Holistic medicine is not an alternative but the very basis of the art of healing." (George Vithoulkas)
"The concept of holistic medicine recognizes that our every thought, word, and behavior affects our greater health and well-being." (Unknown)
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." (This quote is often attributed to Thomas Edison and is a foundational principle of holistic medicine.)
"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. This is a very apt quote to define the principles of holistic medicine." (Virginia Woolf, often used to illustrate the principles of holistic health.)
"A human being is more than the sum of their parts. I treat the whole person, not just the illness." (Dr. Rajiv Parti)
"By cleansing your body on a regular basis and eliminating as many toxins as possible from your environment, your body can begin to heal itself, prevent disease, and become stronger and more resilient than you ever dreamed possible!" (Dr. Edward Group, a sentiment often associated with holistic medicine.)
"Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit." (B.K.S. Iyengar, often cited in discussions of holistic medicine.)
"My vet practices holistic medicine for animals, so she recommended a special diet and some supplements for my dog's arthritis instead of just prescribing medication." (Original quote)
"In the journey of wellness, sometimes the path less traveled leads to the most profound healing; embrace the wisdom of cultures far and wide, for they hold secrets that conventional medicine has yet to uncover." (Dr. Prem Jagyasi, a quote that encapsulates the core philosophy of holistic medicine.)
"If you want a relaxed body, you can do it by relaxing your mind. If you want a relaxed mind, relax your body." (Jay Winner, an idea central to the mind-body connection in holistic medicine.)
Etymology
The word "holistic" comes from the Greek word "holos," which means "whole."
The term "holism" was first coined in 1926 by Jan Christian Smuts, a South African statesman and philosopher. In his book Holism and Evolution, he used the word to describe his theory that the universe is made up of "wholes" that are greater than the sum of their parts. He believed that everything, from a single atom to a galaxy, is a unified entity that cannot be understood by simply looking at its individual components.
From this philosophical idea, the term "holistic" was created to describe anything that relates to this concept of wholeness. The phrase "holistic medicine" specifically emerged later to describe a healthcare approach that applies this idea to a person's health. It means treating the "whole" person—considering their mind, body, and spirit—rather than just a specific illness or a single symptom.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Holistic Medicine
A holistic approach
Holistic health
Holistic wellness
Holistic healing
Taking a holistic view
Adopting a holistic perspective
A holistic mind-body connection
The holistic way of life
Looking at the holistic picture
Thinking holistically
Practicing holistic medicine
Holistic education
A holistic lifestyle
Holistic financial planning
A holistic understanding of the issue
The holistic well-being of the community
A holistic solution
Holistic development
From a holistic standpoint
A holistic framework
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of holistic medicine from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
