Holistic therapies are those that attempt to treat the patient as a whole. Physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being are taken into consideration before recommending treatment. A practitioner with a holistic approach treats the symptoms of the illness and identifies the underlying cause of it. Holistic medicine also attempts to prevent illness by placing a greater emphasis on reinforcing overall health. Holistic therapies tend to emphasize proper nutrition and avoidance of body pollutants.
Because holistic medicine aims to treat the whole person, holistic practitioners sometimes may advise treatment from more than one type of practitioner. This is to ensure that all aspects of health are addressed. Some practitioners also specialize in more than one therapy, and so may be able to offer more comprehensive assistance.
