holistic health
a concept that medical practice, in the prevention and treatment of disease, should focus on the whole person—including physical, mental, spiritual, social, and environmental aspects—rather than on disease symptoms alone. Major features of holistic health include patient education about behavioral and attitudinal changes that promote and maintain good health and well-being, and patient self-help and participation in the healing process through diet, exercise, and other measures. It is often practiced in tandem with conventional medicine (e.g., medication, surgery) and with complementary and alternative medicine. Also called holistic medicine.