How is Holistic Medicine different/similar to integrative medicine, complementary or alternative medicine?
Holistic Medicine is a term which is inclusive of the connection between the mind, body and spirit in healing. The belief system, lifestyle, social, cultural and environmental milieu, as well as the relationship between patient and practitioner are considered to be important components in the genesis and in the healing of illness. Correction of imbalances in any of these areas will bring relief of symptoms. (Illness in this model is viewed as an opportunity for personal spiritual growth.) Integrative medicine starts with the conventional Western model of disease, and encompasses other healing methods, such as use of herbal preparations, biofeedback, acupuncture and other systems of treatment. Complementary medicine is those other systems of treatment, in relationship to the central model of conventional medicine of drugs and surgery. Alternative medicine is those other systems as stand-alone options unrelated to Western medicine.
