Holistic medicine is a system of health care that emphasizes the importance of addressing the whole person, including analysis of physical, emotional, social, nutritional, environmental, spiritual, and lifestyle values. In holistic medicine, each individual is seen as unique, and disease is understood to be the result of physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental imbalance. Healing therefore can only occur when balance of these aspects is restored. Holistic medicine uses all necessary therapies to take care of the body, mind, and spirit, including conventional and complementary means. A strong relationship between patient and practitioner is key in the holistic philosophy. The practitioner views the patient as being ultimately responsible for his or her wellbeing, and acts merely as guide or mentor for the patient.

Holistic concepts of health and fitness hold that achieving and maintaining good health implies more than just taking care of the various components that make up the physical body. Emotional and spiritual aspects must also be incorporated to achieve wellbeing. The goal is health and wellbeing that encompasses the entire person, rather than just the lack of physical pain or disease.