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Holistic Medicine and Holistic Health: What the Terms Mean and Do Not Mean

"Holistic" has no single agreed definition. This page shows how a few sources use it, what it does not tell you about training or evidence, and how to ask better questions.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

This page is information only. A word on a sign or website is not a medical qualification, and nothing here replaces care from a doctor. Serious or worsening symptoms need a doctor first.

Quick answer
"Holistic" is used widely and loosely. A concept analysis of holistic care in the nursing literature stated that, even though the idea has been widely discussed, there is no comprehensive definition of it. [1] It also noted that lacking a proper definition, and equating the idea with traditional care, complementary care or an alternative method, leads to limited or incorrect understanding. [1] That analysis is about nursing, not about every use of the word. Other fields were not examined in the sources we read.

How a few sources use the word

SourceHow the word appearsWhat it tells you
NCCIH (US government)Says naturopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to healing. [2] Separately defines "whole person health" as helping people improve and restore health in multiple interconnected domains. [3]An outlook that looks beyond one organ or symptom
American Board of Holistic Medicine, as cited in a 2007 Washington State Senate reportHolistic medicine is the art and science of healing that addresses care of the whole person, body, mind and spirit. [4] The report also says it integrates conventional and complementary therapies. [4]One board's definition, quoted in a bill report
Nursing concept analysis (2017)No comprehensive definition. [1]The word is used in many ways

These do not contradict each other, but they are not identical either. None of them sets a standard of training or a list of treatments.

What "holistic" does not tell you

  • Training. The word is not itself a license. In the sources we read, a legal definition of a "holistic doctor" is not described. Whether any state or country protects the title is not described in the sources we read, so ask the person what their degree and license are.
  • Evidence. A philosophy is not a treatment. Evidence is judged for each intervention: a diet, an exercise program, an herb, a counseling method. Some holistic-style advice has strong support. For example, the World Health Organization says physical activity contributes to prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. [5] Other items sold under the same word may have little or no support, such as homeopathy, which NCCIH says has little evidence for any specific condition. [6]
  • Safety. A holistic approach can be used alongside medical care or in place of it. NCCIH calls the first "complementary" and the second "alternative". [3] It advises against using an unproven product or practice to postpone seeing your health care provider. [7]
  • Board certification. A critical blog, Science-Based Medicine, notes that board certification is not required for medical practice in any state. [8] That statement suggests a board credential with "holistic" or "integrative" in its name is not a requirement to practise. You can read about such credentials on functional and integrative medicine certificates.

Holistic, integrative, complementary, alternative

NCCIH says terms such as complementary, alternative and integrative are hard to define and may mean different things to different people. [7] Its working definition of integrative health is bringing conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. [3] Holistic is a looser word that can be used with either. For side-by-side comparisons see integrative, alternative and complementary compared and holistic and conventional doctors compared.

Questions to ask a "holistic" practitioner

  1. What is your professional degree, and which regulator or board licenses you here?
  2. Will you coordinate with my doctor and other prescribers?
  3. For each test or product you suggest: what is it for, what is the evidence, and what does it cost?
  4. Do you sell the products you recommend?
  5. What should I do if my symptoms get worse?

NCCIH suggests finding out about any practitioner's education, training, licensing and certifications. [9] It also says regulations, licenses or certificates do not guarantee safe, effective treatment from any health care provider. [2] More prompts are in questions to ask a naturopath or integrative practitioner and choosing a qualified practitioner.

Frequently asked questions

Is a holistic doctor a real doctor?

The word "holistic" does not answer that. A person's degree and license do, and those are checked with the regulator where they practice. The sources we read do not describe a single legal meaning of "holistic doctor". NCCIH says credential requirements vary tremendously from state to state. [9]

Is holistic medicine the same as alternative medicine?

Not necessarily. NCCIH calls a non-mainstream approach used with conventional medicine "complementary" and one used in place of it "alternative". [3] A holistic outlook can fit either.

Does holistic care work?

It depends on the specific parts. Physical activity has established benefits for preventing and managing several diseases, [5] while homeopathy has little evidence for any specific condition. [6]

Is naturopathy holistic?

NCCIH describes naturopathic medicine as taking a holistic approach to healing. [2] See what is naturopathy.

Can I use holistic care instead of my doctor?

NCCIH advises against using an unproven approach to postpone seeing your health care provider. [7]

More details: evidence, limits and cautions

The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.

Who should check with a clinician first
Check with a clinician before changing care if you are pregnant, caring for a child, older, have cancer, kidney or liver disease, take several medicines or blood thinners, are planning surgery, or have a history of an eating disorder. Do not stop prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.
References
  1. Jasemi M et al. A Concept Analysis of Holistic Care by Hybrid Model. Indian J Palliat Care 2017;23(1):71-80. Read 2026-10-22.
  2. Naturopathy, NCCIH (US). Read 2026-10-22.
  3. Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name?, NCCIH (US). Read 2026-10-22.
  4. Senate Bill Report SB 5203, Washington State Legislature, 2007. Read 2026-10-22.
  5. Physical activity, fact sheet, World Health Organization. Read 2026-10-22.
  6. Homeopathy: What You Need To Know, NCCIH (US). Read 2026-10-22.
  7. Are You Considering a Complementary Health Approach?, NCCIH (US). Read 2026-10-22.
  8. State medical boards should not recognize board certification in integrative medicine, Science-Based Medicine (a critic-run blog). Read 2026-10-22.
  9. 6 Things To Know When Selecting a Complementary Health Practitioner, NCCIH (US). Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.