Holistic Health and Its Core Principles

What If True Healing Means Becoming Whole?

The word "heal" originates from the Old English term hælen, meaning "to make whole," which reflects the essence of holistic health—restoring balance and harmony within the mind, body, and spirit within the context of environment. Rather than merely addressing isolated symptoms or diseases, holistic health takes a comprehensive approach that nurtures physical (body), mental & emotional (mind), and spiritual (soul) well-being. Unlike conventional medicine, which frequently addresses acute conditions with targeted interventions, holistic health emphasizes prevention and long-term wellness^[2].

At SoulAdvisor, we envision a world where everyone has access to personalized, holistic wellness solutions that nurture mind, body, soul and respect connection to nature. This simple concept of wholeness is straightforward. Holistic Health is for everyone.

Holistic Approach, Holistic Health, and Holistic Wellness

The terms "holistic approach," "holistic health," and "holistic wellness" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct nuances:

• Holistic Approach: This refers to a method of problem-solving or treatment that considers the entire system rather than focusing on individual components. In healthcare, a holistic approach involves addressing all factors influencing a person's health, including physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and environmental aspects^[3].
• Holistic Health: This concept pertains to the overall state of well-being achieved by integrating and balancing various facets of an individual's life. Holistic health emphasizes that optimal wellness is attained when all dimensions—physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual—are in harmony^[4].
• Holistic Wellness: This term focuses on the active process and lifestyle choices that lead to holistic health. It involves the daily practices and habits individuals adopt to maintain balance across all dimensions of their lives, such as engaging in regular physical activity, practising mindfulness, fostering social connections, and pursuing continuous learning^[4].

In summary, while these terms are interconnected, they differ in scope: a holistic approach is a methodology, holistic health is the desired state of balance, and holistic wellness encompasses the actions taken to achieve and maintain that state.

The Concept of Wholeness in Health

The key question then arises: What does it mean to be a ‘whole’ human being, and how might a state of wholeness manifest?

Many different organizations and institutions, such as The Global Wellness Institute(GWI), have developed models of wellness that outline the different facets or aspects of human life essential for holistic well-being. The GWI define wellness as:

“The active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.”

This perspective breaks wellness down into six essential dimensions^[5]:

• Physical: Taking care of the body by maintaining exercise, good nutrition, rest, and other health practices.
• Mental: Actively engaging with the world through learning, critical thinking, and creativity.
• Emotional: Recognizing, accepting, and expressing our own emotions, while also understanding the emotions of others.
• Spiritual: Seeking a deeper understanding of life’s purpose and meaning.
• Social: Building meaningful relationships and engaging with others and our communities.
• Environmental: Promoting a healthy relationship between the environment and human actions for the well-being of both.

At SoulAdvisor, we believe that optimum health is our birthright and that the journey back to wholeness is an active and contemplative process of reconnection. This philosophy aligns with First Nations’ Models of Wellness^[6], which emphasizes a holistic approach to mental and physical health embedded in the deep reality of our oneness with all things.  

One such model is presented by the Yila healing Trail inspired by the  National Indigenous Australians Agency, illustrating how interconnected aspects of life contribute to well-being and promoting reconnection.

The Journey Toward Holistic Health

Achieving total holistic health may be an ongoing journey rather than a final destination. However, having a vision of wholeness provides a guiding light, offering us the opportunity to grow and evolve. As we tend toward wholeness, we enhance our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the world around us.

At SoulAdvisor, our guiding philosophy is encapsulated in our tagline:

“Nourish Yourself, Heal Our World.”

Being ‘whole’ or ‘well’ gains its true significance in the context of our interconnected existence. In other words, well-being is not solely for personal benefit but also service to the community and the planet. This idea is echoed in Ananda Marga's philosophy^[7], which suggests that a fully functioning human being attains balanced development across physical, mental, and spiritual realms—ultimately fostering positive change at personal, familial, communal, and planetary levels.

Holistic Practices and Modalities

Holistic practices emphasize the body's capacity for self-healing by identifying and reducing stressors, removing environmental burdens, and fortifying well-being through integrative approaches. These modalities help reconnect us with our inner strengths and capacities, facilitating a balanced and fulfilling life.

Unlike conventional medicine, which often adopts a symptom-centric model, holistic health practitioners take a comprehensive approach, considering all aspects of a person’s life. This integrative perspective acknowledges that physical health is intrinsically linked to emotional and mental states, spiritual fulfilment, and environmental conditions. Integrative Medicine practitioners, for example, work to nurture the whole person, knowing that strengthening the whole will lead to long-term solutions for symptoms that may have arisen. Read more about holistic approaches in the references below^[1].

Preventative care is also a crucial aspect of holistic health, focusing on long-term wellness rather than simply addressing immediate symptoms. A preventative approach integrates lifestyle modifications, nutrition, mindfulness, and bodywork therapies to maintain balance before illness develops. The holistic therapy of Lifestyle Medicine has developed to serve this focus on healthy life habits. Explore the role of holistic and preventive care here^[2].

Why Is Holistic Wellness Important?

Holistic wellness is crucial because it recognizes that health is a multidimensional experience influenced by physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual factors. This comprehensive approach promotes long-term well-being rather than just addressing temporary symptoms. Research suggests that integrative health practices, such as mindfulness, proper nutrition, and stress management, significantly improve overall health outcomes and enhance quality of life^[5]. 

Unlike conventional healthcare, which often focuses on treating diseases after they arise, holistic wellness emphasizes prevention. By adopting healthy lifestyle choices—such as regular physical activity, emotional self-care, and balanced nutrition—individuals can reduce their risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and anxiety disorders^[2]. Holistic wellness also fosters resilience, equipping individuals with the tools to manage stress, build meaningful relationships, and develop a deeper sense of purpose in life.

Who Is Holistic Wellness For, and When Should One Start?

Holistic wellness is for everyone, regardless of age, background, or current state of health. Whether someone is managing a chronic illness, looking to improve mental clarity, or simply striving for a more balanced life, holistic wellness provides tools and practices to support their unique journey. 

Ideally, the journey toward holistic wellness should begin as early as possible. It can start as early as preparation for pregnancy. Implementing holistic practices in childhood, such as encouraging outdoor activity, proper nutrition, and emotional management, can establish a foundation for lifelong well-being. However, it is also never too late to adopt a holistic approach. Many adults turn to holistic wellness to reduce stress, improve digestion, enhance sleep quality, and manage chronic conditions.

For those unsure of where to start, small, mindful changes can make a significant impact. This may include practising mindfulness, adjusting dietary habits, engaging in movement-based therapies like yoga, or seeking holistic practitioners who can provide personalized guidance. Regardless of when one begins, holistic wellness remains a lifelong journey of self-discovery, healing, and overall well-being.

How Can You Explore Holistic Therapies?

There are countless holistic therapies to explore, and SoulAdvisor makes it easy to find suitable modalities. Our platform offers a search engine where users can explore various therapies suited to their specific needs. With a global network of practitioners, many in-person and online services are available, allowing greater accessibility for those seeking integrative health solutions.

SoulAdvisor is a platform designed to connect individuals with holistic health and wellness practitioners and resources. Here's how you can learn more about holistic health and wellness on the site:  

1. Explore Practitioner Profiles:

SoulAdvisor features a wide range of practitioners specializing in various holistic modalities. By exploring their profiles, you can learn about different therapies, their benefits, and the practitioners' expertise.  

Pay close attention to the verification badges on practitioner profiles to understand their qualifications.  

2. Read Articles and Resources:

SoulAdvisor provides articles and resources that cover various aspects of holistic health and wellness. These resources can offer valuable insights and information on different practices and approaches.  

You can find articles that discuss things such as:

• Healthy living
• Love
• Integrative health
• Nutrition
• Pathway to practice
• And much more

3. Discover Holistic Services:

The site allows you to discover and connect with practitioners offering a variety of holistic services, such as:

• Health and wellness coaching
• Nutrition counseling
• Energy healing
• And over 150 forms of therapy

4. Explore Specialized Associations:

On many specialised practitioner profiles, you may see the Associations they are members of. Associations are a formal institution focusing on researching and supporting the therapies. This can give a stronger sense of community and strength of the therapies you may want to look into more.

5. Utilize the Rating and Review System:

SoulAdvisor encourages users to provide ratings and reviews of their experiences with practitioners which will appear on practioners' profiles. This can help you learn from others' experiences and make informed decisions.  

6. Verification Process:

SoulAdvisor has a qualification process that helps ensure practitioners meet industry standards. This adds a layer of trust and reliability to the information you find on the site. You may look for the Verified check mark on the practitioner profile throughout the platform. We have created a simple table of qualification requirements for each therapy, which is based on the industry standard for as safe as possible approach to better well-being.

7. Variety of Modalities:

The site covers a broad spectrum of holistic modalities, allowing you to explore diverse approaches to health and wellness. You may see links to therapies from most parts of the platform, such as wellness articles, practitioner profiles, services, and many more. Feel free to utilize search and browse all that is available to you. If you're looking to learn more, check out this guide to booking to maximize your experience on SoulAdvisor.

By utilizing these features, you can gain a deeper understanding of holistic health and wellness and find practitioners who align with your needs.

Integrating Holistic Health into Daily Life

Making holistic health a part of daily life doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes. Small, consistent actions can help cultivate balance and resilience. Here are some practical ways to integrate holistic wellness into your everyday routine:

1. Daily Self-Diagnosis and Awareness Practices

Developing self-awareness is the first step in holistic health. Take time each day to assess your physical, emotional, and mental states:

• Try a body scan meditation such as this guided Yoga Nidra^[8] to detect and release tension before it accumulates.
• Keep a daily journal to track thoughts, emotions, and patterns in your well-being.

2. Goal-Setting with the 7 Themes of Reconnection

Using the First Nations 7 Themes of Reconnection, set goals that align with these core aspects of well-being:

• Choose seven personal wellness goals—one for each theme.
• Set realistic timeframes and approaches to achieve them.
• Consider working with a Health & Wellness Coach for guidance and encouragement.

3. Work with Holistic Practitioners

• Engage with holistic TCIH (Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health) practitioners to explore therapies that enhance your well-being.
• Holistic specialists can help relieve symptoms while guiding you toward sustainable lifestyle improvements.

4. Reframe Diagnoses as Opportunities for Growth

• A diagnosis should not be viewed as the end of your wellness journey but as an invitation to explore deeper causes.
• Rather than simply treating symptoms, seek to understand underlying lifestyle patterns contributing to imbalance.
• Trust your intuition—seek out practitioners who align with your holistic health goals.

5. Adopt a Lifelong Learning Mindset

• Health and personal growth are lifelong journeys. Be open to new insights, therapies, and practices as you evolve.
• Explore traditional wisdom alongside modern science to create a personalized approach to well-being.
• Commit to continuous self-exploration and growth, enhancing your ability to live a purposeful life.

The Courage to Pursue Holistic Health

Holistic health is more than an abstract ideal—it is an active commitment to self-care, connection, and continuous evolution. In striving for wholeness, we do not seek perfection but rather an ongoing journey toward balance and well-being.

By integrating holistic practices into our lives, we enhance our ability to contribute meaningfully to our families, communities, and the world. The pursuit of holistic health empowers us to fulfill our purpose with vitality and clarity.

As you embark on your journey, remember:

"The more we nourish ourselves, the greater our capacity to heal our world."

References:

1. What is a holistic approach? NSW Health; [cited on 2025 Mar 31]. 
2. Embracing Holistic Preventive Care: A Primary Care Provider’s Perspective with Ke Yang, FNP; Avance Health System; 2025.
3. Understanding Holistic. AHHA; [cited on 2025 Mar 31].
4. What Is Holistic Health and Wellness? The Wellness Guide; 2021.
5. What Is Wellness? Global Wellness Institute; [cited on 2025 Mar 31]. 
6. National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017-2023. National Indigenous Australians Agency; 2017. 
7. NeoHumanism. Ananda Marga Arg; [cited on 2025 Mar 31].
8. 10 min Yoga Nidra Full Body Scan | Yoga with Melissa 549 - 4K. YouTube; 2020.