Holistic medicine is an approach to health maintenance and healthcare that uses therapies in which the healthcare practitioner considers the whole person – their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual characteristics – rather than focusing solely on the physical symptoms of an illness. This approach emphasises the interconnectedness of these different aspects of well-being and aims to treat the root causes of illness by addressing the individual's overall health and lifestyle. Holistic practitioners may use a variety of therapeutic modalities, including lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques, nutritional guidance, exercise programs, and complementary and alternative therapies, in addition to conventional medical treatments, to promote healing and well-being. The focus is on treating the individual as a whole and empowering them to take an active role in their own health and healing process.