The Creation Of A New Specialty
Holistic Medicine is the emerging medical specialty that incorporates the art and science of (1) caring for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — to treat and prevent disease; and, (2) empowering patients to create a condition of optimal health far beyond merely the absence of illness. Both outside and inside the medical profession, this concept of medicine of the whole person is gathering increasing support. The body-mind-spirit approach integrates many disciplines and modalities, including physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, exercise, environment, emotions, attitudes, beliefs, social relationships, manual medicine, herbs, homeopathy, energy medicine, prayer, acupuncture, meditation, spirituality, and biofeedback.
Holistic Medicine is based on the core belief that unconditional love is life's most powerful healer. At its essence, the practice of holistic medicine embraces a spirit of interdisciplinary and physician-patient cooperation, balances the mitigation of causes with relief of symptoms, integrates conventional and complementary therapies, and facilitates the experience of being fully alive.
As these concepts are incorporated into American medical practice, medical education, health planning, and research, reasonable standards need to be established regarding the application of the body of knowledge which encompasses the field of Holistic Medicine. The ABIHM is not currently an affiliate of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Once established, it is the intent of the Board of Directors to apply for that affiliation.
