A Holistic Healer takes a holistic approach when seeking treatment for imbalances of energy, to live a more balanced lifestyle. What primarily distinguishes holistic healing from alternative medicine, complementary medicine, and integrative medicine is that physical health is not necessarily the main focus. Even so, it is often the experience of physical discomfort that will first prompt a person's pursuit of holistic healing.
It is true that our pains and other physical discomforts demand our attention. This is where the saying "sticking out like a sore thumb'" originated from. It is difficult to ignore the obvious when we are physically hurting. Common sense tells us that we should seek help to alleviate our discomforts. Holistic healing is not an "alternative" to conventional medical care, it is complimentary. Sometimes going to a medical professional is the best solution to addressing a disease.
Physical illnesses are the symptoms of a greater energy imbalance that may or may not have a root cause in the physical. Holistic healing addresses all parts of the individual, not just the physical aspect of a person where manifested illnesses are most apparent. Holistic healing is not intended to serve as a band-aid or a one time fix. It is an ongoing journey of discovery in search of more answers and ultimately; living better, being healthier, and striving for wholeness.