title: Philosophy and theory of holism.
abstract: Holistic nurses believe that the human being, composed of a mind, body and soul integrated into an inseparable whole that is greater than the sum of the parts, is in constant interaction with the universe and all that it contains. Health and well-being depend on attaining harmony in these relationships. Healing is the journey toward holism. Using presence, intent, unconditional acceptance, love, and compassion, holistic nurses can facilitate growth and healing and help their clients to find meaning in their life experiences, life purpose, and reason for being.
authors.affiliation: Holistic Adult Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. helenerickson@mail.utexas.edu
authors.forename: Helen L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Erickson
mesh_terms: D000575:American Nurses' Association / Q000458:organization & administration; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004645:Empathy; D006694:Holistic Health; D018939:Holistic Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D019359:Knowledge; D008149:Love; D016294:Models, Nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009742:Nursing Theory; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D012648:Self Care; D012956:Societies, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D013038:Specialization; D014481:United States