Gathering place for osteopaths
A term to replace "holistic"
I'm doing an essay at the moment and the term "holistic" comes up a lot to describe the osteopathic approach. It is a useful term and captures the essence of taking in the whole picture nicely.
In my opinion though, it has unfortunately been hijacked by the new age revolution and anything that is termed "holistic" is now thrown into the slightly whacky category.
A quick google search comes up synonyms - Age of Aquarius, alternative, astrological,balanced, crystal healing, holistic, mystic,occult, planetary, spiritual, supernaturalist
This is a normal process I guess. Words get new meanings all the time. There was a time when a person could be gay and no-one would make assumptions about their sexual orientation. However, words are powerful and can affect peoples attitudes and the image of professions alike.
I'd very much like to hear the wit, wisdom and musings of the community as to what word could possibly replace "holistic". A word that would sum up succinctly the osteopathic approach and distinguish it from other therapies.
My suggestions to kick things off would be:
A full approach (too much for lunch?)
An entiristic approach (gobbledygook)
The complete factor approach (reality tv)
The integral approach (my favorite so far)
Overarching approach
Repletist approach
Tags: age, branding, holistic, image, new, public, relations
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jody Jakob on -
Integral is also my favorite
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Permalink Reply by Hume O'Rous on -
In Spain, (and presumably in Portuguese, Jody?) the term for whole is 'integral'. So the Iberian description of wholemeal, as in wholemeal bread, is 'Pan integral'which I think is neat. It provides the notion that the bread has not been de-natured or tampered with to make it acceptable to the palate.
'Integrative' would be used to describe the process of incorporating the 'whole-ness' approach, whereas the word 'integral' would most likely be used to describe the completed project.... in conclusion?
Both words mean the same essentially, but their context determines when one would be more appropriate. It's to do with temporality.
I still prefer 'wholistic' over its American derivative 'holistic', which like 'flavor' is a common misspelling of 'flavour'.
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Permalink Reply by Emlyn on -
Perhaps I'm wrong, but describing something as 'integral' would suggest to me that it's an essential part of a larger whole*. I didn't think that was what James was trying to convey about osteopathy.
Having said that, I'd also be inclined to stick with '(w)holistic' in a college essay. It may have negative associations in some quarters, but I'd be surprised if the markers at an osteopathic college shared that prejudice. If you're worried, just make sure you define how you're using the term within the essay.
Anyway, good luck with the essay James.
Cheers
Emlyn
*Unless it was used in a mathematical context, in which case my ability to comprehend meaning would be limited by an elevated level of SNS activity...
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Permalink Reply by James Fisher-Martins on -
Trust me, I will definitely use the current terminology in all essays and exams. Despite being told that you can express your ideas freely as long as you back them up, if don´t you work in the accepted phrases you'll get a C grade.
I'm confident though that in a few years our new wholeness term will be in exam papers worldwide.
You are right Donald - integral in Spain and Portugal would get people confused with brown bread.
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Permalink Reply by Kiran on -
I do like the integral/integrated approach as an appropriate synonym. Could "comprehensive" be used?
Failing that I think we should invent a new word! :) Osteo-terrific anyone?
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Permalink Reply by Jody Jakob on
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Probably!
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Permalink Reply by Jody Jakob on
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My clinic in Portugal is caled SAUDE INTEGRAL (Integral Health).......nobody has ever come in as of yet asking for bread
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Permalink Reply by Jody Jakob on
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If you want to jump on the bandwagon of buzz words how about QUANTUM!!!
Maybe at the end of the day holistic ain't so bad!
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Permalink Reply by Michael Ash on -
I use the term integrative, but 'wholistic' is a great reflection of patients who present with a whole list of complaints!
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Permalink Reply by Quatermass on -
Hi James,
Isn't "osteopathy" a better example of a word which has had its meaning changed, diluted or excised over the last century and a half. If wholistic / holistic is a perfectly good word for what you want to say, why do backwards somersaults to find another? Why not stick up for the word as you would your principles? Since when have osteopaths hurried to conform to changing fashions in usage? Hmmm... on second thoughts, don't answer that, it could be depressing.
Best wishes,
Robert
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Permalink Reply by James Fisher-Martins on
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Haven't done somersalts yet, just planting seeds. Perhaps later I'll do an strenuous rain dance.
I agree with you totally that "osteopathy" has had it's meaning changed. Whenever I tell people about osteopathy they often respond "oh that's the bones yeah?", whereas we all know it's so much more than that. I did discuss with some colleagues a while back other names for osteopathy but I doubt that it will change in the next millenia.
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