What Does Holistic Mean?

In medicine, a holistic approach means addressing the whole person rather than just isolated symptoms or body parts. We don’t treat only the physical, emotional, or mental aspects separately—life unfolds in its wholeness.
When it comes to health, the mind, body, emotions, and spirit are interconnected. Each level of expression is linked to the others, and any one of them can serve as a gateway to restoring balance in the entire system.
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A Practical Example
Imagine a client comes to me and says, "I feel stuck."
Even before she speaks further, her body already communicates. Her movements are rigid, her posture slightly closed. Her diaphragm is tight, and her breathing is shallow.
This could indicate many things.
Rather than rushing to interpret, I aim to create an embodied connection to the word she has chosen--stuck.
I invite her to gently place her hands and awareness on her heart center and abdomen, her Hara. I encourage her to take a few natural breaths, allowing her mind and emotions to settle into the space. There is nothing to achieve—just a moment to arrive.
Then I ask, "What kind of stuck is this?"
We explore together and discover that events in her life haven’t unfolded as she had hoped.
I ask, "And is there anything else about being stuck?"
She pauses, then responds, "I feel heavy. I don’t feel at ease to move. I don’t have dreams anymore…"
We allow these words to settle. The space between us holds them.
Then I ask, "And to feel at ease to move, what would you like to have happen?"
...
As our session unfolds, we navigate insights and metaphors, listening to the story her body tells.
When we reach a point where Shiatsu treatment can begin, I hold these discoveries in the quality of my touch.
A deeper connection emerges, revealing the hidden treasures within her physical structure:

• Tension in the abdomen speaks of a longing for love.
• Blocked neck and shoulders hint at long working hours and suppressed anger.
• Restricted energy flow in the forearms reveals micromanagement tendencies and a deep need for structure.

Through Shiatsu, we create space in the joints and ease in the tissues. As her body relaxes, her breath deepens. A sense of safety and connection begins to emerge. The overwhelming tension leaves the room.
Our work will continue—building trust, creating a sense of inner safety, and reconnecting with her deeper resources. These become a safe harbor—a place of rest, trust in life, and the ability to embrace uncertainty with curiosity rather than fear.
After the session, we discuss small lifestyle adjustments:

• Simple changes in her diet.
• Adding one joyful activity to her weekly routine.

Small steps toward self-empowerment.
This is a sample case and does not represent any specific client. Every session is strictly confidential.