So, what is the difference between 'wholistic' and 'holistic'?
There seems to be a lot of confusion between these two different, yet very similarly defined words. It really is a very simple and clear difference.
Holistic = Wholistic (kind of!)
Wholistic refers to a whole or whole body; taking into consideration the whole body or person. Wholistic means considering the mind, body and spirit.
Homeopathy is an example of a truly holistic medicine - at CCHM you can study to become a Homeopath in 2 years with our intensive program. This would allow you to be a licensed, holistic practitioner since homeopathy is a regulated holistic profession in Ontario.
Holistic in the dictionary means, of or relating to Holism. Emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts. Concerned with wholes rather than analysis or separation into parts. Dictionary.com explains holistic as identifying with principles of holism in a "system of therapeutics, especially one considered outside the mainstream of scientific medicine, as [homeopathy], naturopathy or chiropractic, and usually involving nutritional measures."
The word holistic is derived from Holism. Holism is inclusive of wholistic, but also with the notion that reality is an interconnected whole. The term holism was coined in 1926 by Jan Smuts. His definition of holism echoed the concept "the whole is different from the sum of its parts."
Wholistic and holistic do in fact have two different meanings, but over the years the popularity of Holism muddled the definitions and in North America today holistic is wholistic!