Holistic therapists focus on a person's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. They might use expressive arts, using dance, art, or music to work with people, or use mindfulness practices, including meditation and relaxation techniques, as well as physical approaches such as yoga or Tai Chi.

For instance, holistic massage may include: classical Swedish techniques such as effleurage; petrissage, kneading, friction and wringing; percussive techniques such as hacking, cupping, pummelling, plucking and brushing; gentle hand holds, drawing on healing traditions and an awareness of the human energy field.

Holistic massages are massages that use natural methods and go beyond the physical symptoms. Holistic comes from 'holos', the Greek word for whole, and holistic therapies try to positively affect our whole bodies.