The rise of complementary medicine is one of the most important developments in health over the past three decades. This popular text outlines the history and philosophy behind holistic therapies and examines the role they have to play in contemporary health systems. This fully updated new edition of Holism and Complementary Medicine offers a systematic overview of traditional healing practices, the development of the Western biomedical model from the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to the present, and the holistic philosophy which is the basis of complementary and alternative medicine in the West. It includes a new chapter covering developments over the last fifteen years, including an increased focus on integrative medicine and public health. New sections focus on the new material on traditional and indigenous medicines is incorporated into the Introductory Chapter (Seeds for a future medicine- with a new section on Ayurvedic Medicine) and Chapter 1. (Beginnings: Deep roots, broad branches with a new section introducing medical anthropology and indigenous Australian medicine). Exploring the differences between holistic and conventional biomedical traditions and approaches, and acknowledging the strengths of each, it also addresses key practice issues, explaining the place holistic principles have in the therapeutic relationship. Holism and Complementary Medicine is an accessible guide for students, practitioners and anyone interested in the origins and core principles of natural therapies.