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The concept of holism is defined in disparate ways. This article offers foundational understandings of this term from various parts of the world, illustrating the virtually universal, historical, as well as contemporary nature of ideas such as interconnectedness, unity and oneness. Throughout human history, holistic worldviews were dominant until the past 400 years or so. At present, a revival of holistic thought-forms is taking place in many parts of the world. The purpose of this article is to sketch the landscape of holistic philosophical foundations, discuss systems science in this context and apply these underpinnings to holistic health in the hope that it will increase our understanding of both the conceptual foundations of holism, as well as its applications to health promotion, disease prevention, treatment of ill health and palliation. The article will conclude with the recommendation that holistic health-care …