Holistic healthcare emphasizes treating the whole person, and making him/her an active participant in providing and deciding on what care to choose. Holistic health is ultimately democratic. Practitioners act as consultants and technicians, but the individual is in charge of health decisions.

When looking at health problems, the holistic healer studies and
considers not only the disease organism, but also the person's own body, or the "terrain" the disease organism enters. Building up a health body so that the terrain is resistant and inhospitable to disease organisms is important for well being. Nutrition, including eating at lease five servings of fruits and vegetables every day builds a strong body. Relaxation helps enhance the immune system; every day should have some time to relax. Health is affected by both body and mind; a less stressed body has an immune system that works better. Massage, body work such as Reiki, and mental health counseling all help to reduce stress. Acupuncture, herbal prescriptions and homeopathy also help to balance body energy.

As an association of self-employed professions, Pathways practitioners work individually and collaboratively to offer comprehensive and integrated health care. Insurance and third-party payment is accepted by some practitioners at Pathways.