Of course they’re making fun of the practice in this episode, but the meaning of the word holistic and what they actually do is not outlandish or ridiculous at all.
https://www.dignityhealth.org/articles/what-is-holistic-health-care-anyway#:~:text=Holistic%20health%20is%20about%20caring,aspect%20affects%20you%20in%20others.
“Holistic health is about caring for the whole person.”
"Take stress, for example. It’s a psychological response, but it can also cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and muscle pain. Of course, it works both ways, and being physically ill can cause you to feel anxious or depressed. Meanwhile, your spirituality and your relationships can boost your mental and physical health. Studies show that having close friendships lowers your blood pressure, reduces your stress levels, and can even improve your chances of surviving cancer.
Understanding this, doctors who take a holistic approach to health don’t just ask you about your symptoms. They ask about you — your overall health and your life — so they can make personalized recommendations to improve your wellness."
It acknowledges there are underlying issues for the stresses you deal with that can actually make us ill - whether we acknowledge it or are aware of it or not. In general, society on the whole does not accept this approach or even acknowledge it.
Contrary to widespread, popular beliefs, they don’t prescribe weird concoctions or teas to drink for your physical ailments because that would undermine the actual value of what the practice is about. They might recommend them over typical processed, junky things we may be eating that don’t help our condition, but that’s not the aim at all.
But really, who would want to go a doctor like that? Do you know how many people out there would be honest about the fact that we have unhealthy relationships - either in our homes/schools/work or with our selves - and would accept that as a part of treatment? LOL. Not many… I’d wager.