If we regard vitalism in philosophy in its broad sense as 'living things are specific forms of being', then it appears when this is placed in opposition to biomedicine we get two further positions: a rejection of the dualist conception of the mind-body relationship and an acceptance of the body's ability to self-heal. These are not very controversial positions; other than when the terminology used to state themconvey spiritual connotations. An example would be "Universal Intelligence" controls the body's "Innate Intelligence" by directing "Life Force" through the nervous system. These concepts implied an intelligent governing entity and is interpreted as a spiritual construct.

There is a long tradition of mental self-help that concentrates on overt and positive rather than covert and negative feelings, began in the late nineteenth century and was still strong in the 1950s and 1960s. This tradition had consistently focused attention on proactive ways people could become more positive and optimistic about life, master their moods, and fix their physical ills without taking medications. People could align their thoughts and constructively adjust their attitudes. This takes it for granted that harmonizing one's emotions in a positive way would, unquestionably, improve one's physical well-being and it presupposes that mind and body are closely interconnected.

Self-healing presupposes that living things are inherently equipped to have a complete, self-sufficient and healthy life. Consequently ill health is an unnatural state. The healing process of an organism is within each living system itself, just like the process of respiration, digestion, secretion and reproduction. Health is assumed to be a state of harmony and balance. It is homeostasis.