This article explores the differences between descriptive and hermeneutic phenomenology, two approaches used to understand human experiences of healing, caring, and wholeness in holistic nursing. Descriptive phenomenology, rooted in the work of Edmund Husserl, focuses on describing universal essences of phenomena through direct interaction and bracketing to remove personal biases. Hermeneutic phenomenology, influenced by Heidegger, emphasizes understanding phenomena in their social, cultural, and historical contexts, involving a circular process of interpretation and co-creation between the researcher and participants. The article provides guidelines for researchers to choose the most suitable approach based on their cognitive style and research goals. It also includes examples of phenomenological research in holistic nursing, highlighting the importance of context and the blend of meanings in interpreting lived experiences. The conclusion underscores the value of both approaches in advancing holistic nursing science.This article explores the differences between descriptive and hermeneutic phenomenology, two approaches used to understand human experiences of healing, caring, and wholeness in holistic nursing. Descriptive phenomenology, rooted in the work of Edmund Husserl, focuses on describing universal essences of phenomena through direct interaction and bracketing to remove personal biases. Hermeneutic phenomenology, influenced by Heidegger, emphasizes understanding phenomena in their social, cultural, and historical contexts, involving a circular process of interpretation and co-creation between the researcher and participants. The article provides guidelines for researchers to choose the most suitable approach based on their cognitive style and research goals. It also includes examples of phenomenological research in holistic nursing, highlighting the importance of context and the blend of meanings in interpreting lived experiences. The conclusion underscores the value of both approaches in advancing holistic nursing science.