'whole-body' originates from the combination of 'whole' and 'body', where 'whole' meant 'entire' and 'body' referred to the physical structure of a person or an organism.

'Whole' and 'body' have been used in English since Old English, and their combination into 'whole-body' is a modern formation to describe something affecting the entire body.

Initially, 'whole' and 'body' were used separately, but their combination into 'whole-body' has always meant affecting the entire body.