We get it. You’re here because you’ve become increasingly aware of the downward spiral of modern medicine. Don’t get us wrong, modern medicine definitely has its time and place as far as performing life-saving treatments. However, the thought of treating symptoms rather than the root causes of medical conditions seem to not sit right with a rapidly increasing number of people.
Enter Holistic doctors. The goal of a holistic doctor is to treat the whole person, not just the disease. The focus is on stimulating the body’s natural healing process and creating balance in the body through nutrition, lifestyle changes, exercise, and mind-body practices. Through this approach, you can achieve a higher level of physical, emotional, and spiritual health and optimize your potential for a healthier, happier life.
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To be honest, more people are turning to holistic medicine because it offers a more comprehensive approach to health and well-being that focuses on treating the whole person, rather than just the physical symptoms of a condition. Holistic medicine emphasizes taking preventative measures, using natural treatments, and engaging in lifestyle changes that can help to bring balance to a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Additionally, many people have found that holistic treatments are often less intrusive than traditional treatments, and they often have fewer side effects.
What is a Holistic Doctor?
Unlike conventional physicians, a holistic doctor takes a different approach to healthcare. They consider all aspects of a person’s physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental health in order to achieve optimal wellness. Holistic doctors seek to understand the relationships between different factors that can affect a person’s health, and use a variety of treatments to address them. Unlike conventional medicine, holistic medicine focuses on treating the underlying cause of a condition, rather than just its symptoms.
What Do Holistic Doctors Treat?
A holistic doctor approaches healthcare from a whole-body perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various body systems and the importance of addressing underlying causes of health issues. They tend to focus on preventative measures, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies to help patients achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Some common health issues that holistic physicians may treat include chronic pain, digestive disorders, stress and anxiety, allergies and asthma, hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
However, it’s important to note that holistic doctors may have different areas of expertise and interests, so the list of health issues they treat can vary depending on the individual practitioner.
How Does a Holistic Doctor Address Health Issues?
A holistic doctor takes a comprehensive approach to healthcare, which involves addressing the root cause of health issues rather than simply treating symptoms. In some cases, they may use a functional medicine approach, which involves looking at how different systems in the body are functioning and identifying imbalances that could be contributing to health issues.
Holistic doctors may also focus on lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, stress reduction techniques, and sleep habits, which can help to address underlying causes of health issues. Natural remedies such as herbal supplements, vitamins, and minerals will many times be used by holistic doctors to support the body’s natural healing processes and address imbalances.
They may also incorporate mind-body medicine techniques such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture to help patients manage stress and improve overall wellbeing. They many times recognize the importance of emotional wellbeing as well and may address any underlying emotional issues that could be contributing to physical health problems.
Techniques Used by Holistic Physicians
Holistic medicine offers a wide range of techniques and therapies to help support the body’s natural healing processes. When you visit a holistic doctor, you will most likely be introduced to a few techniques that are different than what many conventional doctors use, such as:
- Acupuncture: This is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to help improve the flow of energy and promote healing.
- Herbal medicine: The use of plants and plant extracts to help support health and treat health issues is a long-standing tradition in many cultures. A holistic doctor may use herbs to support the body’s natural healing processes.
- Chiropractic care: This involves the manipulation of the spine to help improve alignment, reduce pain, and improve overall function of the body’s nervous system.
- Massage therapy: This technique involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to help reduce tension and promote relaxation. It can be helpful for reducing stress, improving circulation, and reducing pain.
- Mind-body therapies: These techniques include practices such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi, which can help to reduce stress, improve mental and emotional wellbeing, and support overall health.
- Nutrition counseling: Holistic doctors may provide guidance on healthy eating habits and nutritional supplements to support overall health and address specific health concerns.
- Energy therapies: These techniques, such as Reiki and Healing Touch, involve working with the body’s energy fields to promote healing and balance.
It’s important to note that the techniques used by holistic doctors may vary depending on the individual practitioner and the specific health concerns of the patient. One of the best things you can do before you head to your nearest holistic doctor is to do your research. But let’s be honest- many people who make the switch from a conventional doctor to a holistic doctor have little to no idea where to even start! Hence, our next point of interest:
How to Find a Holistic Physician
If you’re interested in seeing a holistic doctor, there are several things you can do to find one in your area:
- Check with your insurance provider: If you have health insurance, check with your provider to see if they cover holistic medicine. They may be able to provide you with a list of in-network holistic physicians in your area.
- Ask for referrals: Ask your family, friends, or colleagues if they have any recommendations for holistic physicians in your area. Personal referrals can be a great way to find a trustworthy and reputable practitioner.
- Search online: Use search engines to find holistic physicians in your area. Many practitioners have websites where you can learn more about their practice, specialties, and treatment approaches.
- Check professional organizations: Look for professional organizations that represent holistic medicine practitioners in your area. These organizations may have directories of members that you can search through to find a practitioner.
- Read online reviews: Check online reviews on platforms like Yelp or Google to see what other patients have to say about their experiences with local holistic physicians.
Once you’ve identified a few potential holistic doctors that you’re comfortable with, take the time to research them further (really dive deep into how they run their practice). Read reviews and ask questions to help determine if they are the right fit for you. It’s also a good idea to schedule an initial consultation to get a sense of their approach to healthcare and how they can help you achieve your health goals. Honestly, it’s a little like going on a first date- they should check off 90% of your must-have list before you head on in for your first official visit.
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What to Expect During a Visit to a Holistic Doctor
During a visit to a holistic doctor, you can expect a comprehensive approach to your health care that will most likely be different from what you might expect from a conventional medical doctor. For instance, holistic doctors may take an in-depth medical history that covers not just your current symptoms but also your lifestyle habits, stress levels, and emotional wellbeing. This information can help them get a better understanding of the underlying causes of your health issues.
You may also receive a physical exam to help the physician get a better understanding of your overall health, as well as be asked detailed questions about your diet and lifestyle habits to identify areas that may need to be improved to support your health.
Based on the information gathered during the visit, the holistic doctor will create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific health concerns. This plan may include recommendations for lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, supplements, natural remedies, or other therapies. Your treatment plan may also include recommendations for preventative measures to help you maintain good health and prevent future health issues.
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Make sure you set aside a decent amount of time when you visit a holistic doctor (more than what you would expect from a conventional doctor). Holistic doctors typically spend more time with patients than conventional medical doctors, so you can expect a visit that lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour (or more!)
Common Myths about Holistic Doctors
Holistic medicine is not based on scientific evidence: In reality, many holistic treatments and therapies are supported by scientific evidence. For example, acupuncture has been shown to be effective for treating chronic pain, and meditation has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Holistic medicine is not effective: Many people assume that because holistic medicine takes a more natural approach to healing, it is not as effective as conventional medicine. However, studies have shown that many holistic treatments can be as effective, if not more effective, than traditional medical treatments for certain conditions.
Holistic medicine is only for “alternative” people: This myth implies that holistic medicine is only for people who are interested in alternative lifestyles or who reject conventional medicine entirely. In reality, holistic medicine is for anyone who wants to take a comprehensive approach to their health care and treat the root cause of health issues.
Holistic medicine is expensive: While some holistic treatments can be more expensive than conventional medical treatments, many are quite affordable. Additionally, many insurance plans now cover holistic treatments, making them more accessible to a wider range of people.
Holistic medicine is dangerous: Some people assume that because holistic treatments are natural, they are inherently safe. While most holistic treatments are safe when administered by a qualified practitioner, there are some risks associated with certain treatments, just as there are with conventional medical treatments. It’s important to work with a qualified practitioner and to discuss any potential risks and benefits before starting any treatment.
Overall, seeing a holistic doctor can really be an eye opener by providing a wide range of benefits for your health and wellbeing. By taking a comprehensive approach to your health care, a holistic doctor can help you address the root cause of your health issues, rather than simply treating symptoms (which ultimately, can lead to better long-term outcomes and a higher quality of life).
Ultimately, if you are interested in a more personalized, comprehensive approach to health care, seeing a holistic doctor is simply a no-brainer. It’s important to do your research, check credentials and qualifications, and find a practitioner who is a good fit for your needs and goals!
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out Functional Medicine Doctors: 4 Important Answers You Should Know.
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