Holistic Physicians and Licensed Holistic Health Practitioners

As alternative medicine is gaining in popularity and successfully passes the rigors of scientific research, medical institutions and doctors are adding these modalities to their practices.

Their holistic practices provide a valuable service, especially to patients with complicated and serious health challenges.

Doctors who specialize solely in natural holistic medicine, acupuncturists and massage therapists are entering the mainstream. As the demand for holistic medicine grows, these practitioners will become more commonplace and gain wider acceptance as well.

Licensed practitioners include:

Holistic Physicians

Holistic doctors are educated and trained in conventional medical institutions. They are licensed as either Medical Doctors (MD) or Doctors of Osteopathy (DO).

In addition to their medical degree, these doctors have added several years of study in one or more alternative medicine therapies. These therapies, such as acupuncture, are recognized and accepted as safe and effective for certain conditions.

Holistic physicians approach health from a holistic, or whole person, philosophy. When a doctor uses both conventional and alternative medicine to treat a patient, it is called integrative medicine. Some people call it integrated medicine. The number of holistic doctors, and medical institutions that incorporate integrative medicine is growing due to public demand and supportive research. If you are lucky enough to have a holistic physician in your area, he or she can be a great asset to you, especially if you have chronic or serious health concerns.
See tips for choosing a holistic health practitioner for more information.

Dentists and nurses can also receive holistic training to enhance their skills. Holistic dentists are sometimes called biological dentists.

Naturopathic Doctors

A Naturopathic Doctor (ND), sometimes known as a Naturopath, is a protected designation that can only be used by individuals meeting training and licensing requirements of a particular state or province. Training is offered through four-year on-campus programs at seven certified colleges in the United States and Canada.

As of this writing, at least fifteen states, Washington, D.C. and five Canadian provinces recognize Naturopaths as licensed health care providers. Insurance coverage may be available in states that license naturopathic doctors (check with your carrier).

Naturopaths are trained in natural medicine or naturopathic medicine. They favors a holistic approach, using natural remedies to foster the body’s ability to heal and balance itself. ND's emphasize preventive methods such as lowering stress, healthy living, and natural self-healing.

Naturopathic doctors also receive training in medical imaging, blood testing, and even minor surgical procedures. Some methods used in naturopathy are not accepted in conventional medicine.

There is some confusion about licensed and unlicensed naturopaths. People who trained at a correspondence or on-line school may receive a comprehensive education, but they do not have the same level of education as those who have trained at one of the seven certified colleges. In order to be a primary care provider a naturopath must be licensed. They must complete the four year on-site program,take board exams and practice in a state or locale that licenses them.

There are individuals who have taken the four years of training and are not able to practice under a license because their state has not passed the necessary legislation. These individuals may be listed as holistic practitioners. They can be a valuable asset to you if you are looking for a naturopath.

Chiropractors

Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) are licensed medical professionals who focus on diagnosing and treating problems related to the muscles, skeletal system, nervous system and spine. There are different types of chiropractors. An Atlas Chiropractor uses a device to correct misalignment of the atlas and axis at the top of the spine. If you have neck problems, I would highly recommend you check this out. It has helped me immensely.

Acupuncturists

Acupuncturists attend school for three years. It is an intensive on-site program that includes training in oriental medicine, herbs, acupuncture and other modalities. My neighbor went to acupuncture school so I got to see a little glimpse of how involved and intense her program was.

Not all states require licensing of acupuncturists. If you live in one of these states, be sure to check the credentials of the practitioner before having a session. Look for certification by the American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Canadians can look for certification from the Acupuncture Foundation Institute of Canada.

Acupuncture has gained widespread acceptance in the West in recent years. Some holistic physicians choose to train in acupuncture and offer it as an option to their patients for a variety of conditions. Some insurance companies cover acupuncture.

Massage therapists

Massage has become one of the most popular forms of hands-on holistic healing. It does not access the mind or emotions directly, but can help relax the mind as muscles release tension. Sometimes repressed emotions surface and are released when the associated muscle is massaged.

Massage therapists often receive additional training in reiki, cranio-sacral therapy, shiatsu or other alternative hands-on techniques.

Currently, 37 of the 50 states in the U.S. have training and licensing requirements for massage therapists. Training requirements vary widely from state to state.

Whether you choose to work with a holistic physician or other holistic provider, it is wise to be aware of your state or country's requirements and their level of training and expertise.