Have you ever heard of a 'Holistic Doctor'? You may have heard this term from a friend, a family member, or even from the internet. Simply put, this refers to someone who follows a medical system that focuses not only on the disease but also on the whole body, mind, spirit, and emotions when treating us. They use traditional medical methods, but also take into account things like your lifestyle, diet, sleep, and stress . This is a very comprehensive treatment system.
Holistic doctors believe that there is a connection between the various systems of our body. They believe that health and wellness are a balance of all three: mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach to medicine is not a substitute for conventional medicine, but it is very important to the practice of integrative medicine .
What do holistic doctors believe?
Holistic doctors have a slightly different approach to treatment. They think about things that go beyond what we usually see when we go to get medicine for an illness. Here are some of the main things they believe in:
- Your condition does not define you: That is, even if you have a disease, you are not just that disease. You are much more than that. For example, if you have Diabetes Mellitus, you are not just a "diabetic," you have many other identities.
- Prevention first, treatment second: Their primary goal is to prevent disease before it occurs. Only then do they think about treating the disease. They believe that prevention is always the best option .
- Your condition is not limited to one area, it affects your entire body: Imagine, Niluka has frequent headaches. When she goes to a regular doctor, she is given a painkiller. But a holistic doctor will listen to Niluka's diet, her stress levels, and the number of hours she sleeps, and will look for other possible causes of her headaches. Do you understand the difference?
- Instead of just treating the symptoms, they look for the root cause of the disease: They don't just give you medicine for the flu , they try to find out why the fever occurred and treat that root cause. For example, if you have frequent skin problems, a holistic doctor might look into whether you have food allergies or a problem with your gut. They go deeper than just giving you a cream.
- They use a variety of safe alternative treatments to treat your condition: They don't limit themselves to a single medication, but consider a variety of safe treatments that are right for you (for example, dietary changes, exercise, mental health techniques).
- They believe that the relationship you build with them affects the outcome of your treatment: They believe that a good, trusting relationship between doctor and patient is very important for a speedy recovery. If you can talk freely about what's on your mind, it will also help with the treatment.
What are the different types of holistic doctors?
Holistic doctors are not all the same. Some have traditional medical degrees and combine that knowledge with holistic methods to provide treatment. There are others who, although they do not have a traditional medical degree, have degrees in various complementary or alternative medicine methods. Let's look at some of the main types.
Integrative Medical Doctor (MD)
These are fully licensed physicians. That is, they are doctors with a general medical degree (`MD`). However, they combine traditional medical methods with holistic methods that treat the whole body. They are in the field of Integrative Medicine .
Osteopathic Doctors (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine - DO)
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who are specially trained to treat diseases by manipulating our musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, and muscles.
Chiropractic Doctors (Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine - DC)
Chiropractors (DCs) are people who use their hands to manipulate our joints, reducing pain and restoring alignment . If you have back pain or neck pain, a chiropractor may be able to help.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) combine traditional medicine, holistic approaches, and natural therapies to provide treatment. They often use herbal remedies and nutritional advice.
Acupuncturists (Acupuncturist - LAc)
Acupuncturists (LAc) are practitioners of acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves inserting very fine steel needles into specific points on the body, which is believed to rebalance the body's energy flow, known as 'Qi'.
Chinese Herbalists
These people use traditional Chinese herbal medicine to treat both acute and chronic illnesses. They have a deep knowledge of herbal medicine.
How to become a holistic doctor?
Now you may be wondering what kind of education and training is required to become a holistic doctor. It varies depending on the type of holistic doctor.
Integrative Medical Doctors
These people first receive a four-year general medical school education. After that, they undergo three to seven years of residency training in a chosen specialty. During this residency, they learn more about their specialty. After that, they can pursue a special fellowship in ``Integrative Medicine.'' During this fellowship, they have to complete more than 1,000 hours of courses in integrative medicine.
Osteopathic Doctors
Osteopathic doctors study at a four-year osteopathic medical school. At this medical school, they receive about 200 hours of training in manual therapy (manipulative treatment). After graduating from medical school, they also complete a residency in a specialty of their choice.
Chiropractors
Chiropractors attend a four-year chiropractic medical school. They study general medical subjects such as anatomy and physiology , as well as rehabilitation, nutrition, and public health. To become a chiropractor, you must complete at least 4,200 hours of training, including classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience.
Naturopathic Doctors
Naturopathic doctors attend a four-year naturopathic medical school. They receive thousands of hours of training in a variety of disciplines, including clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, behavioral medicine, physical therapy, and homeopathy. However, not all states/counties license naturopathic doctors to practice.
Acupuncturists and Chinese Herbalists
These people usually have master's degrees or doctorates in acupuncture and/or Chinese medicine. They must be board certified and licensed to practice acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
How do you find a holistic doctor who is right for you?
If you're interested in seeing a holistic doctor, you may be wondering how to find a good one. Here are some things that may help you:
- Ask friends and family: Since they know you, they probably know of a doctor like you. They may be able to recommend someone who has had a good experience.
- Check social media, but do your own research: You can ask your friends on Facebook. But don't just go by what someone says, do some research yourself about the doctor and his or her treatment methods. Remember, what works for everyone may not work for you.
- Ask your current doctor: Your current doctor may be able to recommend a holistic practitioner who is a good fit for you.
If you have several names you found this way, call their offices and ask for more details. Here are some questions you can ask:
- Is that holistic doctor accepting new patients?
- Do they accept your insurance? (This may not apply everywhere in Sri Lanka, but it is important in some places)
- What are the office hours? Can I make an appointment on the weekend or in the evening?
- Do they communicate and work together with the patient's existing medical team? (This is very important, because it's good to have all your doctors aware of your condition.)
- What is their ``Treatment Philosophy''? (That is, how they plan to treat an illness)
- Do they practice Evidence-Based Holistic Medicine? (That is, they use scientifically proven, effective treatments.)
When choosing a holistic doctor, you want someone who can communicate well with you and understands you . Don't be afraid to ask questions and express your opinions.
Some of the most important things
Okay, so, from what we've talked about, these are the most important things you need to remember:
- A holistic doctor sees you as a whole person. They consider your body, mind, and spirit.
- Instead of just treating the symptoms, they try to find the root cause of your condition .
- Holistic doctors are licensed professionals who can help you with your personal health needs and support you in achieving your health goals.
- Most importantly, they communicate and work collaboratively with your existing medical team. Also, they always try to follow `Evidence-Based Medicine`.
So, if you feel that you need to seek advice from someone who looks at your whole life and cares about your health in addition to conventional treatments, a holistic doctor may be a good option. However, remember, it is very important to research carefully before seeking any medical treatment and choose the right person for you.
` Holistic Doctor, Holistic Wellness, Integrative Medicine, Body and Mind, Alternative Medicine, Health
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