Who is this Holistic Doctor? (Holistic Doctor) - Let's talk about complete healing

Do you sometimes feel that when you go to a doctor, he only looks at your illness and not at you? Do you feel like the same illness comes back after taking medicine, or that when one illness gets better, another illness appears? Maybe you are looking for someone who listens not just to the illness, but to your whole body and mind. That is where the role of a 'Holistic Doctor' comes in. Let's understand this simply and precisely.

Simply put, who is this Holistic Doctor?

A holistic doctor is a doctor who takes a 'whole-body approach' to treating a patient. This means that they pay attention to your body, mind, spirit, and emotions when diagnosing and treating your illness. These doctors use traditional Western medicine, but they also take a very close look at your lifestyle, diet, sleep habits, and stress levels .

Think about it this way. You have a headache all the time. When you go to a doctor, he gives you a painkiller. When you take it, the pain goes away, but it comes back in two or three days. But before a Holistic Doctor gives you a painkiller, he might ask you these questions:

• "What is the nature of your job? Do you spend a lot of time looking at the computer?"
• "Are there any problems in your family life? Are you worried?"
• "How much water do you drink a day? What is your diet like?"
• "Do you sleep well? How many times do you wake up at night?"

Did you notice the difference? He doesn't just look at the pain as the cause of the headache. He tries to find the underlying cause, such as stress, poor posture, and nutritional deficiencies, which can contribute to it.

The important thing is that Holistic Medicine is not a substitute for traditional Western medicine. It doesn't mean you should stop taking your diabetes or high blood pressure medication. Instead, it's about improving your lifestyle, diet, and mental health along with your treatment to help you heal more completely. This is a very important part of Integrative Medicine .

What is the basic value system of a Holistic Doctor?

There are a few basic principles that these doctors follow when treating patients. Understanding these will give you a better idea of ​​their approach.

• They don't let your disease define you. You're not a "diabetic." You're a person living with diabetes. This change in urine has a huge psychological impact.
• They prioritize preventing illness over treating it. They place great value on prevention.
• They believe that your illness is not limited to one organ, but is related to the whole body. A problem with your skin may be caused by a problem with your digestive system.
• Instead of just treating the symptoms, they try to find the underlying cause of the illness. Just like treating the root of the disease instead of cutting off a branch from a tree.
• Instead of being stuck with a single treatment method, try a variety of safe treatments that work for you. This can include Western medicine, nutritional advice, exercise, and meditation.
• They believe that a strong relationship between doctor and patient is very important to the healing process. They work as a listener, where you can speak your mind without fear.

What are the different types of holistic doctors?

Some holistic doctors have traditional medical degrees. They combine their Western medical training with this whole-body approach. Others may not have a traditional medical degree, but have degrees and training in other complementary or alternative medicine. Let's look at these main types.

What kind of training do you need to become a Holistic Doctor?

The education and training each of these doctors receives varies. Being aware of this will help you choose the right one for you.

Integrative Medical Doctors (MD)

These doctors first complete a 4-year degree at a general medical school. After that, they undergo 3-7 years of specialized training (residency) in their chosen field (e.g., family medicine, cardiology). After that, they may undergo further specialized training (fellowship) in Integrative Medicine. Here, they complete over 1,000 hours of coursework.

Osteopathic Doctors (DO)

They study for a 4-year degree at an osteopathic medical school. During this time, they receive about 200 hours of specialized training in manipulative treatment of the body. After graduation, they receive specialist training in their chosen field, just like MDs.

Chiropractors (DC)

They pursue a four-year degree at a chiropractic medical school. They study traditional medical subjects like anatomy and physiology, as well as rehabilitation and nutrition. They receive over 4,200 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical experience.

Naturopathic Doctors (ND)

They complete a 4-year degree at a naturopathic medical school. They receive thousands of hours of training in subjects such as clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, behavioral medicine, and physical therapy. They are not licensed to practice medicine in every country or state.

Acupuncturists and Chinese Herbalists

They typically hold master's or doctoral degrees in acupuncture and/or Chinese medicine. They must also be board certified and licensed to practice in their field.

How do I find the best Holistic Doctor for me?

If you are looking for a holistic doctor, there are a few things you can do. The best way is to ask your current family doctor for advice. He or she will be able to recommend someone you trust who is a good fit for your situation. In addition, you can ask your friends and family.

Once you have a list of a few people who are a good fit for you, it is very important to call their office and get some information.

Before you search, keep these questions in mind:

• "Are you accepting new patients?"
• "Do you accept my insurance?" (if applicable)
• "What are the office hours? Can I make an appointment on the weekend or in the evening?"
• "Would you like to work with my current doctors and share information?" (This is very important)
• "What is your treatment philosophy?"
• "Do you use evidence-based treatments?"