As more information becomes available, the number of people utilizing alternative medicine is growing. Holistic healthcare involves healing the mind, body, spirit and emotional aspects of a person to collectively improve their health and wellness. Holistic healthcare practitioners believe proper life balance is the key to maintaining health. When one of the body’s systems isn’t working properly, the rest of the body will subsequently begin to malfunction.
Rather than competing with traditional medical practices, alternative health care methods are oftentimes used as a compliment. For instance, if someone were to visit a holistic care doctor for headaches, they may recommend medication, however, they will further investigate the underlying causes outside of being physical. They may conclude that certain factors, including diet or excess stress are the reasons behind recurring headaches and recommend lifestyle changes with prescription medication as a backup.
Alternative Medicine Careers
When one hears the phrase “alternative medicine”, there are many subdivisions that fall under this category. In fact, alternative medicine practitioners diagnose the ailments and correlate the proper holistic method from there. For instance, people who suffer with digestion issues, back pain, and sleep disorders, a great holistic cure is acupuncture. Acupuncturists use needles and in some cases, electric stimulation, to heal health ailments. A similar holistic practice is called acupressure, which involves therapists using their hands, feet, and elbows to massage pressure points rather than using needles.
Another holistic healing method is herbal medicine. These practitioners use plants, herbs, and berries to magnify the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years and cures may ailments from skin rashes to premenstrual issues. Speaking with a healthcare professional prior to using herbal medication in certain cases like pregnancy or the use of other medications is highly recommended.
Aromatherapy is another holistic practice gaining popularity. This method uses essential oils, or concentrated herbal extracts, and diffuses them into the air or mixes them with a carrier oil and massaged into the skin to heal physical, mental, and emotional ailments. Being used for over 5,000 years, aromatherapy is great for dealing with stress, fatigue, nausea, and even depression.
In some instances, holistic care practitioners may believe the condition requires conventional medication. In any case, a practitioner with multiple areas of expertise is the best option. For instance, if a healthcare provider understands Ayurveda, traditional, and Oriental medicine, there is a greater chance of them finding an alternative cure. This also helps them diversify their business opportunities. While some may have a private practice, it is also common for holistic care providers to work at hospitals and wellness centers. Be sure to verify the necessary certifications to practice holistic care.
There is not a uniform blueprint when it comes to alternative medicine certification. The area of expertise oftentimes dictates the education requirements. For example, some states require a high school diploma while some require a master’s degree. In some places, there are no general licensing requirements. Regardless of the educational requirements, a rule of thumb is that every holistic practitioner should obtain personal liability insurance. This protects them from unexpected issues, such as a security breach or an injury claim. Every holistic practitioner is recommended to get personal liability insurance from NACAMS, who provides quality and affordable insurance options with numerous benefits.
Practicing holistic medicine has numerous benefits when used wisely. While it is okay to study one alternative medicine, look into diversifying practices. By doing this, more people will take on a more natural approach to maintaining wellness instead of using medication to temporarily treat recurring symptoms.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
