Unlike traditional medical practices, holistic doctors seek the original causes of physical symptoms. They also provide patients with tools to help them take control of their own health and wellness.
Holistic practitioners look at a patient’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual facets. They believe all these things are connected and that being unwell in one area can have an impact on the others.
Ask for Referrals
A holistic doctor will want to get to know you as a whole person. They will ask you questions about your diet, exercise and sleep habits, your emotions and close relationships and your religious beliefs. They understand that your mental health can directly impact your physical wellbeing – for example, stress can cause headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure and weight gain.
They may also use a variety of treatments to help you with your wellness concerns, including nutritional therapies and body-based techniques like acupuncture. They will also focus on fixing the root cause of your condition, rather than just alleviating the symptoms.
You should always make it easy for your clients to refer you and your business. This can include adding a referral request in your email signature, providing a mobile-friendly form where they can share a link to a social media post or even writing a script that they can sign and forward on your behalf.
Look for Online Reviews
When most people think of health care providers, they envision a traditional medical doctor who will look at them, listen to their symptoms, and then write them a prescription. While these doctors are important, there’s a growing roster of practitioners who take a more holistic approach to wellness.
Holistic doctors don’t just focus on alleviating symptoms, but identifying the root cause of those symptoms. They look at a person’s lifestyle, diet, exercise, sleep patterns and stress level. They believe that all of these factors are interconnected and can impact one another.
Often, these doctors will prescribe alternative treatments like massages, acupuncture or meditation as a way to support the body’s natural healing processes. They’ll also encourage their patients to empower themselves by educating them about the importance of healthy habits like eating well and exercising regularly. They may even recommend that their patients seek out spiritual healing through prayer or therapy. The best holistic healthcare providers will work alongside traditional medical doctors, not against them.
Check the Credentials of the Practitioner
While many holistic health practitioners are independent, some go through a rigorous training program to become certified. They will typically have a degree in acupuncture, homeopathy, yoga, or another traditional alternative medicine practice. You may also want to make sure that they have a license in your state.
The best holistic health clinic will look at your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. They will understand that all of these aspects are interconnected. For example, stress and anxiety can have a negative effect on your digestion and sleep. A holistic doctor will address these issues and provide you with a personalized treatment plan.
Holistic doctors also focus on prevention. They will help you learn how to live a healthy lifestyle by suggesting dietary changes and other lifestyle habits. For example, they might recommend herbs such as zinc and elderberry to reduce the duration of a common cold. They will also encourage you to engage in self-care activities such as meditation and a balanced diet.
Look for a Reputation
When many people think of medical care, they imagine sterile exam rooms and white lab coats. Holistic health paints a different picture by offering a more expansive approach to healing. This type of treatment focuses on the mind, body and spirit. This holistic approach is gaining traction in the medical field and may even replace traditional research-backed treatment methods in some cases.
Practitioners who practice holistic healing believe that the mind, body and spirit are all interconnected. If one aspect of a person’s life is out of balance, it can affect other areas of their life. Whether it’s an imbalanced diet, lack of sleep or stress, a holistic doctor will seek to address these issues.
Conlcusion
There are various types of holistic doctors, including certified functional medicine doctors, osteopathic doctors and naturopathic doctors. When choosing a provider, look for a clinic that has a good reputation and offers testimonials from previous patients. It is also important to find a provider who takes the time to get to know their patients and listen to their concerns and needs.