Choosing an Alternative Health Care Practitioner
by Katherine RosethDo you ever experience moments in life when you know something is wrong with your health, but not sure what it is? And you realize that you just cannot go on feeling the way you do? I had this experience a few months ago.
I visited an allergist regarding sinus problems. I explained my symptoms, he performed the traditional scratch test and informed me that I was allergic to dust. He never tested me for food allergies. Before I left, he prescribed two medications, and then he sent me on my merry way.
While driving home, my intuition told me the allergist did not give me a thorough test and the medications would only mask the problem. I knew in my gut that I had food allergies, and that I had options within the alternative health care community. Don’t misunderstand me, traditional medicine definitely has a place in all of our lives. Thousands, if not millions, of people have been cured, and their lives saved by conventional medical treatments. But sometimes, conventional treatments are just not enough.
Eventually, I received help from a chiropractor/nutritionist who gave me, what I felt, was a thorough examination. Many aspects of my diet, lifestyle, environmental exposures and mental attitude were documented and discussed. Of course the end result of my experience with the chiropractor was very positive. We worked together on determining my food allergies, and I finally felt like I uncovered the real issues regarding my health.
Treating the Whole Person
In general, most conventional physicians treat diseases, and they view good health as the “absence of illness.” But in the alternative health care community, health and disease are viewed as being the result of multiple influences interacting together. This means your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual being, combined with environmental and social factors, have an affect on your health.
“Good health should be defined as having freedom and flexibility,” remarked Marybeth Buchele, a local homeopathic practitioner. “When I meet with someone for the first time, we discuss the person’s world approach, childhood, stress levels, etc. because I want to really understand the person so that I can help him or her live a fuller life.” This statement reflects the mission of many alternative health care practitioners. All of the "pieces" must be integrated in order to create a complete picture of an individual and his or her illness. Treatment can then be directed at underlying, as well as immediate causative factors, therefore treating the whole person.(1)
What to Consider When Choosing a Practitioner
There are many qualifications people look for in physicians such as certifications, degrees and licenses. We also expect our medical doctors to be regulated by national or state boards such as the American Medical Association. Currently, there are few state and federal regulations for alternative medical practices, since they are relatively “new” within the U.S. However, this should not make alternative health care seem less credible. There are many training programs, colleges and regulation boards springing up all over the country that are working towards a united purpose of strengthening credibility within the alternative health care community.
In fact, we can be proud that the state of Minnesota was the first in the nation to pass the “Complementary and Alternative Health Freedom of Access Act (Statue 146A)” last May. The act gives numerous examples of complementary and alternative health care practices such as naturopathy, homeopathy and herbalism. But more importantly, the act allows these practices to continue legally. This law protects the consumer through a client bill of rights. Information regarding credentials, training and experience are given to a client up front, along with a complaint process should the client be concerned about his or her treatment. (2)
There are other ways to find out if a particular practitioner is for you. One suggestion is to call the practitioner and speak directly with him or her, and ask any questions or express any concerns you may have before scheduling an appointment. This is not the time to be diagnosed, but the time to learn about communication style, general methods of treatment and what to expect from the initial session – topics that demonstrate what type of person the practitioner is.
“Find someone who will spend time with you, and will want to really understand where you are at. Another sign of a good practitioner is someone who understands that the body is the healer and the practitioner is the assistant,” commented Kathy Kornblum, owner/herbalist of Blue Flower Herbs.
“The practitioner and patient really should connect with one another. Therefore, look for a practitioner who will really work with the patient on his or her treatment,” added Buchele.
Various Approaches
There are a number of alternative medical modalities, and within each modality a number of methods of treatment. This list is not exhaustive by any means, but it provides a glimpse into some popular alternative medical approaches used today.
Ayurvedic Medicine
This has been practiced in India for over 3,000 years. According to Ayurvedic, people are ruled by one of three doshas: vata, pitta, or kapha. Each dosha, in a balance specific to an individual, is called prakriti, or natural constitution. Illness results when your prakriti is out of balance. Ayurvedic heals and prevents disease by aligning lifestyle with constitution.(2) An Ayurvedic doctor spends about one hour during the first visit discussing diet, medical history, and lifestyle. Treatment may include dietary changes, yoga, massage and herbal remedies.
Chiropractic Care
This form of alternative medicine was founded by Dr. Daniel Palmer in the late 1890s, and today it is the most widely used alternative health care approach in the U.S. The main focus of chiropractic care is to work with the body’s natural strengths to restore and maintain health through manipulations and adjustments of the skeleton and muscles. Doctors of Chiropractic can also specialize in areas such as orthopedics, nutrition, internal medicine and neurology. Chiropractic care can treat problems such as chronic pain, bursitis, TMJ, migraines, muscle cramps, scoliosis and tendonitis.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine has been practiced in many cultures for thousands of years. Today, more people are using herbal remedies because they are often safer and gentler then conventional drugs. They have few to no side effects compared to drugs, and are quite effective in healing many health problems. Herbal formulas come in tinctures, capsules and salves. Herbalists have an in-depth understanding of how herbs can sufficiently treat symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, asthma, PMS, menopause, viral and bacterial infections, chronic illnesses, and colds and flus.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy was founded in the early 19th century by a German physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, and had its greatest popularity in the late 19th century. Homeopathy rests on the principle "like cures like." This means that a disease can be cured by a medicine that is capable of producing symptoms similar to those experienced by the patient in a healthy person. A homeopathic remedy is usually a single substance derived from plant, animal, or mineral. There are currently over 2,500-recorded remedies. A homeopath will prescribe medicine based on the closest match between the patient's symptoms and the known symptoms elicited by the medicine in a healthy body.
Naturopathic Medicine
“Nature cures” became very popular in the U.S. during the late 1800s. When modern medicines developed in the 1920s, naturopathy faded into a thing of the past.(4) It has since re-emerged, and an increasing number of pre-med students are training at accredited naturopathic colleges throughout the states. Naturopaths believe that the body has the inherent ability to not only to heal itself and restore health, but also to ward off disease. There are four principles of healing that guide the naturopathic doctor: first do no harm (meaning use noninvasive treatments), identify and treat the cause, treat the whole person and prevention is the best cure. Naturopathic treatments may include dietary changes, nutritional supplements, homeopathic and herbal medicine, massage and stress management.(4)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
This form of medical treatment has been used in Asia for 5,000 years. Chi (or qi) is energy that flows through all living things and through meridians in our body. TCM deals with treating imbalances and energy problems. TCM can treat chronic health issues such as candida, digestion and heart problems and migraines. It is also effective for treating symptoms like anxiety and depression that a person experiences when dealing with cancer. TCM treatments may include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage, and dietary and exercise recommendations.
When to Self-Medicate
Today, we have the choice to treat ourselves with over-the-counter remedies such as western herbs, homeopathic medicine and Traditional Chinese Herbs. Our decisions can be influenced by what we read or by recommendations from friends.
Practitioners have differing opinions regarding self-medication. “People should be cautious when self-medicating, especially with herbs. They are medicines and should be used as such. For example, Goldenseal is found in many over-the-counter herbs, but it should only be used for serious illnesses. If people are going to treat themselves, they need to research their symptoms and treatment options,” suggested Kornblum.
“A person should really see a practitioner before they attempt to treat themselves with over-the-counter remedies,” commented Carol Hume, a licensed acupuncturist in Minnetonka. “A good practitioner will teach people how to use basic herbs and other remedies at home,” added Hume.
Also be aware of cultural trends. If you hear of a hot new remedy or diet, be sure to discuss it with your practitioner. He or she will have a better understanding of your specific situation, and will prescribe remedies based on your individual need.
As you can tell, you have several options when it comes to choosing an alternative health care practitioner. There is not one method or one approach that is the right way. Since you are ultimately responsible for your health, you need to determine what type of practitioner or health care approach is best for you. Whatever path you choose for your health care, communicate your decision with your doctor, trust your intuition, and keep an open mind to new experiences.
References:
- National College of Naturopathic Medicine web site, www.ncnm.edu, Portland, Oregon.
- MN Natural Health Legal Reform Project, “The Vision,” May 2000.
- “Your Guide to Holistic Practitioners,” Delicious Magazine, 2000, pg. 32.
- “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Alternative Medicine,” Pressman, Dr. Alan, pgs. 32-33.