My Health Practitioner is … [Holistic, Alternative, Naturopath, etc] - What Do They All M
In this society, we have been trained to put our trust into the person wearing the white coat. Entrusting the practitioner with our family’s health is so convenient and ohh how simple is it to take a pill to cure symptoms. The simple administration of medication with the goal of curing symptoms may create unwanted reactions. “Everywhere in nature rules the great Law of Action and Reaction. […] Every agent affecting the human organism produces two effects: a first, temporary effect, and a second, lasting effect. The second, lasting effect is always contrary to the first, transient effect,” (Lindlahr, 2010). The perpetual money-making machine is well oiled.
Finally, people are seeking “alternative” healing modalities. Sadly, for some it’s their last resort but for others it’s a lifestyle. The fast pace requirement of modern society requires us to keep going. If you are one who has taken the blue pill and stuck in the matrix … I hope you find someone with the antidote. Which type of practitioner is the best?
My Health Practitioner is [Holistic, Alternative, Naturopath, etc] … no matter the title, what does it mean? It’s a label! A label for a method used. Does it matter? Yes, it does!
Before I list the definition of the labels … here’s my disclosure: I truly believe and over the years it served me right when applied… no matter the label, keep an open mind and question things. No one professional has the definite answer. We all view things differently and use different approaches. Hence, second opinions! I’ve met conventional practitioners with great ideas and learned a lot from them, but their core beliefs were 180° from mine. I’ve met “Alternative” practitioners whom we shared the same core beliefs, but their methods or personality did not match mine. Once you pick a practitioner, you have the power to seek another. You are not stuck! Take with you what you have learned. Seek a practitioner that you get along with, that will listen to you, educate you and hold your hand. It is education, a learning curve, life lessons – growth!
Definitions
Conventional Medicine “A system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Also called allopathic medicine, biomedicine, mainstream medicine, orthodox medicine, and Western medicine,” (NIH, 2017).
Holistic medicine is the art and science of healing that addresses the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. The practice of holistic medicine integrates conventional and alternative therapies to prevent and treat disease, and most importantly, to promote optimal health,” (AIHM, 2017).
Hmm wait a moment … what does conventional mean again? Go back to the definition of “Conventional” and keep in mind that licensed practitioners are using methods that are highly regulated … they are licensed by a Board. They are performing methods that cannot be performed by those who are not Board licensed. Which is great and needed at times. However, they are profit oriented. It is good for the system to have a sick patient - one whose symptoms are “suppressed” and not cured. Additionally, their malpractice insurance is very expensive. They must stay within guidelines when they practice medicine or else it can be costly. So … a holistic practitioner can use conventional methods … therefore, generally they are Board licensed practitioners who have extended their education to include holistic methods. Which means!? .. keep your eyes open and question things. You want your family’s best interest! Do not get stuck in the profit segment, it’s your health and money!
“Homeopathy, or Homeopathic Medicine, is the practice of medicine that embraces a holistic, natural approach to the treatment of the sick. […] Homeopathy is natural because its remedies are produced according to the U.S. FDA-recognized Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States from natural sources, whether vegetable, mineral, or animal in nature,” (American Institute of Homeopathy).
This is great … remedies that are from natural sources. I love homeopathy. Such a great solution in avoiding synthetics. Great idea to buy time when needed. Keep in mind, nothing is free – there’s always a cost. A plant may alleviate a symptom, but that same plant can contain toxic properties when over utilized or not detoxed. The approach of needing a plant to cure symptoms is a conventional approach with holistic remedy sources.
“Naturopathy focuses on health. The definition of naturopathy is a philosophy and system of following the laws of health God mandated in nature: species appropriate nutrition, exercise, pure water, fresh air, sunshine, rest, moderation and trust in these laws to maintain health. […] employs the use of nature’s remedies such as herbs, essential oils, minerals, etc., in addition to the laws of health, to support the body so it can bring itself back into balance. No doctor or physician of any kind can heal anyone as the body heals itself,” (A.C.A.N.).
There are many more modalities such as: Acupressure Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Essential Oils, and more … it’s nature … there are no limits!
Keep an open mind. Some healers have no labels. “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”, (Zen Proverb). A very big warning ... alternative methods are becoming popular ... watch out for those wanting to profit by mis-using labels.
Contact me for a Wellness Consultation … I will hold your hand and share information to empower you with the tools to take care of your companions. Your pet(s) depend on you, you are their best advocates. You owe it to them - to provide them with the best foundation to a healthy life!
“Don't believe what I post research what I post,”
~ Anonymous
Chantal L Regan
Certified Animal Naturopath
Student of Animal Acupressure
Mind Animal Spirit LLC
www.mindanimalspirit.com
Disclaimer: the information provided in this article is for educational purpose only and is not intended to replace medical care or to diagnose. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials on these pages, either text or image may be used for any purpose other than personal use. Therefore, reproduction, modification, storage in a retrieval system or retransmission, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, for reasons other than personal use, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
References
Lindlahr, H. (2010). The Philosophy of Natural Therapeutics. Kirksville, U.S.A: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
NIH. (n.d.). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Retrieved October 27, 2017 from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms?cdrid=449752
AIHM. (n.d.). Principles of Holistic Medicine. Retrieved October 27, 2017 from https://ahha.org/selfhelp-articles/principles-of-holistic-medicine/
American Institute of Homeopathy. (n.d.). What is Homeopathic Medicine? Retrieved on October 27, 2017 from http://homeopathyusa.org/homeopathic-medicine.html
A.C.A.N. (2017). What is Animal Naturopathy? Retrieved October 27, 2017 from https://www.animalnaturopathy.org/what-is-animal-naturopathy/
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