Although conventional medicine isn’t going away, more and more people are looking for holistic medical care. Patients want and need practitioners who focus on the whole patient rather than only on a condition. Holistic practitioners consider body, mind, spirit, and emotions when implementing healing plans. Holistic medicine may include both conventional and alternative treatments. Despite its popularity, it can be difficult to find a practitioner. Learn more about finding and selecting someone who practices holistic medicine.
What Is Their Educational Background?
When you visit any healthcare provider, your eyes likely at least glance at the degrees and certifications hanging on the wall. It’s natural to be curious about where a doctor or other provider studied. Educational background is an essential piece of the puzzle when you’re looking for a holistic practitioner. It’s not uncommon for people who practice in this area to have a combination of conventional and holistic training. Practitioners in the holistic medicine field can also hold certificates, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in a variety of alternative medicine programs.
Check a Practitioner’s Credentials
Don’t be afraid to ask about credentials. Board certification is one credential that means a doctor has passed a rigorous set of exams. These exams measure competency to practice in a specific field. Most practitioners attend multiple training programs. Look at their website and practice brochures. Many providers include special training in their informational materials. Be aware that credentialing varies widely in the field of holistic medicine. A genuine practitioner will be upfront about their credentials. They’re proud to share this information with prospective patients.
Ask Your Primary Care Doctor
If you have a conventional primary care doctor, ask them for recommendations. Many insurance companies today cover certain alternative treatments such as acupuncture, hypnosis, or massage therapy. Your doctor may have a list of holistic practitioners already approved by insurance companies. Also, hospitals and medical schools often refer patients to holistic practitioners.
Ask a Friend
If you know someone who already sees a holistic specialist, they’ll likely talk your ear off about their favorite practitioner. Personal referrals are an excellent way to find a new provider. When people are happy with their care, they’re excited to share the details with friends. Your friend is a good resource for information on what type of personality the practitioner has and whether they think they’ll be a good fit for you.
Follow Your Heart
Once you find a center for holistic medicine in Boulder, CO, make at least one appointment. Look around the office. Does the environment make you feel serene and tranquil, or do you feel nervous? Pay attention to how the office staff treat you. Of course, you’ll gauge how comfortable you feel with the practitioner. Ultimately, a practitioner can have amazing credentials, a beautiful office, and a warm, caring staff, and still not be the right one for you. So, trust what your heart tells you. You should leave the office feeling uplifted and like you’re in good hands. Pay attention, because your intuition is reliable when it comes to who you choose to care for you.
Have you been looking for a new holistic care provider? Holistica Integrative Care would love to talk with you about how we can help you learn more about your health. Contact us today or visit our website at www.holisticacare.com to set up an appointment.
