What is a holistic health practitioner?

Holistic healthcare examines the whole person, not just their physical symptoms, focusing on how the body's systems work together as a unit. Instead of observing the symptoms of one part of the body, holistic health professionals strive to improve the entire body. A holistic health professional evaluates the connection between body, mind and spirit. When you visit professionals properly and formally trained in holistic health, your goal is to find the root cause of your symptoms.

For example, if you have a skin condition, a holistic professional may recommend some natural home remedies in addition to the topical ointments recommended by your doctor. Acupuncture, naturopathy, and other forms of alternative medicine take a holistic approach to healing. Professionals focus on the root cause of the disease, addressing any imbalance caused by poor diet, lack of sleep, and emotional factors. Some specialize in nutrition therapy or massage, while others use natural remedies to prevent and treat diseases.

Students who are interested in alternative medicine can pursue a master's degree in holistic health and medicine. Another good option is the American College of Healthcare Sciences, which offers holistic health training. The certification must be renewed after five years and requires the physician to have completed 120 hours of continuing medical education, 60 of which are in integrative holistic subjects. Certain schools and organizations have begun to offer comprehensive and inclusive certification in holistic health.

Salary information is not available for the full range of holistic health careers, but there are statistics for some types of careers that show income in the alternative health field. So what is a holistic health professional? A holistic professional considers the whole person, including physical, mental and spiritual aspects, when treating a health condition or promoting well-being. Physicians must also submit a personal growth record, pass an exam, and submit a clinical case that describes a patient's holistic medical diagnosis and management. You can help customers prepare for the typical side effects of some allopathic methods by incorporating natural health practices into their path to better health.

The American Holistic Health Association, a nonprofit organization that connects people to wellness resources, emphasizes caring for a person's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual states for optimal health. In addition, holistic health careers have rewards beyond pay, including the invaluable personal satisfaction of helping others achieve optimal health. Master's degrees are also available, and you can even complete a postgraduate education to earn a Doctor of Naturopathy, Doctor of Natural Health, or Doctor of Philosophy in Holistic Nutrition degree. Holistic medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person (body, mind, spirit and emotions) in the pursuit of optimal health and well-being.

This curriculum covers, in depth, the essential techniques that natural health professionals use to support their clients. Holistic health practice is based on the concept of treating the whole person (physical, emotional and spiritual) and the courses in these programs reflect that philosophy. They generally practice under the license of their chosen modality and include holistic practices in their licensed practice.

Lynette Onusko
Lynette Onusko

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