Doctor Research - Finding a Naturopathic Healer

Doing a bit of doctor research to seek an alternative practitioner can lead a prospective patient to many holistic options. Even traditional practitioners are adding some of these newer more natural methods to their tool bag. One of the differences between the holistic methods compared to the traditional is the focus on prevention rather than treatment. The classic western model is focused on treating the symptoms after they occur with interventions such as medication. The alternative approach is to discover why the symptoms occurred in the first place and to prevent them. There are many options, some brand new and others based on ancient tactics often founded in the eastern portion of the globe.

Meditation: While meditation used to be thought of as something only monks or yogis did, it has now become a mainstream tool for many ailments. Stress, overeating, depression, anxiety and even dementia have seen improvement by the age old tactic of turning off the mind chatter. Scientific doctor research backs up what many have known for years, that meditation can improve health and quality of life. Physical changes in the brain and lowered blood pressure have resulted from focusing on one’s breath, being mindful and quieting down the thoughts in one’s head.

Yoga: Yoga is not just a physical exercise but one that affects mental health, as well. The mind-body connection is definitely at work with a regular practice of yoga. Stretching and realignment can help to alleviate stress and aid in digestive issues.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture originated in China eons ago. This treatment entails a practitioner inserting tiny needles into specific locations in order to block pain, provide relief from asthma, allergies, enable people to quit smoking, lower blood pressure and more. This option may sound like it would hurt due to the poking and prodding, but this is not the case. In fact there are few chances for side effects with this option.

Healing touch: Humans need touch and there are different ways to meet this need. Babies in orphanages who aren’t held often exhibited failure-to-thrive and other maladies. Lack of touch has also been shown to affect serotonin levels which could lead to depression. Massage or Reiki are two forms of healing touch. Massage is the practice of rubbing muscles free of stress. Reiki is a form of energy work in which the practitioner does not actually touch the flesh but interacts with the energy close to the body in order to move it and incite healing.

Nutritional changes: The study of nutrition over the years has led scientists and medical personnel to understand how true the old adage “you are what you eat” really is. A diet that is nutritious and free of chemicals can work wonders on many ailments, physical and mental.

If a prospective patient wants to discover what alternative treatments could work for them, doing a bit of doctor research via the internet could point the way. Practitioners who are M.D.s, D.O.s or naturopaths could be skilled and knowledgeable in these treatments.