Natural doctors
use a variety of approaches to treat their patients.
A natural doctor, also known as a holistic doctor, is a physician who holds a medical degree and specializes in alternative treatments and medicine. A natural doctor may have a degree in Naturopathic Medicine; however, as of 2011 only 14 states permit the practice of Naturopathic Medicine without a medical degree. Holistic doctors may specialize in chiropractics, herbalism, oriental medicine or acupuncture.
Chiropracter
Spinal manipulation, massage and physical therapy are practiced by chiropracters.
A chiropractor focuses on the body's structure, primarily the spine. Routine adjustments to correct alignment, alleviate pain and improve function are performed in a chiropractic practice. Patients with migraine headaches, neck or back pain and problems with their hands or feet may benefit from chiropractics. Physical therapy, massage and heat therapy are more tools that a chiropractor may use in treating his patients.
Herbalist
Different herbs are often used in combination for increased benefits.
Herbalists specialize in the medicinal use of plants or plant parts. Conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, arthritis and premenstrual syndrome are treated by herbalists. Herbs are available in teas, syrups, oils and dry supplements. A natural doctor who utilizes herbalism to treat his patients is knowledgeable on the species and variety of plants, their habitat, how the plants were stored and processed and if there are any contaminants.
Oriental Medicine
When the body is in balance it is believed to be in Yin and Yang health.
Natural doctors who practice Oriental medicine employ the philosophy that health is an expression of balance. Oriental medicine physicians look at a patient's symptoms and utilize diagnostic techniques to diagnose an area of imbalance within the body. For instance, an Oriental medicine physician may diagnose a person who complains about extreme fatigue after eating with an imbalance in the spleen. An imbalanced organ can affect other organs, and these imbalances may be treated with Chinese herbology and acupuncture.
Acupuncturist
At least 2,000 acupuncture points exist in the body.
An acupuncturist stimulates points on the body using thin needles or electric stimulation. A part of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years. For those who practice acupuncture, disease is said to be due to an internal imbalance; this imbalance leads to a blockage of energy. Acupuncture releases energy blockages to improve the body's balance. Natural doctors often employ the techniques of acupuncture because there is a low rate of complications if performed correctly.
Tags: natural doctor, body balance, medical degree, medicine acupuncture, Natural doctors, Naturopathic Medicine, Oriental medicine
