Natural Health Consulting
Many conventional medical doctors, including the doctor who treats the Queen of England, have turned to a study of natural health alternatives. No one is minimizing the benefits of Western medicine, with its skillfully developed surgical techniques and other life saving measures. However, a great many people are discovering that some of the areas where Western medicine has failed to perform successfully respond well to other approaches.
This new, broadened perspective has led to many new opportunities for people interested in medicine and health. Perhaps the most multifaceted of these is that of natural health consultant.
What is a natural health consultant?
Put simply, he or she is a person who has a broad understanding of the several disciplines that fall under the heading of "natural medicine." This includes homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, osteopathy, medical herbalism, and other similar or closely related approaches.
The natural health consultant is not necessarily an expert, nor a practitioner, in any of these fields. However, the consultant’s expansive knowledge about the capabilities of all these fields allows them to explain natural health options to people, advise them on which discipline might be an appropriate starting point, and assist them in being referred to those who can provide the necessary treatments.
Your First Visit To An Alternative Health Consultant
If you've never visited an herbalist, naturopath or other alternative health care consultant, you may find the entire idea a tad overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. Here's how to get the most out of your first visit to a natural health clinic.
Regardless of exactly why you visit, your first appointment may be fairly brief. You can expect your practitioner to spend a few minutes explaining exactly what services he or she provides and any legal or moral limitations that apply. (For example, in a few states naturopathy is actually illegal.)
Don't Expect A Diagnosis
In most states, non-M.D.s like herbalists, homeopaths and naturopaths work in a legal "gray" area without a clear definition of what they can and can't do. This means that your practitioner is probably going to be very careful to avoid using what's called diagnostic language. Instead of saying, "You have a sinus infection," your provider may say something like, "You know, when I feel like that I do this or that."
Avoiding overtly "medical" language helps protect your practitioner from charges of practicing medicine without a license. Instead, expect your practitioner to sound less like a doctor and more like a teacher.
An Herbalist Won't Replace Your Doctor
Unless your practitioner is also an M.D., he or she will not replace your primary care physician. While you can learn a lot about nutrition, disease prevention and more from an herbalist or naturopath, you're still going to need someone to write prescriptions, refer you to specialists and perform medical tests.
Expect A LOT Of Questions
Alternative health care consultants pride themselves on treating the "whole person" and not just your symptoms. You can expect your herbalist, naturopath or homeopath to ask a lot of questions, some of which will seem to have little relevance to your health. It's important to be as honest as possible but you should never feel obligated to answer a question that makes you feel uncomfortable.
What An Alternative Practitioner CAN Do For You
When you visit an alternative medicine consultant, you can expect to be empowered, educated and encouraged to make your own decisions about your health. An herbalist, naturopath or homeopath can be a wonderful resource of information about nutrition, preventing illnesses, strengthening your immune system and more. Plus, he or she just might help you discover treatment options your doctor may not have presented to you.
Health
soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or ailment
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