Questions You Should Ask Your Holistic Healer

Holistic Medicine now reflects the norm. There is a multitude of information, resources, and practitioners. First one needs to understand the different healers and what they do. As indicated by National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a component of the National Institutes of Health, the list of what is considered Complementary and Alternative Medicine changes daily. The Holistic Medicine - Alternative Medicine systems include homeopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine, Traditional Chinese and Ayurveda. There is chiropractic, biofield therapies, dietary, supplements, herbal product, Jin Shin, Jyutsu and mind-body connection.

Who's Right for You - Know what therapies are used, and the advantages of this treatment. For treatment, the holistic health practitioner may combine massage therapy, nutritional counseling, reflexology, acupressure, yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine, polarity, breathing techniques, or more while working with a client. How many therapies are employed? Ask if the holistic healer practice alone or part of a group. Who are the healers in the group? Who provides care for patients in your absence? Can the healer provide references?

Check credentials - Are they certified by a medical specialty board? If it's a doctor with a medical degree you can contact American Holistic Medical Association, American Academy of Medical Acupuncture for Physicians, and The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Is the physician currently licensed? Has the state Board taken disciplinary action against the physician? Check the county's civil index for malpractice lawsuits. Registered nurses, dietitians, and chiropractors are licensed by the state. The American Chiropractic Association has specialty councils such as ACA College of Chiropractic Acupuncture (ACACCA). To check schools of other holistic healers with higher education go to The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and Council of Higher Education Accreditation websites. Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAORM), National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), http://www.reiki.org/, and American Massage Therapy Association are a few of the website that offer information on what to look for in a healer.

Check out the office - Your impression of the staff often reflects the attitude of the healer. You should be greeted in a friendly and respectful manner. The facilities should be clean and pleasant.

Interview the Holistic Healer - Interviewing the person may be the only way to know if the healer is right for you. Ask how the person keeps current in the field. When is the best time to call if you have questions? What is the period of recovery? If you feel uncomfortable after the interview, move on to another holistic healer. Trust your feeling.

Ask yourself - Were your questioned answered? Were you treated courteously? Do you feel comfortable sharing personal information with this person? Are you satisfied yet?