What Should I Ask My Holistic Healer?

First, what exactly is a Holistic Healer? Keep in mind that there are many types of holistic healing methods and many different holistic practitioners. All specializing in different areas, such as, physical healing, mental health, emotional and even spiritual. Keeping and maintaining a perfect balance is only one goal. So many types of holistic therapies and treatments are there, making their rounds about the world. Growing more and more popular with each passing day. Some of the most common practices include massage, aromatherapy, counseling, natural herbal remedies, and acupuncture. Each of which is referred to as Alternative Medicine.

What is Alternative Medicine? It's a different approach to health and healing that does not rely on drugs or surgery. Over the counter drugs, and most of the prescribed drugs, only mask the symptoms. Most of these don't help to fix the illness, but instead they make it tolerable or unnoticed. While side effects from these medications can sometimes be worse than the symptom itself. Have you ever taken Meclizine to cure motion sickness? The symptoms may include headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and/or vomiting, plus more. Side effects of this drug are similar to what it treats, dizzy, drowsy, blurred vision, and even constipation. These are not the complete lists. Taking this pill, and similar like it, could "cure" you, or it might only make it worse. Perhaps it'll have no effect at all? A few alternative remedies for motion sickness are well-known, like drinking ginger tea or placing a drop of peppermint oil on your tongue. It's safe, healthy, and proven to work, with no side effects. No added symptoms, the worst that could happen could be that you just don't like the taste. Ginger is common to treat nausea due to motion, or imbalances of your equilibrium. This is just one example of the wide range, and still growing, world of Holistic Healing. (Explained above, the peppermint is a form of aromatherapy. While the Ginger falls under several categories, and can be found at your local supermarket, down the spices aisle.)

Almost any ailment can be treated in a holistic way. From any kind of pain (back, knee, wrist, or even head), to controlling your blood pressure, or even to build up your immunities. There seems to be a self-care treatment for almost anything. Before you seek out a professional, perhaps you should look into healing yourself through alternative medicine. Aromatherapy, Juice Therapy, Homeopathy, Hydrotherapy, and more, can all be done privately. Some things do require you have help though, for certain illnesses, there are certain people that can help you. Educate yourself about the general healing practices, and find the best practitioner for you. Several to choose from, but first you need to know what it is that you're looking for. Ask around if needed, have it in your mind what needs to be done, and who is able to help you. If you're not sure, ask a doctor, or call a nurse, they can help direct you.

Make sure that you are comfortable with the healer you have selected. Don't be shy, ask questions, if you feel awkward in any way, or it just doesn't feel right, there's no need to settle, keep looking. You will need to find someone that you can communicate openly with. He/She should be sensitive to your needs. If you've selected a general practitioner, choose someone with an expertise in a wide variety of methods. Someone who has a relatively eclectic background, with little to no limits. It's best if they can use both natural approaches as well as pharmaceutical ones.

To find the best practitioner for you, here are some questions you would ask a Holistic Healer.

1. What exactly is alternative medicine?
2. How long have you been a holistic practitioner?
3. What made you decide to become a holistic practitioner?
4. What education did you receive that got you to this point?
5. What is your primary focus?
6. How effective is alternative medicine?
7. Is alternative medicine a long-term or short-term cure?
8. What are the drawbacks to alternative medicine?
9. Are you able to supply any references?
10. What are your fees for services?
11. What times are you available?
12. Do you make house calls?
13. Do you prescribe drugs, when needed?
14. What if "this" doesn't help?
15. Can you be more specific...?