The Answer
Holistic's answer to most otherwise healthy patients is often just to lie quietly in a darkened room and take herbal teas. However, in the case of someone who has a serious illness, such as arthritis, colitis, diabetes, or cancer, (the list is much longer than this), it is strongly advised that they seek the help of a qualified practitioner.
Achieve Detoxification Therapists can help patients achieve detoxification in a way that causes the least stress to their bodies. Traditionally, holistic medicine, in all its different forms, has been regarded with mistrust and skepticism on the part of the allopathic medical profession. This situation is gradually changing. As of the year 2000, many insurance companies will provide for some form of alternative, or complementary treatment.
Holistic Training
Holistic or alternative medicine practitioners are usually affiliated with an organization in their field. Training varies tremendously with the category, and ranges from no qualifications at all--experience only--to holding a Ph.D. from an accredited university. Again, credentials and memberships should be checked by prospective patients.
American Board Of Holistic Medicine An excellent source for qualified practitioners is the American Board of Holistic Medicine, (AHBM), which was incorporated in 1996. Also, the American Holistic Medicine Association has a comprehensive list of practitioners in all types of therapies across the United States, which they call "the holistic doctor finder."
Practitioner's Credentials However, they stress that it is the responsibility of the patient to check each practitioner's credentials prior to treatment. In addition, many allopathic physicians, recognizing the role alternative medicine can play in overall health and well being, are actually referring patients to reputable practitioners, particularly chiropractic and relaxation therapists, for help with a varied range of complaints.
When Was Holistic Founded? Holistic Founded in 1978 for the purpose of uniting practitioners of holistic medicine, membership of the AHMA is open to licensed medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) from every specialty, and to medical students studying for those degrees.
Membership Associate membership is open to health care practitioners who are certified, registered or licensed in the state in which they practice. The mission of the AHMA is to support practitioners in their personal and professional development as healers, and to educate physicians about holistic medicine.
Holistic Parenting
Holistic Parenting consists of then is the author's personal experience and research into so-called "holistic" medicine. She explains the basic systems of allopathic and alternative medicine, then presents a chapter each on three major systems: herbal medicine, homeopathy, and Ayurveda.
Immune System The Medical Assault on the Immune System. With a brief history of the use of vaccines and clinical information on the major vaccines, the author encourages parents to weigh the benefits and risks of artificial vs. natural immunity.
What Does It Conist Of? Holistic dentistry for the child is covered in brief, informing parents of the hazards of fluoride and mercury amalgams, and how to avoid using them. So what holistic parenting consists of is mainly avoiding commercially grown and processed foods, a most important parenting responsibility, and generally avoiding mainstream medicine in favor of non-pharmaceutical options and self-care.
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