Some holistic doctors may offer aromatherapy as part of their patients’ treatment.
Holistic physicians are licensed physicians who combine standard Western medicine with holistic healing principles in the treatment of patients. The goal of holistic therapy is to minimize the pain and suffering associated with common conditions through minimally invasive procedures. In addition to standard medical diagnosis and treatment procedures, practitioners may offer acupuncture, chiropractic services, herbal remedies, or aromatherapy to their patients. Most holistic doctors work in private practices or in clinics with other alternative medicine practitioners.
Patients should first consult a licensed physician before seeking holistic treatment.
A holistic doctor is qualified to provide medical treatment according to the established standards of Western medicine. Professionals often have access to diagnostic testing equipment, such as X-ray machines, and can prescribe and administer medications if needed. Holistic doctors often try to provide natural remedies or alternative treatments before resorting to prescription drugs. A doctor may, for example, provide traditional acupuncture for headaches or muscle aches before turning to drug therapy. Physicians also often provide aromatherapy, herbal medicine, heat therapy, and various other holistic techniques.
Wellness and chiropractic medicine is considered a holistic and natural theory of medicine.
Most holistic physicians are primary care providers, meaning they are the first professionals contacted when patients decide to seek evaluation and treatment. They answer patients’ questions about the effectiveness of holistic medicine and describe their options in detail before administering treatment. Most holistic doctors work in private or joint practices, although some are employed by general hospitals to provide patients with alternatives to standard therapy.
To become a holistic doctor, a person must complete the same educational path and formal training as any other type of primary care physician. In most countries, a prospective physician must attend an accredited medical school, receive a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, and complete a residency program that can last between three and eight years. A new physician generally needs to pass a series of licensing exams before practicing independently. To obtain holistic medicine credentials, a physician may attend continuing education classes and take additional licensing exams.
There are many holistic medicine practitioners who do not have MDs and therefore are not qualified to diagnose and treat patients with medication. To ensure quality care, physicians strongly recommend that a person suffering from a chronic illness, injury, or other condition consult a licensed physician before exploring holistic therapy options. While many people attest to the power of alternative healing, it is important to seek treatment from a doctor who is thoroughly familiar with modern medicine.