Alternative Health Doctors Near Me

Lawrence KS Health & Wellness Coach and Master Healer & Teacher,Curator of Bare Roots Energy Reiki & Meditation Center
Bare Roots Energy

Bare Roots Energy

Health & Wellness Coach and Master Healer & Teacher Curator of Bare Roots Energy Reiki & Meditation Center

English

Coming Soon


Health Coach,Dietician,Personal Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Holistic Nutritionist,Nutrition Consultant,Nutritional Therapy Practitioner,Nutrition Coach,Nutritional Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Holistic Health,Holistic Medicine,Nutrition Counseling,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Meal Prep,Private Cooking Class,Healthy Cooking Class,Beginner Cooking Class,Kids Cooking Class
Daja Karumba

Daja Karumba

Offers virtual services

Coming Soon


Austin Texas Certified Health Coach & Personal Trainer Health Coach,Personal Trainer,Holistic Health Coach,Senior Fitness Trainer,Health and Wellness Coach,Fitness Coach,CrossFit Trainer,Weight Lifting Trainer,Private Personal Trainer,In Home Personal Trainer,Bodybuilding Trainer,Personal Trainer for Women,Fitness Instructor,Gym Trainer,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Athletic Training,TRX Training,Running Training,Speed Training,Boxing Training,High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT),Strength Training for Women,Resistance Training,Couples Personal Training,Fitness Class,Plyometrics,Obesity Care
Amanda Arel

Amanda Arel

Certified Health Coach & Personal Trainer

English

Hello, Amanda here. I am a certified personal trainer and health coach. I am looking forward to working with you to help you reach any health and wellness goals that you may have. I understand that there is not a one-size fits all approach when it comes to behavior change and improving your health.…


Newark DE Yoga Instructor & Wellness Coach Health Coach,Personal Trainer,Yoga Instructor,Wellness Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Health and Wellness Coach,In Home Personal Trainer,Personal Trainer for Women,Private Yoga Instructor,Meditation,Meditation Studio,Breathwork,Holistic Health,Vinyasa Yoga,Prenatal Yoga,Hatha Yoga,Hot Yoga,Bikram Yoga,Aerial Yoga,Raja Yoga,Beginners Yoga,Yoga Class,Sweat Yoga,Ashtanga Yoga,Postnatal Yoga,Ashtanga Flow,Heat Yoga,Hot Power Yoga,Bikram Hatha Yoga,Antenatal Yoga,Maternity Yoga Class,Haute Yoga,Sauna Yoga Class,Grief Counseling,Grief Coach,Sleep Therapy,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Prenatal Fitness Class,Fitness Class,Obesity Care,Grief Recovery Specialist,Mindset Coach,Women's Health,Anxiety Coach,Trauma Class,Relaxation Technique,Goal Setting,Visualization Technique,Mindfulness Class,Liver Support,Autoimmune Specialist,Stress Coach,Gas and Bloating Specialist,Chronic Fatigue Specialist,Sleep Coach,Acne Specialist,Fatigue Specialist,Hashimoto Disease,Thyroid Specialist,Inflammation Specialist,Gut Health Specialist,Hormone Specialist,Adrenal Gland Specialist,Energy Coach,Brain Fog Specialist,Gout Specialist,Skin Health Specialist,Resilience Coach,Athlete Nutrition Plan,Digestive Health Specialist,Corporate Retreat Activity
Heather Foli

Heather Foli

Yoga Instructor & Wellness Coach

Heather is a dedicated yoga teacher who believes in the transformative power of yoga for all. With a focus on breath, movement, and mindfulness, she creates an inclusive and empowering space for her students. Drawing from her background in dance and holistic healing, Heather offers a diverse ra…


Tampa FL Integrative Health Coach Health Coach,Dietician,Personal Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Nutrition Coach,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Holistic Health,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Meal Prep,Private Cooking Class,Healthy Cooking Class
Jill Johnson

Jill Johnson

Integrative Health Coach

English

I’m Jill Johnson, an Integrative Health Coach with a passion for living well … lover of dark chocolate, coffee, and wine! Also, I love feeling my best in mind, body, and soul. I have always been fascinated by the human body and believe we are truly what we eat, breathe, sleep, and think.​As a Cer…


ACTON MA MS Athletic Training, Personal Trainer, Health Coach
June Melia

June Melia

MS Athletic Training, Personal Trainer, Health Coach
Offers virtual services

English

Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach with a degree in Athletic Training and more than 20 years of experience helping her clients get healthier and reach their goals!


Health and Wellness Coach │Life Coach │ Owner, PassionFruit Life LLC Health Coach,Life Coach,Personal Life Coach,Christian Life Coach,Teen Life Coach,Spiritual Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Relationship Counselor,Mental Health Counselor,Spiritual Counselor,Christian Marriage Counselor,Family Counselor,Premarital Counselor,Holistic Health Coach,Senior Fitness Trainer,Nutrition Coach,Anxiety Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Family Coach,Relationship Coach,Career Coach,Business Coach,Speaking Coach,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Behavioral Health Counseling,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness
Katrina Wade

Katrina Wade

Health and Wellness Coach │Life Coach │ Owner, PassionFruit Life LLC

English

Hi, I’m Katrina! I am a health and wellness coach, life coach, and speaker. I have credentials in communications and public administration and also hold a certificate of health coaching. I’m equipped with years of experience working with adults and youth, as they discover meaning in life, what w…


Virginia Beach VA Health and Wellness Coach | Functional Nutrition Expert | Certified Change Specialist | Owner, Bloom Health and Wellness LLC Nutritionist,Health Coach,Counselor,Life Coach,Personal Life Coach,Christian Life Coach,Teen Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Sports Nutritionist,Functional Medicine Practitioner,Holistic Health Coach,Holistic Nutritionist,Nutrition Consultant,Nutritional Therapy Practitioner,Nutrition Coach,Nutritional Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Family Coach,Relationship Coach,Holistic Health,Nutrition Counseling,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Obesity Care,Pediatric Nutritionist,Functional Nutritionist,Stress Counseling,Self Esteem Coach,Grief Recovery Specialist,Mindset Coach,Women's Health,Anxiety Coach,Trauma Class,Integrative Health,Relaxation Technique,Goal Setting,Visualization Technique,Stress Coach,Gas and Bloating Specialist,Chronic Fatigue Specialist,Sleep Coach,Acne Specialist,Menopause Specialist,Fatigue Specialist,Hashimoto Disease,Thyroid Specialist,Lyme Disease Specialist,Inflammation Specialist,PMS Specialist,Gut Health Specialist,Hormone Specialist,Adrenal Gland Specialist,Epstein Barr Specialist,Energy Coach,Brain Fog Specialist,ADHD Specialist,Joint Pain Specialist,Gout Specialist,Detox Specialist,Teen Nutrition Coach,Paleo Diet Coach,Plant Based Diet Coach,Anemia Specialist,Endometriosis Specialist,LGBTQ Therapist,Depression Therapist,FODMAP Specialist,Resilience Coach,Liver Cleanse Specialist,Athlete Nutrition Plan,Digestive Health Specialist,Corporate Retreat Activity
Heather Truman, MHA, MBA

Heather Truman, MHA, MBA

Health and Wellness Coach | Functional Nutrition Expert | Certified Change Specialist | Owner, Bloom Health and Wellness LLC
Offers virtual services

English

Hi! I am truly excited for the opportunity to meet with you, get to know you and build a trust-filled relationship in a space where you can feel heard and supported. Optimal health and wellness is defined by you! I believe you can achieve balance through many pathways - it is your journey. Heal…


Ridgecrest CA Energy Healer | Chinese Medicine Practitioner | Medical Qigong Master | www.EffectiveDeepHealing.com Reiki Master,Chakra Healer,Spiritual Counselor,Energy Healer,Sound Healer,Anxiety Therapist,Personal Coach,Reiki,Healer,Intuitive Healer,Qigong Instructor,Virtual Energy Healer,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Holistic Medicine,Sleep Therapy,Mental Therapy,Spiritual Cleansing,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Qigong,Obesity Care,Stress Counseling,Grief Recovery Specialist,Spiritual Mentor,Fertility Coach,Women's Health,Anxiety Coach,Trauma Class,Integrative Health,Relaxation Technique,Visualization Technique,Mindfulness Class,Liver Support,Infertility Specialist,PCOS Specialist,Stress Coach,Gas and Bloating Specialist,Chronic Fatigue Specialist,Sleep Coach,Menopause Specialist,Fatigue Specialist,Hashimoto Disease,Thyroid Specialist,Inflammation Specialist,PMS Specialist,Gut Health Specialist,Hormone Specialist,Adrenal Gland Specialist,Energy Coach,Brain Fog Specialist,ADHD Specialist,Joint Pain Specialist,Gout Specialist,Detox Specialist,Holistic Doctor,Endometriosis Specialist,Sleep Doctor,IBS Specialist
Cindy Fatura

Cindy Fatura

Energy Healer | Chinese Medicine Practitioner | Medical Qigong Master | www.EffectiveDeepHealing.com

English

Welcome to Effective Deep Healing / Tranquil Treatments! Clients say: "...permanently changed my life for the better..." "...profoundly relaxing..." "...heal on a deep level..." I offer both "energetic spa" and therapeutic treatments. "Energetic spa" treatments to release your stress an…


Sunnyvale CA Certified Women's Health Coach Health Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Holistic Medicine,Counseling,Behavioral Health Counseling,Social Anxiety Therapy,Cognitive Behavior Therapy,Grief Coach,Manifestation Coach,Sleep Therapy,Mental Therapy,Couples Therapy,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Obesity Care,Stress Counseling,Self Esteem Coach,Grief Recovery Specialist,Spiritual Mentor,Fertility Coach,Mindset Coach,Women's Health,Anxiety Coach,Trauma Class,Integrative Health,Relaxation Technique,Goal Setting,Visualization Technique,Mindfulness Class,Stress Coach,Gas and Bloating Specialist,Chronic Fatigue Specialist,Sleep Coach,Acne Specialist,Menopause Specialist,Fatigue Specialist,Inflammation Specialist,PMS Specialist,Gut Health Specialist,Hormone Specialist,Energy Coach,Brain Fog Specialist,Gout Specialist,Detox Specialist,Resilience Coach,Digestive Health Specialist
Jessica Collins

Jessica Collins

Certified Women's Health Coach
Offers virtual services

English

Welcome to an empowering journey towards a healthier, happier you! I'm Jessica, a Certified Women's Health Coach through the Integrative Women's Health Institute. My passion lies in helping women live in tune with their bodies, allowing them to identify and develop resilience to the common life str…


San Diego CA Holistic Health Coach,Reiki Practitioner,500-hr Certified Yoga Instructor
Julia Allard

Julia Allard

Holistic Health Coach Reiki Practitioner 500-hr Certified Yoga Instructor
Offers virtual services

English

My name is Julia. I practice a holistic approach to health and wellness, meaning I look at how the different areas of your life are related to your overall well-being. I believe in bio-individuality, which is the concept that everyone is different and we each have unique needs that are constantly c…


Oakland CA Health Coach Health Coach,Personal Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Nutrition Coach,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Holistic Health,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Joint Pain Specialist,Gout Specialist
Alex Fischer

Alex Fischer

Health Coach
Offers virtual services

English

I thought I was following a healthy diet when I had my first gout attack, and the only resources I had were local libraries and writing to the World Health Organization for all known alternative remedies. I went through 20 years of acute attacks in several joints, spending weeks in bed taking far…


Vista CA Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Functional Medicine Practitioner,Holistic Health Coach,Holistic Nutritionist,Nutrition Consultant,Nutritional Therapy Practitioner,Nutrition Coach,Nutritional Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Holistic Health,Nutrition Counseling,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Natural Medicine Doctor,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Meal Prep,Private Cooking Class,Healthy Cooking Class,Beginner Cooking Class,Kids Cooking Class,Functional Nutritionist
Patti McCoy

Patti McCoy

Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner

English

I empower young adults to reduce inflammation and balance their gut health by providing tools, knowledge, and skills in Foundational nutrition, so they can feel healthy, confident, and strong.I believe that real-food home cooking is the key to living a long, healthy life. However, most young adults…


Health Coach Health Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Holistic Health,Sleep Therapy,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Obesity Care,Mindset Coach,Women's Health,Anxiety Coach,Trauma Class,Relaxation Technique,Goal Setting,Visualization Technique,Mindfulness Class,Stress Coach,Gas and Bloating Specialist,Chronic Fatigue Specialist,Sleep Coach,Acne Specialist,Fatigue Specialist,Hashimoto Disease,PMS Specialist,Gut Health Specialist,Hormone Specialist,Energy Coach,Brain Fog Specialist,ADHD Specialist,Joint Pain Specialist,Gout Specialist,Detox Specialist,Depression Therapist,FODMAP Specialist,Resilience Coach
Paula Dozier

Paula Dozier

Health Coach
Offers virtual services

Coming Soon


New London Missouri Health & Wellness Coach Health Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Health and Wellness Coach,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Nurse
Rebecca Branham

Rebecca Branham

Health & Wellness Coach
Offers virtual services

English

My passion is helping others feel empowered and attuned to their body. How do I do that? By helping them show up for themselves like never before. In 2015, when I was working as a nurse, I was exhausted and treating myself horribly. My job was consuming me. Sure, I was aware of all the things I …


New York City New York Holistic Life Coach Life Coach,Personal Life Coach,Christian Life Coach,Teen Life Coach,Spiritual Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Relationship Counselor,Marriage and Family Therapist,Mental Health Counselor,Spiritual Counselor,Christian Marriage Counselor,Family Counselor,Premarital Counselor,Energy Healer,Human Design Reader,Holistic Health Coach,Anxiety Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Family Coach,Relationship Coach,Healer,Intuitive Healer,Career Coach,Business Coach,Speaking Coach,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Weight Loss Hypnosis,Counseling,Couples Counseling,Christian Counseling,Grief Counseling,Career Counseling,Social Anxiety Therapy,Grief Coach,Manifestation Coach,Psychotherapy,Sleep Therapy,Mental Therapy,Couples Therapy,Spiritual Cleansing,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Obesity Care,Chaplain,Spiritual Mentor
Rev Lenise D Harris

Rev Lenise D Harris

Holistic Life Coach
Offers virtual services

English

Mom of Two, Spiritual Advisor, Author, and Speaker. My services are for the modern spiritual woman looking to get unstuck, attract healthy love, and live in her purpose. I use alternative healing & spiritual interventions. My main focus is on Mindset, Self-Love, Manifestation, Purpose, and C…


Plainwell Michigan Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist® | Allied Functional Medicine Practitioner | Health Coach Health Coach,Dietician,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Sports Nutritionist,Functional Medicine Practitioner,Functional Medicine Doctor,Fertility Specialist,Holistic Health Coach,Holistic Nutritionist,Nutrition Consultant,Nutritional Therapy Practitioner,Nutrition Coach,Nutritional Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Holistic Medicine,Nutrition Counseling,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Natural Medicine Doctor,Naturopathic Medicine,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Vegan Dietician,Pediatric Nutritionist,Functional Nutritionist
Landon Gilfillan

Landon Gilfillan

Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist® | Allied Functional Medicine Practitioner | Health Coach
Offers virtual services

English

I’m an eating disorder survivor and diet addict turned nutrition expert and health coach. I help women heal their body and soul from the inside out so they can live a life of power, presence, and purpose. I work with women virtually through my signature Foundations Program. Inside the Foundati…


Westlake Village CA Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach,Certified GGS Women's Coach,ACE Certified Personal Trainer Health Coach,Personal Trainer,Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Senior Fitness Trainer,Nutrition Coach,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Fitness Coach,CrossFit Trainer,Weight Lifting Trainer,Private Personal Trainer,In Home Personal Trainer,Bodybuilding Trainer,Personal Trainer for Women,Fitness Instructor,Gym Trainer,Mental Health,Weight Loss Hypnosis,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Athletic Training,TRX Training,Running Training,Speed Training,Boxing Training,High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT),Strength Training for Women,Resistance Training,Couples Personal Training,Fitness Class,Plyometrics,Obesity Care,Self Esteem Coach,Mindset Coach,Women's Health,Anxiety Coach,Goal Setting,Visualization Technique,Mindfulness Class,Liver Support,Stress Coach,Resilience Coach,Athlete Nutrition Plan
Melissa King

Melissa King

Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach Certified GGS Women's Coach ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Offers virtual services

English

Hi! I’m Melissa King and I’m a certified health coach and personal trainer specializing in helping women overcome their anxiety and depression so they can be more productive, have more energy, and live an abundant life. I believe that in order to create healthy lifestyle habits that are sustainable…


Holistic Nutrition Consultant Nutritionist,Teen Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Sports Nutritionist,Functional Medicine Practitioner,Holistic Health Coach,Holistic Nutritionist,Nutrition Consultant,Nutritional Therapy Practitioner,Nutrition Coach,Nutritional Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Holistic Health,Holistic Medicine,Nutrition Counseling,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Natural Medicine Doctor,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Pediatric Nutritionist,Functional Nutritionist
Lisa Spencer

Lisa Spencer

Holistic Nutrition Consultant
Offers virtual services

English

Hi! You want to win! To get stronger, fitter and faster - you need to optimize your fueling. Working together, we align your fueling to what your body needs as a unique female athlete, I provide evidence-based practices and support so you can reach your greatest potential - be the best you can b…


Health Coach,Wellness Coach,Functional Medicine Practitioner,Holistic Health Coach,Health and Wellness Coach,Holistic Health,Holistic Medicine,Alternative Health Doctor
Heather Fraser

Heather Fraser

Offers virtual services

English

I help people achieve and maintain optimal blood iron levels


FAQs:

What is Alternative Health?

It is a range of practices and products. Rather than using drugs and surgery, most treatments are intended to help the body heal itself or improve well-being.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner's hands or with electrical stimulation. Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions. Acupuncture is not for everyone. If you choose to see an acupuncturist, discuss it with your doctor first and find a practitioner who is licensed and has proper training and credentials.

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a complementary or alternative medicine. This means that homeopathy is different from treatments that are part of conventional Western medicine in important ways. It's based on a series of ideas developed in the 1790s by a German doctor called Samuel Hahnemann. A central principle of the "treatment" is that "like cures like" – that a substance that causes certain symptoms can also help to remove those symptoms. A second central principle is based on a process of dilution and shaking called succussion. Practitioners believe that the more a substance is diluted in this way, the greater its power to treat symptoms. Many homeopathic remedies consist of substances that have been diluted many times in water until there's none, or almost none, of the original substance left. Homeopathy is used to "treat" an extremely wide range of conditions, including physical conditions such as asthma and psychological conditions such as depression.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurvedic medicine (“Ayurveda” for short) is one of the world's oldest holistic (“whole-body”) healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India. It’s based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Its main goal is to promote good health, not fight disease. But treatments may be geared toward specific health problems. In the United States, it’s considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a distinct primary healthcare system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It is based on the healing power of nature and it supports and stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathy is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies including dietetics, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, fasting, naturopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, exercise, lifestyle counseling, detoxification and chelation, environmental assessment and adjustment, spiritual healing, health promotion, and disease prevention.

What is Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is thousands of years old and has changed little over the centuries. Its basic concept is that a vital force of life, called Qi, surges through the body.  Any imbalance in Qi can cause disease and illness. This imbalance is most commonly thought to be caused by an alteration in the opposite and complementary forces that make up the Qi. These are called yin and yang. Ancient Chinese believed that humans are microcosms of the larger surrounding universe, and are interconnected with nature and subject to its forces. The balance between health and disease is a key concept. TCM treatment seeks to restore this balance through treatment specific to the individual. It is believed that to regain balance, you must achieve the balance between the internal body organs and the external elements of earth, fire, water, wood, and metal.

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine concerned with diagnosing, treating, and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially of the spine. It has esoteric origins and is based on several pseudoscientific ideas. The primary chiropractic treatment technique involves manual therapy, especially manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissues, but may also include exercises and health and lifestyle counseling.

What is Massage Therapy?

Performed by a licensed massage therapist, massage therapy involves using different pressures, movements, and techniques to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues in the body. With the goal of slowing down your nervous system, massage therapy can be used to release stress and tension, provide relief from symptoms, heal injuries, and support wellness.

What is Tai Chi?

A tai chi practice involves slow-motion flow — and with that comes a cadre of health benefits, too, including better balance, mobility, and coordination. Tai chi (also called tai chi chuan or tai ji quan) is a mind-body exercise that combines movements, meditation, and deep breathing, according to the American Tai Chi and Qigong Association (ATCQA).

The word “tai” means “supreme,” “chi” means “boundary,” and “chuan” means “fist” or “movement,” according to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which runs a wheelchair and adaptive tai chi program. Put those definitions together, and tai chi chuan translates to a method of movement that cultivates inner peace, power, and awareness, and fosters overall wellness.

Though there are several different forms of tai chi, its movements include a series of postures that you flow through during a tai chi class with the guidance of an instructor.

What is Complementary Medicine?

Complementary medicine is a term used to describe the types of treatments you may receive along with traditional Western medicine. Examples of complementary medicine include massage, meditation, biofeedback, tai chi, reiki, music therapy, guided imagery, and dietary supplements.

What are Alternative Therapies?

Alternative therapies refer to any medical treatments that are not traditional medicine techniques. Alternative therapies could either be used alongside conventional medicine or instead of it. The term is often used interchangeably with "complementary medicine." In medical spaces, the practice is referred to as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) does make a distinction between complementary and alternative medicine. According to them, when it's used alongside traditional medicine, it's complementary, but if it's used in place of conventional medicine, then it's considered an alternative. However, most people are likely to use these therapies alongside traditional medicine. When a licensed healthcare provider uses both alternative therapies and conventional medicine, then it's called integrative medicine. A doctor or healthcare provider who uses integrative medicine uses all therapeutic methods to ensure their patients are healthy. 

Alternative Health Services Categories

There are different categories of alternative health services

- Complementary” treatments are used with standard medical practices;

- Integrative” practices blend approaches together;

- Alternative” treatments are in place of conventional medicine.

Different Alternative Health Services

Western medical practice has accepted some alternative care approaches. Here are the different alternative health services:

1. Acupuncture (acupressure) uses needles (pressure) along energy paths in the body to balance the flow of energy, typically for the treatment of pain.

2. Biofeedback teaches relaxation techniques to control body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, to improve conditions such as high blood pressure, headaches, and chronic pain.

3. Chiropractic manipulation focuses on muscles, bones, and nervous systems. Typical treatment is an adjustment to injured areas to loosen muscles, resolve pain, and regain mobility.

4. Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments to ease tension and reduce pain.

5. Naturopathy typically involves a variety of treatment services including nutrition, behavioral changes, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture. Naturopathic doctors have training in both conventional and alternative medicines.

6. Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plant roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms to promote healing.

7. Ayurveda/Ayurvedic medicine uses a variety of approaches, including herbs, massage, and special diets to balance the body, mind, and spirit for overall wellness.

8. Homeopathy uses the body’s ability to heal itself, using diluted substances that are based on “like cures like” principles. 

9. Reflexology applies pressure to specific areas on the feet, hands, or ears for overall health.

10. Yoga therapy uses yoga techniques such as posture and breathing exercises, deep relaxation, and meditation to help manage conditions and reduce symptoms.

Benefits of Alternative Health

Each type of complementary medicine may target a specific aspect of your health. In general, complementary approaches may provide one or more of these health benefits:

1. Relieves pain.

2. Reduces anxiety and stress.

3. Reduces nausea.

4. Improves mood.

5. Increases relaxation.

6. Improves wound healing.

7. Encourages feelings of well-being, pleasure, positivity, and inner peace.

8. Relieves muscle tension.

9. Decreases tiredness.

10. Improves flexibility and circulation.

Different Alternative Health Practitioners

Alternative medicine is a broad field that covers a wide range of career options. Some popular choices include Chinese medicine practitioners, massage therapists, personal trainers, nutritionists, chiropractors, and aromatherapists. Learn more about some of these career options here.

Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Chinese alternative medicine includes acupuncture, oriental medicine, and herbology. As one of the healing arts, it deals with understanding and treating the body as a whole by identifying the body's energy points, which are known as meridians. The techniques seek to balance the body's Yin and Yang. Acupuncture involves the application of fine needles to the body's meridians to cure certain ailments, while herbology uses natural plant remedies as an alternative to prescription drugs.

Massage Therapist

A career in massage therapy could be another option. It incorporates different features of alternative medicine with modern science. Traditional massage therapists manipulate the muscles to ease pains. However, massage therapists who are interested in alternative medicine often include elements of Reiki, herbology, aromatherapy, reflexology, ayurveda, and other common forms of the healing practice.

Personal Trainer

Although personal training does not necessarily include elements of alternative medicine, some clients look for personal trainers who include both traditional and non-traditional techniques in their wellness regimens. Personal trainers may integrate life coaching, nutrition, and other holistic healing techniques into a routine of personal wellness.

Chiropractor

Chiropractic therapy, one of the most mainstream forms of alternative medicine, involves adjusting the spine to cure back pains. A chiropractor typically works with people who have suffered sports injuries, whiplash, and related ailments.

Aromatherapist

Aromatherapy uses fragrances of various essential oils and plant extracts to cure a variety of conditions and relax the body. This practice involves a mixture of different elements of herbology and therapeutic massage.

Other Career Options

Holistic healthcare treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. It takes into account one's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health. Other career options might exist within the following branches of the healing and medicinal arts:

1. Ayurveda

2. Homeopathy

3. Naturopathic medicine

4. Energy healing

5. Kinesiology

6. Botanical medicine

7. Nutrition

How to Choose an Alternative Health Practitioner

If you are considering getting care from a complementary and alternative health practitioner, ask questions to get information to make informed decisions.

1. What education and training do you have?

 2. Are you licensed to perform any health care services? If so, what is the license and where is it from?

 3. Do you have any other credentials related to your practice?

 4. What are your fees?

 5. Will my insurance cover your fees?

 6. Do you have a supervisor? If yes, how are you supervised?

 7. What plan of care do you recommend for me?

8. What types of therapy will you use? How many sessions will I have?

 9. What outcome can I expect?

 

Sources:

Te Ara

Johns Hopkins Medicine

NHS

WebMD

GCRN

Wikipedia

Cleveland Clinic

Everyday Health

NH HealthCoast

Very Well Mind

Consumer Guide

LEARN

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.