Alternative Health Doctors Near Me

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 …


Montrose CO Owner/Founder of Huckleberry Healing LLC,Academic Advisor at Nutrition Therapy Institute Health Coach,Life Coach,Personal 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,Alternative Health Doctor,Natural Medicine Doctor,Holistic Nutrition
Kelsey Huckle

Kelsey Huckle

Owner/Founder of Huckleberry Healing LLC Academic Advisor at Nutrition Therapy Institute

English

Hello everyone! My name is Kelsey and I live with my husband, daughter, and pup in western Colorado. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology and a Master's degree in Athletic Administration. I am also certified both as a Master Nutrition Therapist and as an Autoimmune Paleo coach.As a Mas…


Health and Fitness Coach Health Coach,Personal Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Senior Fitness Trainer,Nutrition Coach,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Fitness Coach,Private Personal Trainer,In Home Personal Trainer,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Weight Loss Hypnosis,Nutrition Counseling,Sleep Therapy,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Fitness Class,Obesity Care,Stress Coach,Sleep Coach,Athlete Nutrition Plan
Karl Leiderman

Karl Leiderman

Health and Fitness Coach
Offers virtual services

English

Hello and welcome to my landing page for the over 50 years young man or woman who wants to lose weight, gain muscle, have increased energy, reverse chronic illness, stabilize your mood, and be that active person you used to be or want to be again. Feel free to contact me directly at myhealthcoachka…


Counselor/Talk Therapist•Life, Wellness & Health Coach•Medical Herbalist
Shaazia Joosub

Shaazia Joosub

Counselor/Talk Therapist•Life, Wellness & Health Coach•Medical Herbalist
Offers virtual services

English

Greetings everyone!:) My name is Shaazia and I’m a registered International phase Counseling therapist, Wellness & Life coach and Medical Herbalist. I specialize in all areas of mental health and wellness, as well as Holistic well-being, and work with clients from all over the world. My clients are…


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…


Nutritional Health Coach Health Coach,Life Coach,Personal Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Fitness Coach,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor
Joan Spicer

Joan Spicer

Nutritional Health Coach

English

Hi. I'm Joan. I believe there are many beautiful people in this world but they don't get to show it because of their weight issues. I'm a coach who has been helping men and women lose weight and maintain their weight for over 18 years. I have worked with the following companies: Jenny Cr…


Nutrition Therapist Master Nutritionist,Health Coach,Dietician,Personal Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Sports Nutritionist,Holistic Health Coach,Holistic Nutritionist,Nutrition Consultant,Nutritional Therapy Practitioner,Nutrition Coach,Nutritional Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Breathwork,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Holistic Medicine,Nutrition Counseling,Social Anxiety Therapy,Sleep Therapy,Mental Therapy,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Natural Medicine Doctor,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Obesity Care,Vegan Dietician,Pediatric Nutritionist,Functional Nutritionist,Intimacy Coach,Impotence Specialist,Organic Food
Andrea Nicole

Andrea Nicole

Nutrition Therapist Master
Offers virtual services

English

Hi I’m Andrea! I’m a Nutrition Therapy Master and creator of the Nourished Magnolia nutrition practice. I help others support their mental and physical health, recover from chronic stress and trauma, and get to the root of their health issues using functional nutrition and breathwork techniques. If…


Nutrition and Wellness Coach Health Coach,Yoga Instructor,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Nutrition Consultant,Nutritional Therapy Practitioner,Nutrition Coach,Nutritional Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Private Yoga Instructor,Meditation,Holistic Health,Holistic Medicine,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,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Natural Medicine Doctor,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition
Nataliya Bryantsev

Nataliya Bryantsev

Nutrition and Wellness Coach
Offers virtual services

English, Russian

I welcome anyone who is looking for lasting nutrition and lifestyle improvements in accordance with the latest science and research on nutrition, health, and wellness and/or their personal preferences. Being in Best Health educates clients about the science-based health-supporting holistic nutrit…


Papillion NE Lifestyle Medicine Professional Naturopathic Doctor,Functional Medicine Practitioner,Functional Medicine Doctor,Alternative Health Doctor,Natural Medicine Doctor,Naturopathic Medicine,Holistic Doctor
Sneh Kumar

Sneh Kumar

Lifestyle Medicine Professional

Coming Soon


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…


Jeffersonville IN Functional Nutrition Therapist Nutritionist,Health Coach,Life Coach,Personal 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,Personal Coach,Holistic Health,Holistic Medicine,Nutrition Counseling,Sleep Therapy,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Natural Medicine Doctor,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Functional Nutritionist
Jennifer Leffler

Jennifer Leffler

Functional Nutrition Therapist
Offers virtual services

English

My mission is to inspire others to live their best life by kindly helping them to plan the best dietary and lifestyle changes to live the best life possible. A mutual faith and determination between myself and client will enable them to have the best day ever, every day!


Steens MS Spiritual Lifestyle Coach and Yoga Teacher,Tarot and Oracle Reader,YACEP Yoga Educator,Pre & Post Natal Fitness Coach,Holistic Lifestyle Coach Chakra Healer,Yoga Instructor,Life Coach,Personal Life Coach,Christian Life Coach,Teen Life Coach,Spiritual Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Tarot Reader,Astrologer,Palm Reader,Energy Healer,Human Design Reader,Healer,Intuitive Healer,Palmist,Personal Trainer for Women,Fitness Instructor,Private Yoga Instructor,Virtual Energy Healer,Fortune Teller,Meditation,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,Manifestation Coach,Spiritual Cleansing,Alternative Health Doctor,Obesity Care,Stress Counseling,Self Esteem Coach,Spiritual Mentor,Mindset Coach,Women's Health,Anxiety Coach,Relaxation Technique,Goal Setting,Visualization Technique,Mindfulness Class,Stress Coach,Sleep Coach,Fatigue Specialist,Energy Coach,Resilience Coach
Madison Kuhn

Madison Kuhn

Spiritual Lifestyle Coach and Yoga Teacher Tarot and Oracle Reader YACEP Yoga Educator Pre & Post Natal Fitness Coach Holistic Lifestyle Coach
Offers virtual services

English

As a Yoga and Spiritual Life Coach, my purpose is to guide individuals on a transformative journey of self-discovery, inner growth, and holistic well-being. I am dedicated to helping individuals embrace their authentic selves, cultivate mindfulness, and live a purposeful and fulfilled life. Thro…


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…


Board Certified Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Coach & Founder of Be Well with Chris Ann, Inc. Health Coach,Life Coach,Personal Life Coach,Spiritual Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Wellness Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Holistic Nutritionist,Nutrition Consultant,Nutritional Therapy Practitioner,Nutrition Coach,Anxiety Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Healer,Chef,Essential Oil,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Quit Smoking Hypnosis,Weight Loss Hypnosis,Holistic Medicine,Grief Counseling,Nutrition Counseling,Behavioral Health Counseling,Social Anxiety Therapy,Cognitive Behavior Therapy,Grief Coach,Manifestation Coach,Sleep Therapy,Mental Therapy,Spiritual Cleansing,Weight Loss Coach,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Meal Prep,Private Cooking Class,Healthy Cooking Class,Beginner Cooking Class,Kids Cooking Class,Obesity Care,Keto Specialist,Food Allergist,Self Esteem Coach,Mindset Coach,Women's Health,Anxiety Coach,Integrative Health,Relaxation Technique,Goal Setting,Visualization Technique,Mindfulness Class,Liver Support,Stress Coach,Gas and Bloating Specialist,Chronic Fatigue Specialist,Sleep Coach,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,Depression Therapist,Resilience Coach,Liver Cleanse Specialist,Athlete Nutrition Plan,Digestive Health Specialist
Chris Ann Sepkowski

Chris Ann Sepkowski

Board Certified Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Coach & Founder of Be Well with Chris Ann, Inc.
Offers virtual services

English

So happy to meet you! My name is Chris Ann Sepkowski. I am a Board Certified Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Coach specializing in Hormonal Health and the proud founder of Be Well with Chris Ann, Inc. 10 years ago, I suffered a major health scare that changed my life. From that experience, I …


Denver CO Owner, Family Nutrition Services Holistic Health Coach,Holistic Nutritionist,Nutrition Consultant,Nutritional Therapy Practitioner,Nutrition Coach,Nutritional Therapist,Holistic Health,Holistic Medicine,Nutrition Counseling,Alternative Health Doctor,Natural Medicine Doctor,Mental Wellness,Holistic Nutrition,Pediatric Nutritionist,Functional Nutritionist
Sara Peternell

Sara Peternell

Owner, Family Nutrition Services

English

Hi and welcome...you have come to the right place! I’m a board-certified holistic nutritionist, who specializes in family nutrition, Hashimoto's and thyroid health. I’m also an avid public speaker on health and nutrition and the co-author of a bestselling baby food cookbook. Nearly two decades of n…


Wellness Coach Health Coach,Wellness Coach,Holistic Health Coach,Anxiety Therapist,Health and Wellness Coach,Personal Coach,Holistic Health,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Mindset Coach,Anxiety Coach,Trauma Class,Relaxation Technique,Goal Setting,Visualization Technique,Mindfulness Class,Stress Coach,Gas and Bloating Specialist,Chronic Fatigue Specialist,Sleep Coach,Fatigue Specialist,Inflammation Specialist,Gut Health Specialist,Energy Coach,Resilience Coach,Digestive Health Specialist

Vancouver BC Mompreneur, Pelvic Health Advocate & Educator,Physical Therapist Physical Therapist,Holistic Health,Holistic Medicine,Physical Therapy,Sports Physical Therapy,Alternative Health Doctor,Obesity Care,Carpal Tunnel,Applied Kinesiology,Occupational Therapist,Women's Health,Integrative Health,Stress Coach,Energy Coach,Joint Pain Specialist,Pelvic Floor Therapy,Migraine Specialist,Back Pain Specialist,Shoulder Pain Specialist,Hip Pain Specialist,Knee Pain Doctor,Nerve Pain Specialist,Pelvic Pain Specialist,Back and Spine Specialist,Sciatica Pain Relief,Neck Pain Treatment,Whiplash Treatment,Herniated Disc Specialist,Sports Injury Doctor,Arthritis Doctor,Scoliosis Doctor,Carpal Tunnel Doctor,Pinched Nerve Specialist,TMJ Specialist,Vertigo Doctor
Hennie Ng

Hennie Ng

Mompreneur, Pelvic Health Advocate & Educator Physical Therapist
Offers virtual services

English

Hennie is a dedicated women’s health advocate, educator and coach. As a licensed physical therapist in BC, Canada, she specializes in pelvic floor health, postpartum recovery and post-surgical rehabilitation. Having navigated through postpartum exhaustion, persistent pain, and pelvic floor challeng…


Macon GA Mindful Life Coach,Certified Yoga Nidra & iRest Level 2 Instructor,RYT 200 Teacher,MMTCP Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher,Ordained Interfaith Minister Life Coach,Personal Life Coach,Christian Life Coach,Teen Life Coach,Spiritual Life Coach,Holistic Life Coach,Spiritual Counselor,Energy Healer,Anxiety Therapist,Personal Coach,Intuitive Healer,Meditation Teacher,Meditation,Meditation Studio,Breathwork,Holistic Health,Mental Health,Grief Counseling,Grief Coach,Manifestation Coach,Sleep Therapy,Mental Therapy,Alternative Health Doctor,Mental Wellness,Stress Counseling,Self Esteem Coach,Grief Recovery Specialist,Chaplain,Spiritual Mentor,Mindset Coach,Women's Health,Anxiety Coach,Trauma Class,Relaxation Technique,Goal Setting,Visualization Technique,Mindfulness Class,Stress Coach,Sleep Coach,Depression Therapist,Resilience Coach,Yoga Nidra,Trauma Informed Yoga
Renay Bloom

Renay Bloom

Mindful Life Coach Certified Yoga Nidra & iRest Level 2 Instructor RYT 200 Teacher MMTCP Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Ordained Interfaith Minister
Offers virtual services

English

Renay Bloom is a professional life coach. She is a licensed CSL Practitioner, ordained as an Interfaith Minister and Metaphysical Practitioner, an iRest Yoga Nidra Restorative Meditation Teacher, and certified as an MMTCP Mindfulness Meditation Teacher. She is passionate about providing support to …


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…


Fairfax VA Health and Wellness Coach, NBC-HWC,Adult & Child Yoga Teacher (500 hr RYT &95 hr RCYT),iRest Meditation Teacher,Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher
Kristen Soltis-Tyler, MD

Kristen Soltis-Tyler, MD

Health and Wellness Coach, NBC-HWC Adult & Child Yoga Teacher (500 hr RYT &95 hr RCYT) iRest Meditation Teacher Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher
Offers virtual services

English

Kristen Soltis-Tyler MD, MPH, DipABLM, MA HWC, RYT-500, RCYT is a board-certified Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician and a Health and Wellness Coach. She recently retired from the Air Force after over 20 years of military service. Life experiences led her to discover her passion for…


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.