The label holistic health practitioner can
be applied to a number of different health care professionals. Indeed,
any healthcare professional who incorporates the larger holistic
approach within his or her practice may be considered a holistic health
practitioner. But, what is that larger approach? What are the major
characteristics of the holistic approach?
In general, it can be said that the holistic approach to health involves
an explicit acceptance of the connection between mind, body, and spirit.
Those who adopt the holistic approach to health understand that there
are acute illnesses and accidents that demand traditional medical
interventions. But, they also believe that the prevention of illness,
the maintenance of everyday health, and rehabilitation following a
severe health issue, are best addressed by considering the whole
person. As a rule, practitioners of holistic healthcare tend to act
as healthcare partners with their clients. They encourage their clients
to take an active role in preserving and enhancing their own health and
in determining the best course of treatment when active interventions
are required. Nutrition, physical fitness, and social and emotional
well-being are likely to be taken into account in any plan of action.
Perhaps because they represent alternative and complementary approaches
to healthcare, we tend to think of
herbalists,
massage therapists,
reflexologists,
naturopaths, and
acupuncturists as holistic health practitioners. But, it is not the
healing specialty that determines whether a particular individual is, in
fact, a holistic healthcare practitioner. Even a physician trained in
traditional medical practices may be a holistic practitioner. It all
depends on the healthcare philosophy adopted and the types of additional
training the individual has sought out.
Today there are schools that supplement the training they provide in
specialized forms of healing with additional broad training in holistic
healthcare. This means that students are likely to be introduced to such
topics as energy systems, nutrition, natural remedies, and body work.
Upon completion of their training, students may earn a certificate in
holistic health. The American Association of Drugless Practitioners can
also evaluate an individual's training and, where appropriate, confer
the designation Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner.
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Holistic health practitioners specialize in a number of different
healing arts. You can find out more about the various holistic
health professions by returning to the
home page of this website
and exploring the website sections that pique your curiosity.
