Having patients live a life full of health and vitality is the goal of practitioners of natural medicine. In a day when going to the doctor seems to be more about treating symptoms and getting a prescription than promoting health, experts in natural medicine work diligently to change this paradigm. These healers understand the intimate relationship between the body, mind, and spirit. They take time to get to know their patients, they treat the whole person, and they empower their patients to implement healthy lifestyle changes.
But who can you trust? Who is qualified and knowledgeable? Having a qualified expert in natural medicine is a great way stay healthy and strong, but it is important to work with the best. The following are a few of the many amazing types of natural medicine available today.
* Chiropractic- Doctors of Chiropractic, or DC's, work closely with the alignment of the vertebrae. By correcting subluxations (misalignments) of the vertebrae, Chiropractors rebalance the flow of energy through the spine and nerves and thereby improve the health of the internal organs and the body as a whole. Chiropractic was founded by DD Palmer in 1895 and has grown steadily since. Nutrition, supplements, exercise, and physical rehabilitation are other areas of focus for chiropractors as they seek to bring optimal health to their patients.
* Naturopathic Medicine - Naturopathic medicine is based on six guiding principles. These principles are: First do no harm, Honor the healing power of nature, The doctor is a teacher, Identify and treat the cause of a disease, Treat the whole person, and Prevention is the best cure. Guided by these principles, Naturopathic doctors are well-trained experts in the field of natural medicine. Naturopathic doctors have many tools to use including, herbal medicine, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, physical exams, blood and lab work, and stress management. Their approach is holistic and empowering for anyone who wants to take charge of their own health. Qualified Naturopathic doctors, have graduated from accredited four-year post-graduate programs.
* Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - An ancient, but extremely relevant system of healing is Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM. For thousands of years the Chinese have recognized the power of nature and the complex interwoven relationship of the amazing human body. By recognizing the interaction between nature and the individual, TCM practitioners employ treatments that seek balance. Specifically they work with the flow of Qi (pronounced Chee) through the body. Qi flows through pathways called meridians and is vital for life. Using acupuncture, herbal remedies, nutrition, and meditation, TCM practitioners balance the flow of Qi and treat a myriad of health concerns.
* Homeopathy - Homeopathy has been widely used in Europe, India, and the US for over 150 years. Based on the idea that "like cures like", homeopathy stimulates the body's innate healing ability with extremely dilute remedies. Practitioners of homeopathy take detailed case histories for each patient and match a remedy to each unique individual. It is a deep and powerful method of healing with beautiful results.
Natural medicine is on the rise and there are many amazing practitioners available. These forms of medicine are about patient empowerment and recognizing the beauty that is all around us. No longer are doctor's visits just about disease and pharmaceutical medication. Instead they can be about evolving, growing, and enjoying optimal wellness. It is an exciting new paradigm for health.