Alternative medicine Home

Beauty Info

Massage techniques

Pure Natural Aromatherapy Essential oils



Natural Medicine--Finding a Qualified Naturopath


Naturopathic medicine is currently the fastest growing segment of the alternative health movement but not everyone practicing this branch of "natural" medicine is qualified to do so. I like to group naturopaths according to their educational backgrounds because I believe that the quality of your naturopath's education directly affects the quality of care you'll receive. Naturopaths fall into one of three categories:

Medically Trained Practitioners

Medically trained naturopaths are mainstream physicians who have either added natural therapies to their existing practices or have abandoned mainstream medicine altogether in favor of natural therapies. It's estimated that only 3% of mainstream physicians practice any natural therapies so if you can find one exclusively practicing natural medicine grab hold and don't let go. Their education and extensive training make these professionals among the best of the best when it comes to natural health.

Self-Trained and Untrained Practitioners

If medically trained practitioners are among the best of the best then the healers at the opposite end of the spectrum are among the worst. These are what I call the untrained or self-taught practitioners and many of them fall into what I also call the I-read-a-book-and-now-I'm-an-expert group. I've known some wonderful self-taught herbalists but before you hire a self-trained naturopath consider the following:

* Many self-trained practitioners are self-trained because they feel disenfranchised from medicine, the government and society in general. These "rebels without a cause" often deny clients valid medical information in favor of more "natural" treatments.

* Self-trained practitioners often have a poor understanding of basic anatomy and physiology. This can make diagnosis difficult and may result in ineffective or inappropriate treatment.

* Self-trained practitioners aren't going to have access to professional resources like professional journals, peer-reviewed research materials and professional-level diagnostic tools. This can especially worrisome in regard to herb/drug interactions and often means that the practitioner is operating without liability or malpractice insurance.

Traditionally Trained Naturopaths

Between the medically trained and self-trained practitioners is a group of professionals known as the traditionally trained naturopaths. Like their mainstream peers, these practitioners are formally educated but their education focuses on non-invasive, drug-free therapies. Licensure varies from state to state and most naturopaths work primarily as consultants but some, especially the NDs (Naturopathic Doctors), can replace your mainstream family physician. Before you hire a traditionally trained naturopath ask about his or her educational background. (Unfortunately, diploma mill "degrees" are common in this field.) Anyone using the term "doctor" should have a doctorate-level degree from a legitimate naturopathic school.

Before you hire an alternative health practitioner (or any mainstream practitioner, for that matter) request a free consultation and ask a few questions. Any "natural" practitioner that balks at basic questions like these should be avoided:

*Where did you go to school?

*What's your area of expertise?

*What professional organizations do you support?

*What do you think about mainstream medicine?

Most importantly, remember that "natural" doesn't always mean "safe" or "best". No legitimate naturopath will deny his or her client information about mainstream treatments, prescription drugs or surgical options.

Lisa Barger is a traditionally trained naturopath specializing in illness prevention counseling. Ms. Barger holds certification in Ayurveda, Iridology, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and American Herbology. For information about Ms. Barger's free seminars for churches, day cares and non-profit organizations please see our web site at http://www.LisaBarger.com .


MORE RESOURCES:

PR Web (press release)

PRP Treatment Aids Healing of Elbow Injuries Say Researchers
Sacramento Bee
By American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As elbow injuries continue to rise, especially in pitchers, procedures to help treat and get players back in the game quickly have been ...
PRP Treatment Aids Healing of Elbow Injuries Say Researchers - Select ...PR Web (press release)

all 83 news articles »


'Biomagnetism'... The Medicine of the Future, Today!
Einnews Portugal
Magnetic Healing System, the first establishment that brought to the US, this new medical science, is celebrating its fifth onsite anniversary, winter 2012. LOS ANGELES, CA, February 10, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- MHS established in Los Angeles CA by ...

and more »


Ophthalmologist evaluates marijuana needs
San Jose Mercury News
"The Healing Center Medical Clinic" will be Friday through Sunday at the Millennium Hotel, the second such session this year. The Healing Center Medical Clinic -- not to be confused with The Healing Center, an Anchorage chiropractic and wellness clinic ...
Medical Marijuana Clinic Accepting PatientsKTUU.com

all 36 news articles »


Program presents writing as good medicine
The Daily News Online
AMHERST - The Cancer Wellness Center of North Tonawanda and Daemen College, 4380 Main St., will present a program on "The Healing Power of Writing" on Feb. 15. The free program is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in Daemen's new library building in ...

and more »


KEZI TV

Couple charged in son's death
The Register-Guard
Their case could test a new state law that eliminates the legal defense of “faith healing” for parents who refuse medical care for a sick child. The Bellews belong to the General Assembly and the Church of the First Born, which has been linked to a ...
Ore. faith healing couple charged in son's deathkgw.com
Faith healing Creswell parents arrested in son's deathKMTR NewsSource 16
Parents accused of allowing son's illness to kill himKVAL

all 25 news articles »


PR Web (press release)

San Jose Medical Marijuana Collective Elemental Wellness Hosts Free Grow Classes
PR Web (press release)
San Jose medical cannabis club Elemental Wellness Center continues its weekly series of grow classes with a month of sessions dedicated to setting up a grow room, including a special presentation on Green Building practices.

and more »


The true fountain of youth
Grand Junction Free Press
I often reply to such comments with bits of wisdom that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has provided for me throughout my training. My words are usually met with a silent moment of pondering and consideration. However, sometimes a client will remark ...

and more »


Parda Phash

Yoga is Indias gift to the world
IBNLive.com
BANGALORE: Inaugurating the Arogya Expo 2012, Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda mentioned that India's gift to the world is the ancient Yogic science of healing and healthcare. However, he also stressed on how Indians need to start practicing this art ...
Ayurveda, yoga to be promoted through rural health schemeZee News
Diploma in Yoga, Naturopathy plannedDeccan Herald
Karnataka: Gowda announces to supply Indian medicines at hospitalsParda Phash

all 17 news articles »


China Daily

Cups that runneth over with healing
China Daily
According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the ensuing vacuum and the effect of suction helps draw out inner toxins, promotes the flow of "qi" and blood and unblocks channels called meridians, easing swelling and reducing pain.

and more »


Program presents writing as good medicine
The Daily News Online
AMHERST - The Cancer Wellness Center of North Tonawanda and Daemen College, 4380 Main St., will present a program on "The Healing Power of Writing" on Feb. 15. The free program is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in Daemen's new library building in ...


Google News

Alternative home | site map | Beauty | Massage oils | Essential Oils | Privacy and FAQ | Alternative medicine Courses
Massage oils 365 © 2011 Alternative medicine