La Union de la medicina occidental con sus logros y adelantos, y la medicina oriental,
con su milenaria efectividad. The work of a holistic medical doctor represents the best of both worlds — a unique blend of conventional Western medicine and alternative medicine. These M.D.s incorporate at least one type of complementary medicine — perhaps acupuncture or herbal therapy — into their medical practice. The holistic doctor offers the perfect solution for patients who want to benefit from both the technological advances of Western medicine and the preventive, natural approach advocated by complementary modalities. Meeting with a holistic doctor will involve the two of you discussing in-depth your medical history and treatment options. Diagnostic tests (blood-pressure, blood work, urinalysis) may be required to check your health. Your initial visit could last for more than an hour since this is your first opportunity to establish a working relationship. In the case of holistic medicine, physician and patient work as a team. You can discuss the extent to which you’re willing to try the natural, non-drug alternative therapies and at what point you wish to have access to prescription drugs. Key principles of holistic medicine
The underlying philosophy for holistic medical doctors is that no one health care modality offers all the “answers.” This is truly medicine for the 21st century, since it accepts wisdom from many different cultures and healing belief systems, including drug intervention when deemed necessary. In addition, holistic medicine fosters a cooperative relationship between doctor and patient as the two mutually explore the possibilities offered by a number of modalities. For instance, a patient might be undergoing radiation therapy for cancer while also benefiting from immune-boosting Chinese herbs and the practices of biofeedback and visualization. Which types of conditions are best treated by holistic medicine? People with complicated health issues often seek out a holistic medical doctor because they believe in the power of the body to heal itself (one of the basic tenets of natural medicine) but they also need a physician who can prescribe drugs if needed. Other people come to holistic M.D.s for treatment because they have exhausted all the options of conventional medicine. A holistic physician will be able to factor past treatments into a new health regimen and may be able to guide you through ways to improve your health through alternative means. You might see a holistic physician for any of these health problems:
• heart disease
• cancer
• HIV or AIDS
• high blood pressure
• depression
• infertility
• menopausal symptoms
•prostatitis
• diabetes
Training/education required
Holistic medical doctors have earned the post-graduate degrees of either medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), and they have completed their three-year residency doing patient care. In addition, the practitioner has several years of study and clinical training in one or more alternative therapies, including biofeedback and stress management, body work, nutrition, herbal medicine, spinal manipulation, homeopathy, and acupuncture.
