Finding the Right Holistic Healthcare Provider
Finding the Right Holistic Healthcare Provider:
How Holistic is YOUR Healthcare Provider?
Consider this: EVERY and ANY healthcare provider CAN be a Holistic Healthcare Provider!
We all need to have healthcare provider(s) that we trust. Trust is deep, though. We trust that they know their physiology (how the body works), they have our best interest in mind and that they see us as individuals. Many of us want our healthcare provider to have some knowledge about holistic health AND to believe that health is about having a healthy body, mind AND spirit. How will you know if they have this holistic philosophy?
It isn't unusual for a typical visit with your healthcare provider to last about 6 minutes that might even include the time it takes you to turn over your co-pay. One problem is addressed, and if you have more than one problem (hey, our time is valuable, too!) you'll need to return another time. Then you hear that the next available appointment is in 2 weeks!
It isn't this way everywhere, though! How do you find the right healthcare provider for you?
Finding the Right Holistic Healthcare Provider: 5 Basic Tips
1. You feel their presence.
A holistic healthcare provider, at minimum, is a good listener. This doesn't mean that you can ramble on and on about your Aunt Bessie and her bunions, the latest trick your dog learned... It means that your problem is addressed with as much detail as needed. The key here is that they are present with you-good eye contact, not otherwise occupied, appropriate questions to clarify, and well, you know what presence feels like.
2. Time is valuable, and so are you!
In general, holistic providers spend a bit more time with you-especially if this is your first visit. The visit length is as long as needed, within reason. If you are offered a prescription and shown the door before you are ready, this is not a holistic treatment.
3. Your healthcare practitioner is open to recommending well researched and safe herbs and supplements. If they don't know if something is safe and appropriate for you, they know where to find out. This is key, also.
4. It is okay to talk about alternative/complimentary therapies.
You can discuss your ideas and ask questions, and they may have suggestions for you. They are aware of what is scientifically shown to be effective and which are not. They know about the risks and can help you decide if the risks are worth the possible benefits!
5. The prescription pad is not the only tool in their virtual tool bag.
As a nurse practitioner, I imagine that I carry a tool bag with me all the time. I carry all the testing techniques and recommendations I've ever learned : Nutrition, Presence, Exercise, Spiritual care, Diagnostic testing, stress management, Prescription pad, and other recommendations about various health treatments that might help such as acupuncture, massage, counseling and so on.
Finding the Right Holistic Healthcare Provider:
What are some of those Natural Holistic Therapies and WHO should you see?
Finding the Right Holistic Healthcare Provider: What can YOU Do To Get the Most Benefit From Your Visit?
1. Bring a list of your issues or complaints. Prioritize-put the one that concerns you the most, first. Reality is that if I spend an hour with you during your 15 or 30 minute time slot, somebody is waiting in the waiting room.
2. When you make your appointment, ask how long a typical appointment will last. Keep that in mind. Respect goes both ways.
3. Bring a list or the bottles of any and all medications you take. This includes herbal and over the counter remedies. This is very important.
4. Take notes, and ask apporpirate questions. If suggestions are made, you'll want to be able to refer to them later. Some providers will give you a nice print out of recommendations. This gives you the chance to really listen. When you make your appointment (especially if this is your first appointment) ask if there will be any handouts for you to take home. Be prepared!
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Disclaimer: Material provided on Naturally-Holistic.net website is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Always take the advice of your health care provider before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program. We will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information on this website.
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