Finding the Right Integrative and Holistic Healthcare Professional for You

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Mark Moran

Integrative health is becoming more and more popular with various holistic therapies and herbs available for individuals to utilize. It is very important though for individuals who wish to use holistic and integrative practices, therapies and medicines to consult a healthcare professional to ensure things interact properly and safely. Dosing, interactions with other medications and safety for particular individuals are key in determining if something is right for a particular individual. This is is why it is important to find the right Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist to help guide oneself and even work in unison with one’s primary healthcare provider.

Learn more about becoming a certified Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist with AIHCP’s online certification program for qualified professionals

The article, “5 Things to Know When Selecting an Integrative Healthcare Provider” by Lauren Bedosky looks at important aspects one should review in finding the guidance of a Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist. She states,

“Complementary and integrative medicine practitioners often provide services and therapies in conventional healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics. Practitioners can also be found in private practice and at wellness centers. Unfortunately, finding a qualified complementary and integrative medicine practitioner to provide safe and effective care isn’t always easy. But it’s essential to choose carefully, as some complementary therapies may have adverse effects if performed incorrectly.”

“5 Things to Know When Selecting an Integrative Healthcare Provider”. Lauren Bedosky. April 17th, 2023. EveryDayHealth.

To review the entire article, please click here

Commentary

Due to the numerous possible complications and wrong directions one can take with integrative care, it is hence a prerequisite for good health to have proper guidance from a holistic and integrative healthcare specialist.

Introduction to Holistic and Integrative Health Practitioners

Healthcare professionals trained in Holistic and Integrative practices can help guide individuals in a safe and informative way with alternative care

Integrative health practitioners are professionals who use a holistic approach to wellness. They look at the whole person, not just their symptoms, and aim to address the root cause of health issues. Integrative health practitioners combine conventional medicine with alternative and complementary therapies to help their patients achieve optimal wellness. They focus on prevention and education, empowering patients to take control of their health.

What is Holistic and Integrative Health and How Does it Differ from Conventional Medicine?

Integrative health is a patient-centered, holistic approach to wellness that combines conventional medicine with alternative and complementary therapies. Integrative health practitioners look at the whole person, not just their symptoms, and aim to address the root cause of health issues. They focus on prevention and education, empowering patients to take control of their health.

Conventional medicine, on the other hand, typically focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of health issues. It tends to rely heavily on pharmaceuticals and other medical interventions. While conventional medicine can be effective in treating acute conditions, it often falls short when it comes to chronic conditions and overall wellness.

Benefits of Working with an Holistic and Integrative Health Practitioner

Working with an integrative health practitioner can have many benefits. Here are just a few:

Holistic Approach

Integrative health practitioners take a holistic approach to wellness. They look at the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and aim to address the root cause of health issues. This can lead to a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan.

Personalized Care

Integrative health practitioners provide personalized care. They take the time to get to know their patients, their health history, and their goals for wellness. This allows them to tailor their treatment plan to each individual.

Emphasis on Prevention

Integrative health practitioners focus on prevention and education. They work with their patients to identify risk factors and develop strategies to prevent illness and maintain optimal wellness.

Reduced Reliance on Pharmaceuticals

Integrative health practitioners aim to reduce their patients’ reliance on pharmaceuticals. They use a variety of alternative and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine, to help their patients achieve optimal wellness.

Improved Quality of Life

Working with an integrative health practitioner can improve your quality of life. By addressing the root cause of health issues and developing a comprehensive treatment plan, they can help you feel better and live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

How to Choose the Right Holistic and Integrative Health Practitioner

Choosing the right integrative health practitioner is an important decision. Here are some tips to help you find the right practitioner for you:

Credentials and Experience

Look for a practitioner who is licensed, certified, or registered in their field. They should also have experience working with patients with your specific health concerns.

Philosophy and Approach

Find a practitioner whose philosophy and approach align with your own. Do they take a holistic approach to wellness? Do they focus on prevention and education? Do they use a variety of alternative and complementary therapies?

Communication and Rapport

It’s important to find a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable communicating. Look for someone who listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and explains things in a way that you can understand.

Referrals and Reviews

Ask for referrals from friends, family, or other healthcare professionals. You can also look for reviews online to get an idea of what other patients have experienced.

Holistic and Integrative Health Practitioner Techniques and Treatments

There are numerous safe and effective therapies and medications one can utilize for numerous chronic conditions. Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialists can help find what is best for you

Integrative health practitioners use a variety of techniques and treatments to help their patients achieve optimal wellness. Here are some examples:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, anxiety, and digestive issues.

Massage

Massage therapy involves manipulating the muscles and soft tissues of the body to promote relaxation and alleviate pain. It is often used to treat stress, tension, and musculoskeletal conditions.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine involves using plant-based remedies to treat a variety of conditions. It can be used to alleviate symptoms, boost the immune system, and promote overall wellness.

Mind-Body Therapies

Mind-body therapies, such as meditation and yoga, aim to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall wellness. They can also be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as anxiety and depression.

Examples of Conditions Treated by Integrative Health Practitioners

Integrative health practitioners can treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Chronic Pain

Integrative health practitioners can help manage chronic pain through acupuncture, massage, and other therapies.

Anxiety and Depression

Integrative health practitioners can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression through mind-body therapies, such as meditation and yoga, as well as herbal medicine and other treatments.

Digestive Issues

Integrative health practitioners can help treat digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux, through dietary changes, herbal medicine, and other therapies.

Autoimmune Disorders

Integrative health practitioners can help manage autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, through dietary changes, supplements, and other therapies.

Holistic and Integrative Health Practitioner vs Other Healthcare Professionals

Integrative health practitioners differ from other healthcare professionals, such as medical doctors and naturopathic doctors, in their approach to wellness. While medical doctors tend to focus on treating symptoms and rely heavily on pharmaceuticals, integrative health practitioners take a holistic approach and use a variety of alternative and complementary therapies. Naturopathic doctors also take a holistic approach, but they focus more on natural remedies and may not use conventional medicine.

Integrative Health Practitioner Success Stories

Integrative health practitioners have helped many patients achieve optimal wellness. Here are a few success stories:

Chronic Pain

A patient with chronic back pain had tried many conventional treatments without success. After working with an integrative health practitioner, who used a combination of acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine, the patient experienced significant pain relief and improved mobility.

Anxiety and Depression

A patient with anxiety and depression had been taking medication for many years with limited success. After working with an integrative health practitioner, who used mind-body therapies and herbal medicine, the patient was able to reduce their medication and experienced significant improvement in their symptoms.

Digestive Issues

A patient with IBS had tried many conventional treatments without success. After working with an integrative health practitioner, who used dietary changes and herbal medicine, the patient experienced significant improvement in their symptoms and was able to reduce their reliance on medication.

Holistic and Integrative Health Practitioner Resources

There are many resources available to help you find an integrative health practitioner, including:

Professional Associations

Please review AIHCP’s certification program in Holistic and Integrative Healthcare and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

Professional associations, such as the American Association of Integrative Medicine and the Integrative Health Policy Consortium, can provide information on integrative health practitioners in your area.

Also look for individuals who may be certified with AIHCP and its Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program.

Referral Services

Referral services, such as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and the American Massage Therapy Association, can help you find integrative health practitioners who are licensed, certified, or registered in their field.

Online Directories

Online directories, such as HealthProfs and Zocdoc, allow you to search for integrative health practitioners by location, specialty, and insurance coverage.

Conclusion

Working with an integrative health practitioner can have many benefits, including a holistic approach to wellness, personalized care, emphasis on prevention, reduced reliance on pharmaceuticals, and improved quality of life. When choosing an integrative health practitioner, look for someone with credentials and experience, whose philosophy and approach align with your own, with whom you feel comfortable communicating, and who has positive reviews and referrals. Integrative health practitioners use a variety of techniques and treatments to help their patients achieve optimal wellness, and they can treat a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain to autoimmune disorders. Resources are available to help you find the right integrative health practitioner for you.

AIHCP offers a four year certification for qualified professionals seeking a certification in Holistic and Integrative Healthcare. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals. Please review and see if it matches your academic and professional goals and needs.

Additional Resources

“Integrative Medicine and Health”. July 22nd, 2022. Mayo Clinic. Access here

“Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine”. Cleveland Clinic. Access here

“How To Find a Complementary Health Practitioner”. NIH. Access here

“Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name?”. NIH. Access here

Integrative and Holistic Specialist Program Blog on Adaptogens

Posted on April 27, 2022 by Mark Moran

Adaptogens are great and natural herbs and supplements to help one manage stress and anxiety. They are natural but still need to be utilized under care of a specialist due to the fact certain levels can be counter productive or mix poorly with other medications. Integrative Holistic Specialists can help one find the best herbal supplement for an individual when dealing with stress.

Adaptogens help individuals with stress. Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Health Specialist Program

The article, “What Are Adaptogens and Are They Healthy?” from Cleveland Clinic’s Healthessentials takes a closer look at a variety of adaptogens. The article states,

“Adaptogens can affect how much cortisol is released in your body when you’re stressed. Less cortisol can mean less of a physical stress reaction. As stress is connected to your nervous, endocrine and immune systems, it can cause physiological changes like an increased heart rate. Again, adaptogens can help how your body responds physically to stress.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Specialist Program, as well as AIHCP’s Stress Management Program. The programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Holistic Nurse or Stress Management Consultant.

Holistic Integrative Specialist Certification Article on Holistic Herbs

Posted on August 31, 2021August 31, 2021 by Mark Moran

Herbs are important to over all in health. In Asia, older herbs are consistently used to help aid, and in Europe, they have found their way into mainline medicine. Many herbs are prescribed before synthetic drugs. This change recognizes the value of herbal medicine when used in concert with Western medicine.

Just because an herb is natural does not mean it is safe though and this is why it is imperative to have professional guidance in use of herbs for daily life and issues. Some herbs can be toxic if used in excess or long duration and some herbs can also have bad counter reactions with synthetic drugs. A Holistic Integrative Specialist trained in healthcare is the best person to guide you through the multitude of herbs.

While there are many acute diseases such as cancer that individuals have and lead them to alternative treatments, many look to herbs for basic cures for everyday issues. Herbs when used properly can help alleviate issues without the negative side effects. However, this is usually best for mild cases. When more severe issues arise, doctors and physicians or mental health experts usually turn to synthetic drugs.

Eastern Medicine looks for overall healthy balance. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic Integrative Specialist Program

Herbs also prove to be excellent for overall health. They can help the body over time be stronger and more resistant to certain conditions as well as treat the entirety of the body. Instead of treating one symptom, herbs can look for the cause and help the overall body from a holistic view.

A holistic view that looks at the overall function does not need to be at odds with Western medicine but can be interwoven with each other. Both are equally important in what they bring to the table. Western Medication utilizes a variety of synthetic drugs and procedures that sometimes can be evasive and produce side effects but in many extreme cases, these more severe responses are key, but this does not mean, less evasive and more holistic practices can be utilized.

Chinese medicine sees health as balance. Yin and Yang when mismatched or imbalanced causes illness. Balancing the inner body’s energy and functions is key. This can be accomplished via herbs, or other alternative practices, including acupuncture or massage. In addition, Ayurvedic medicine of India looks not just to eliminate symptoms but to restore balance to the body and treat the entirety of mind body and spirit. This philosophy is indeed correct. Balance of body systems and finding root causes of issues is critical for long term health.

With these things in mind, this blog will look at a few herbs that can help with basic issues. Again, these herbs are best used for mild conditions and always under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Self treating and utilizing herbs without direction can be dangerous and lead to side effects if on other medications. It can also cause issues if uses too much or too little over a certain period of time. Some herbs require strict adherence to when to take it and how long to take it , as well as if to take it with food or not. Hence it is important to remember that when utilizing herbs, one listen and follow directions to achieve maximum results and safety.

Various herbs with time held success are sometimes under valued by Western medicine. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic Integrative Specialist Certification

Anxiety is one of the most common mental issues. Anxiety is due to stress but is an over reaction to stress. It can exist also when the stressor is no longer present and cause worry and fear when no issues exist. Most Western doctors may prescribe a variety anti depressants such as Luvox, Prozac or Zoloft. Others may prescribe benzodiazepines. Overprescription of these drugs for mild anxiety is unfortunate when herbs that are more holistic and mild on the body exist.

Kava is the natural anxiety reliever. Kava reduces anxiety, improves functioning and has no addictive properties. Most take 100 to 250 mg three times daily to deal with anxiety, however long term use of Kava can is not good for the body. Kava should not be combined with any benzodiazepines. This natural remedy derived from the Pepper Trees of Fiji and South Pacific Islands should be the first choice for mild anxiety before any hard synthetic medications.

Hypericum or St John’s Wort is another effective herb against anxiety and as well as depression. Again, when utilized for mild episodes, this herb can prove to be beneficial but should only be applied under professional supervision. This herb possesses at its very substance extracts that can enhance three neurotransmitters in the brain, namely serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It also lowers cortisol. The herb takes 4 to 6 weeks to start to take effect and any lowering of doses on synthetic drugs should be withdrawn only at the supervision of a healthcare professional as one looks to replace synthetic with herbal treatment.

Anxiety creates a tense state. It causes the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline and cortisol which in turns increases blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension. These reactions are necessary during fight or flight but can cause long term issues. Activating a calmer state, or the para sympathetic nervous system is key. Hence, many look to sedative to find a more relaxed state. The herb Valerian plays a key role in helping people find that natural relaxed states without the synthetic side effects. Valerian Can help one sleep, reduce anxiety and nightmares and reduce the need of sleeping pills. Chamomile also like Valerian can help one find relaxation and sleep and is commonly used as a tea.

Chronic stress kills and those seeking a better life style against stress look to a variety of ways to negate its negative effects. Meditation and other stress management strategies are important but also herbs can play a key role in helping manage stress and strengthening the body. Adaptogens are types of herbs that can help the body fight chronic stress and maintain overall health that stress eventually deteriorates. As an Adaptogens, herbs must meet three requirements. First, they must be harmless over long term use. Second, they must increase resistance to stress and third, it increases mental and physical performance. It helps balance give overall holistic health.

Fitting this description is Ginseng. Ginseng has a long time reputation for anti aging. Ginseng is also key in improving oxygen and blood sugar metabolism and immune function. Ginseng also helps lower cholesterol and can help prevent heart attacks. It helps stimulate the adrenal gland and cortisol functions that are burned out due to stress. Ginseng hence is not good for those suffering from anxiety. Asian Ginseng is the strongest of the Ginsengs are recommended for older individuals, while American Ginseng is meant for younger individuals who are over worked or burned out. American Ginseng is considered “cooler” on the body.

Aging is an issue for everyone. Organs and physical functions cease to work as well as we get older but herbs can play a key role. Ginseng as shown plays a role in helping one age, but also in Chinese medicine, Ginkgo. Ginkgo is derived from some of the oldest trees on earth remaining unchanged in China for thousands of years. Ginkgo helps blood flow to the brain and has many properties that help the restore functions to the nervous system. Studies have shown it help minimize effects of Alzheimer Disease. Ginkgo hence is great for the mind and memory.

Herbs are can play a key role in one’s long term health if used properly. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic Nursing Program

A holistic view on life with herbs and other alternative practices is becoming more mainstream everyday. Double blind studies have been done with all the herbs discussed above with promising conclusions. The history of these herbs have never been doubted but when tested via empirical scientific methods, they still prove the test of time. They, as in Europe, should be utilized more in the United States. Western medicine should not feel threatened by alternative health views or application of other herbs or strategies. They can only complement Western medicine and help for a better fullness of life for all.

If you would like to learn more about holistic medicine or would like to earn a Holistic Integrative Specialist Certification, then please review the program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as Holistic Integrative Specialist. Most who enter are nurses or healthcare professionals who look to harmonize Eastern and Western ideals in medicine and help others make wise choices in utilizing the benefits of Holistic Medicine.

It is extremely important to find trained healthcare professionals in this field to help guide individuals who are seeking cures or better ways of life through herbs or other alternative therapies. Guidance is key to protect the patient and give them the proper and professional guidance in understanding how these herbs work in unison with Western methods.

To learn more, please review these articles

Please review AIHCP’s Video on Holistic Nursing

Please review the article from Health Line on Kava Kava

Please review the article from Nourish by WebMD on Ginseng

Holistic Health: Breakfast linked to ‘healthy heart’

Posted on July 23, 2013October 21, 2022 by Dominick Flarey

The article, “Breakfast linked to ‘healthy heart'”, source; BBC News states

“People should eat breakfast in order to look after their hearts, according to researchers in the US.”

American Institute Health Care Professionals’ insight:

Holistic health and breakfast is important. But how important is breakfast to your heart? This article looks at the importance of breakfast and overall health.
#nursingandholistichealth

See on www.bbc.co.uk

Holistic Health: Alternatives to Soda

Posted on June 11, 2012October 17, 2022 by Dominick Flarey

Holistic health care is all about finding ways to improve your life and keep you healthy. So holistic nutrition is always looking for ways to substitute the unhealthy for the healthy. Today holistic nutritionists have found ways for you to replace the sugary, HFCS heavy, caffeine loaded sodas with healthy, nutritional, and holistic health care approved alternatives.

Two cute girls drinking ice tea outside in a garden — Holistic health should start young! Give your children ice tea instead of soda.

From Huffington Post

Holistic Health News: Replacing Summer Sodas!

Especially in summer months, when we should up our liquid consumption to avoid dehydration, it’s important to keep drink choices healthy and plentiful, but also enticing. And if New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is able to pass his proposed ban on supersized sodas, at least one city’s residents will need a low-cal alternative come the dog days of August.
Liquid sources of added sugar are especially dangerous in our diet, explains HuffPost blogger Dr. Mark Hyman in an exploration of the dangers of high-fructose corn syrup (or HFCS), the type of full-calorie sweetener that is found in many sugary drinks:
For the full article please go here.

Holistic health professionals strongly suggest that you avoid high-fructose corn syrup. With plenty of healthy options like ice tea, fresh juice, and infused waters available it is about time we cut the soda habit. Holistic living does not have to be hard and honestly cold ice tea on a hot day cannot be beat!
If you are interested in an online holistic health care certificate program or you simply want to take a few online holistic health care courses then you should visit our website for more information.