The underlying philosophy of Alternative holistic health is that the practitioner uses methods of diagnosis and treatment that respect the physical body while taking into account the ‘whole person’, including mental, emotional and spiritual components. All forms of natural, complimentary or integrated medicine generally adhere to this philosophy.
Alternative Health Practitioners understand that the body, mind and spirit connect in complex ways. Grounded in a variety of theoretical perspectives, Alternative Holistic Health Practitioners share a broad view of health and wellness that addresses the multidimensionality of human beings. As a result, in treatment, the holistic health practitioner may combine massage therapy, nutritional counseling, herbs, reflexology, acupressure, yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine, polarity, breath work, or more while working with a client. Some practitioners choose to emphasize the bodywork aspect of the profession while others choose to function as counselors or teachers.
As a Holistic Health Practitioner, you must be caring, compassionate, honest, and well trained. You need to take responsibility for your own health status and constantly continue to learn. Holistic Health is a career that responds to people as unique, whole individuals. With a strong sense of empathy and ethics, Holistic Health Practitioners can develop an intuitive understanding of the complex harmony of body/mind/spirit.
For many specialties, such as acupuncture and massage therapy, most states require their practitioners to be certified. It is very important to be trained in holistic health theory and practice.
