Nowadays, conventional medicine is becoming more and more complicated. Having different health conditions – or preventing issues you might have in your family history – means you must have enough resources to consult several specialists.
In other words, you have your general practitioner, your gynecologist (for women) or urologist (for men), your dermatologist, your dentist, your ophthalmologist… the list goes on. If you have any type of pre-existing condition, you probably have a physician in that subspecialty as well, such as a neurologist or a gastroenterologist.
And that’s all well and good, but sometimes it’s good to have another perspective. In the search for alternative healthcare approaches, you may have come across the term “holistic doctor.” But how are these physicians different in practice from the traditional doctors we all know? Let’s find out.
How a Traditional Doctor Works
Traditional doctors are healthcare professionals who are associated with conventional medicine. They have a degree in medicine, and they may specialize in a particular field. These are your pediatricians, cardiologists, and orthopedists, among others.
Some traditional doctors, such as primary care physicians (PCPs), may also be generalists. When several bodily systems are affected by a certain health condition or disease you’re experiencing, multiple specialists may work together to control your symptoms or treat your diseases. This traditional medicine approach is generally seen as reactionary rather than preventive.
A New Approach by a Holistic Doctor
In contrast, holistic physicians apply a preventive, whole-body approach to healthcare by combining the best of conventional medicine with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM involves methods dealing with alternative medicine, such as diet, herbs, and the mind-body connection.
Some patients may be hesitant about consulting with a holistic doctor because it sounds like what they do is completely different from a traditional doctor. However, holistic doctors – such as osteopaths and integrative physicians – also have bona fide medical degrees and are licensed to practice medicine.
Holistic doctors may also employ massage and chiropractic care in their list of services. The idea is to improve a patient’s overall health by bringing the body to its optimum, natural state. They may also offer neurofeedback, detoxification, and nutrition therapy to address various health issues.
Benefits of Holistic Medicine
In a way, holistic doctors bridge the gap between traditional medical treatment and natural preventive care in one well-rounded healthcare practice. Having an integrated approach means preserving and maintaining a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
Integrated Healthcare in Mankato, MN, and Clinton, SC
With a holistic approach to health and total wellness, you can avoid sudden disorders and chronic diseases. The best way to get optimal results is by consulting and thoroughly discussing your health and lifestyle with your healthcare provider.
Here at Between the Bridges Healing Center, our medical team is dedicated to helping you get and stay healthy. Dr. Jeffrey Kotulski leads our team in providing the integrated healthcare your mind, body, and spirit need and deserve.
We have inviting locations nestled in Mankato, Minnesota, and Clinton, South Carolina. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call our office today at (507) 388-7488 or request an appointment now through our online form. We look forward to being your healthcare partner.
