Different Practitioners & Their Methods

The approach individuals take towards healthcare is evolving. As reported by the National Health Interview Survey, over 36% of adults in the U.S. now utilize some type of complementary health method — a figure that has consistently increased over the last twenty years. Chronic ailments such as autoimmune diseases, digestive problems, hormonal irregularities, and mental health issues are prompting millions to seek practitioners who focus on underlying causes rather than merely treating symptoms.

Medical Doctor:

An M.D. has successfully completed medical training in an officially recognized school. Medical doctors practice allopathic medicine. Definition of allopathic: Medical practice that uses drugs to treat disease that will produce an effect different from that of the disease.

Osteopathic Doctor: 

Uses manipulation to restore functional balance. These doctors also use medicine and surgery. They have met the qualifications for licensing in the practice of medicine.

Chiropractic Doctor: 

Engages in a system of adjusting the spinal column by hand to correct the cause of disease. These doctors must qualify for licensing in their practice.

The three different kinds of doctors listed above are alike in that they all must qualify for licenses to practice. The following is a list of alternative health practitioners who “diagnose & treat disease”:

Herbalist: 

Treats disease with herbal medicines. Usually certified by a school, but not regulated by licensing.

Homeopath: 

Homeopathy is a system of medical practice that treats a disease especially by the administration of minute doses of a remedy that would in healthy persons produce symptoms similar to those of the disease.

Iridologist: 

Diagnoses and treats disease by reading the iris of the eye. Most iridologists are school certified.

Naturopathic Physician: 

One who treats disease with herbs, homeopathic drugs, and other substances. They have completed a course of studies in ‘Naturopathic Medicine’ in a state-recognized school. There are only a few states that license these physicians.

Nutripath: 

Uses nutrients to overcome disease. Graduates of a nutripathic course receive a ‘Doctor of Science in Nutripathy’ degree.

The following is a list of practitioners that do not diagnose and treat disease, but educate:

Life Science Practitioner: 

Teaches and counsels people in health matters. These practitioners do not diagnose, prescribe, or treat. They teach people to build better health.

Naturologist: 

Educates people through their study of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and environmental applications. The title of Naturologist, however, may only be used by graduates of the ‘American Institute of Holistic Theology’.

Traditional Naturopathic Doctor: 

Uses natural forces such as diet, massage, water, light, heat, and air. They have earned a degree in traditional naturopathy (N.D.) in an accredited school. A true N.D. allows the body to heal itself by producing a correct internal environment.

Many other natural health practitioners are not included here such as workers in reflexology, massage, and acupressure. Since it is rare to find the exact health practitioner suited to your needs within a reasonable distance, I have found the best way to assure your own better health is to study the basics on your own!