How to Find an Alternative Healthcare Practitioner

How to Find an Alternative Healthcare Practitioner



With the rising costs of healthcare, people are starting to look into alternative therapies. Do you know what to look for when it comes to finding an alternative healthcare practitioner? Here are some helpful hints.







Things You'll Need:





Common sense




Some knowledge of health history




Open mind









1


The first step is to get a complete physical from your physician. Find any existing health problems and make sure that looking into alternative therapies are something your family doctor is willing to talk to you about. Evaluate your needs based on the health report you get back from your doctor.





2


Talk to people you know who already use alternative therapies. They will know practitioners in your area that specialize in the therapies or techniques you are interested in. They will also be able to give you an idea of the cost and the benefits of some of the modalities.





3


Research the therapies and find some that interest you. There are several out there including massage therapy, reiki, acupuncture, trigger point therapy and more. Once you decide on a therapy, start interviewing practitioners. Ask lots of questions.





4


Don't forget to give at each therapy time to work. Benefits from massage are evident soon afterwards. Other therapies may take one or two days. Herbal remedies can work quickly or long-term. Some may take a few weeks. Don't get discouraged.








Tips & Warnings










Don't go into anything blind. Read and investigate the treatments you are interested in. Become knowledgeable about your body.








Read disclaimers and labels.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2135207_alternative-healthcare-practitioner.html

How to find Alternative ways to Alleviate Pain for Cancer Patients

How to find Alternative ways to Alleviate Pain for Cancer Patients



There are many ways to treat cancer but alternative methods are becoming more popular









1


Study your diagnosis and consult your doctor to make sure alternative medicine methods do not conflict with pre-existing treatments.





2


Massage therapy is used to promote blood and lymphatic flow and improve circulation, as well as improving muscle tension. It can also stimulate nervous and digestive systems.





3


Meditation relieves stress, anxiety and depress among other things. Some studies have shown it can even slow tumor growth.





4


Supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids are great ways to improve health and fight disease. Just make sure they don't disrupt prescription medication.








Tips & Warnings










Some cancers vary but the three above steps should improve and even extend ones life. I got the above information for mesothelioma treatment options. Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest cancers around, so obviously surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and so on are all things to talk to your doctor about.



http://www.ehow.com/how_4461406_ways-alleviate-pain-cancer-patients.html

How to Find Acupuncture Points

How to Find Acupuncture Points



Finding acupuncture points is part of a much larger study of Chinese acupuncture. This ancient system works with the meridians in your body to help heal blocked energy or Qi, which in turn may be contributing to discomfort and disease in the body.







Things You'll Need:





Chinese meridian chart









1


Determine which area of the body is in need of attention. The meridians mostly foucs on your organs including: the lungs, large and small intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, bladder, kidney, liver and gall bladder.





2


Look up a meridian chart on-line or in a book. The meridians run from the top to the bottom of your body on the front and back of you. If you have pain associated with a specific organ, a main acupuncture point may be located anywhere along that meridian. Each meridian on the chart is clearly labeled so you can determine which organ you want to work with.





3


One common point for the stomach runs along the outside of the knee on the stomach meridian, stomach 36. It is located about 2.5 inches below the knee.








Tips & Warnings










Although locating acupuncture points is easy to do with a chart, acupuncture should only be done by a licensed professional.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2278185_find-acupuncture-points.html

How to Find Acupuncture Points in the Body

How to Find Acupuncture Points in the Body



In acupuncture treatment, metallic needles are applied to various points on the body. The electromagnetic field of these points is balanced to work on symptoms and health conditions that occur near the vicinity of the point or in a different location that the point affects.









1


Learn the 12 meridian pathways that run through the body. They include the kidney, heart, small intestine, bladder, pericardium, large intestine, lung, stomach, gall bladder, governing vessel and conception meridians. Acupuncture treatment is aimed at balancing these pathways by tapping into points along the meridians.





2


Use your senses to learn the location of points. Trace the meridian with your finger along your body. Palpate the channel to get a feeling for the space that runs through it. Feel for points along the channel. You'll feel a dent or cleft, a change in skin texture or temperature or another small marker.





3


Purchase acupuncture charts and models that display the meridians and points. You can find them in books, online images or large posters. Study the chart, then attach small sticker dots along the body to learn what these points feel like on the human body.





4


Look up information on various conditions to find out what points should be manipulated to treat the situation.








Tips & Warnings










Don't attempt to administer acupuncture unless you have professional training.








Seek the advice of a physician for any serious medical conditions.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2211741_find-acupuncture-points-body.html

How to Find a Primary Dosha

How to Find a Primary Dosha



According to Ayurveda, a holistic system from India, health is based on body types known as "Doshas." There are three different doshas: Vatha, Pitta and Kapha. While everyone has characteristics of all doshas, most people reflect more of one than the others. To benefit from this system, one must first find their primary dosha. Then they can learn to balance diet, lifestyle, exercise, sleep and emotions for a healthier life.









1


Complete a quiz on an Ayurved-related web site and calculate your primary and secondary dosha. However, as with any health system, a brief self-administered questionnaire will not provide you with definitive answers about your needs. To gain full benefit of dosha awareness, you should see a certified Ayurved practitioner.





2


Learn more about the different doshas. They're a way to describe people based on the natural elements they exhibit, both physically and emotionally. The vata dosha combines the elements of space and air. The pitta dosha represents those of fire and water and the kappa dosah combines qualities of water and earth.





3


Review the physical and emotional attributes shown by people with the various doshas. Vata types are usually thin, light-boned people with cold feet and cold, dry hands who walk and talk fast. They are susceptible to skin, neurological and mental disorders. They would benefit from eating more warm food and drinking more warm liquids, establishing a routine and getting plenty of rest.





4


Explore the pitta types who are usually of medium build with warm hands and feet, who walk purposefully. They are susceptible to heartburn, sleep problems and arthritis. Pitta types should pursue the cool attitude in life, eating more cool foods and turning away when situations become too hot to handle.





5


Research the kapha types who are usually of large build with oily hair and skin. They are vulnerable to diabetes, stomach, gallbladder and respiratory problems. Kapha types should seek balance by eating light, warming foods and leading toxin-free lifestyles.








Tips & Warnings










Find your relationship match based on the dosha principles online where membership is free.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2107570_find-primary-dosha.html

How to find a NEW doctor

How to find a NEW doctor



The main hurdle in finding a doctor; whether it's a family doctor, an internist, a surgeon or other type of expert is to find one that you TRUST WITH YOUR LIFE!









1


First, call your health insurance plan or managed care plan and get a list of doctors who are approved providers. (Note: If you choose a doctor who's not on your plan's list, you'll normally have to pay more.)





2


Ask essential questions of yourself. Do you want a family doctor or a specialist? Do you want a doctor who practices on their own, or would you rather be part of a bigger group practice, where doctors typically share tasks or fill in for each other during vacations and days off?





3


Is gender a concern? Do you want a male or female doctor? If you're choosing a doctor for the entire family, will your spouse or kids prefer a male or female doctor? I you have adolescents, what will their preference be?





4


Ask family members, neighbors, friends, associates and other people you trust for recommendations. Who do they suggest? Who would they NOT suggest?





5


Check the doctor's qualifications. Is she or he a specialist? Check with the American Board of Medical Specialists to see if the doctor is certified in the specialty they claims.





6


Make a call and a visit to the doctor's office. How friendly is the receptionist or individual who answers the phone? How considerate are they to your questions or concerns? Are they hasty or willing to listen? Is the office hygienic and well staffed? Are sick patients (especially children) kept separately in the waiting area?





7


Set up a consultation with the doctor - a time to meet each other and evaluate whether you feel you can work with this doctor. Ask important questions about the big topics - principles, education, methods of treatment, thoroughness about keeping updated with the latest medical advances, openness to alternative medicine, etc. - any topics that are significant to you. And don't forget to ask the seemingly small matters, too. What are the doctor's office hours? Weekend procedures? How are emergencies managed? Does the doctor return telephone calls on a daily basis?





8


Ask about other fundamental components of your health care team. At which hospital does the doctor have rights? Who fill in when the doctor is on holiday?





9


Once you've done your research, take time to think about how you feel about your interviews with the doctors you've met, because this is where you'll discover your choice. Were your satisfied with the interaction? Did you feel comfortable with the doctor's credentials but turned off by their personality? Did they explain things in words you could identify with, or was communication difficult? Did the doctor offer several methods to treating an issue in a style that would help you choose what to do? Was the doctor supportive of your thoughts and attitudes about health care, and did they consider you as a key partner in your health care? Did the doctor make you feel comfortable about seeking a second opinion from another physician? If you felt contented with the doctor's capabilities and ability to interact as a person, you'll be much closer to a decision.


http://www.ehow.com/how_4584749_new-doctor.html

How to Find a Deadly Poison List

How to Find a Deadly Poison List



More than two million people a year are injured or die as a result of poisoning. A large portion of these reported deaths generally occur in the home. People can ingest poisons by eating, breathing or even absorbing them through the skin. In some circumstances, poison can be even injected naturally, through a bug sting, for example. To find a deadly poison list, be sure to try the following:







Things You'll Need:





Telephone access




Internet access




A local hospital, doctor's office or Health department







Find a Deadly Poison List




1


Contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). This office has been around for more than 50 years. To find a deadly poison list, be sure to register into the National Poison Data System.





2


Call the American Red Cross (ARC). In addition to a deadly poison list, the ARC will also have resources about poison prevention and treatment.





3


Talk with a physician, hospital administrator or medical caregiver. Medical clinics, hospitals and specialist offices often have relevant lists or access to important information.





4


Go to your local health department if you need to find a deadly poison list. The U.S. Government publishes documents, lists, medical papers and other medical-related items that have to do with deadly poisons. Homeland Security is another valuable resource.





5


Use your local resources. Call a local church,
daycare
, community college or university to find a deadly poison list.








Tips & Warnings










Contact the Poison Prevention Packet, CPSC, Washington D.C., 20207 to find a deadly poison list, as well.








To find a deadly poison list, try calling Poison Control at (800) 222-1222.








Be sure to place a deadly poison list in plain view.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2363612_find-deadly-poison-list.html

How to Find a Chelation Therapy Doctor

How to Find a Chelation Therapy Doctor



Finding a licensed and trained practitioner to offer chelation therapy services can be difficult. Since the AMA hasn't approved this form of treatment as of yet, they do everything in their power to keep alternative medical providers from advertising services. There are a few places and techniques you can use to locate a doctor that will help you.









1


Ask at your local health food store if they know of anyone in the area that performs chelation therapy. The community of people that turn to alternative healing techniques tends to stick together and keep aware of each other. You may not find an answer in each store but in one or two you should find someone that will be helpful.





2


Call or search the website of the American College for Advancement in Medicine. This organization has training and licensing programs for healthcare practitioners who want to be able to offer this type of service. They maintain a directory of their graduates and will be happy to provide you with a referral to a doctor in your area.





3


Contact local chiropractors in your area and inquire about chelation therapy and providers that they are familiar with. Asking a doctor for a referral will generally get you the name of a competent and safe provider.





4


Request referrals from the doctor. Getting the names and contact information from some of the doctor's patients will let you ask questions about their services and the success of the treatment. You will also be able to find out about any bad things that the patient may know or have heard about the doctor. Be diligent in your searching out a provider, just as you would in finding a new allopathic doctor.


http://www.ehow.com/how_4454713_find-chelation-therapy-doctor.html

How to Find a Biofeedback Practitioner

How to Find a Biofeedback Practitioner



Biofeedback enables people to learn about their body's functions and then learn how to control them. Practitioners hook participants up to machines that measure brain waves and/or heart rate. Participants can learn how to control parts of their body's functions with relaxation and other techniques. It can help with sleeping problems, headaches, backaches and urinary incontinence. If you're interesting in biofeedback, you need to find a biofeedback practitioner.









1


Contact the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA). Here you can search for certified (through BCIA) biofeedback practitioners in your area.





2


Go the Association for Applied Psychology and Biofeedback for another list of biofeedback practitioners in your area. To be on the list at the AAPB, participants must have BCIA certification. AAPB does not certify practitioners themselves.





3


Talk to your care provider if you can't find a practitioner in your area. They may know of someone going through certification who can help you.





4


Use caution when choosing a biofeedback practitioner since there is no state regulation regarding their training or licensing. Anyone with equipment can claim to be a biofeedback practitioner. Most experts agree that biofeedback practitioners should have certification and should have a background in psychology.





5


Interview a couple of practitioners, if possible, to find one that you like and that has experience caring for your particular health problem. Your practitioner should be someone you trust, someone who knows how to use the equipment and someone who actually helps you.


http://www.ehow.com/how_4455013_find-biofeedback-practitioner.html