[OurLadysTears]

Has anyone ever been to a holistic practitioner? I have an appointment with one next week. I'm curious about anyone else's experiences, if any? I have a lot going on both mentally and physically and my primary care doctor hasn't been of much help so I figured I would try a different approach.

[Umbral_Seraph]

I have not but good luck to you.

I am wary of some holistic practices because scientific studies have debunked many of them. Several times I did visit a kinesiologist and was impressed. That's the only type of holistic practice I would recommend.

[krazy_phoenix]

I am half way through a degree in Health Sciences with an Adv Dip in Naturopathy and Homoeopathy (long time of study!!). I have had experience with MANY alternative treatments/practices. My advice is keep an open mind. Have a specific goal - not just that you want to be 'better'. For eg, your goal might be 'I want relief from my headaches' or 'i want to sleep better'. Give yourself a mark out of 10 for your level of discomfort/pain/intolerance before you start your treatment and write it down somewhere. When you go for your appointment, tell the practitioner your specific goal - although they will work holistically (look at the whole person, not just the symptom) it gives them a goal to work toward too. Ask them a time frame that they expect you to have improvement. then you will be able to mark that on your calendar, and when you get to it, reassess your level of discomfort/pain/intolerance. If you find no benefit, don't go back! If you find a some but you hoped for more, I'd go back for a second treatment/appointment. If the treatment worked, you can sing its praises and be sure to let us all know about it!!
For the record, more ppl die from mainstream medicine mishaps and doctor mistakes in hospitals than by all other alternative practitices combined (and there is alot!!).
Don't be afraid, just use your common sense. If it doesn't feel right, then its probably not so look after yourself and leave. There are a lot of worthy talented skilled alternative practitioners out there. Best wishes for your experience. Be sure to let us know how you go, what the practice actually was etc.
kp