Common Knowledge:13.How do I find a good alternative/complementary medicine practictioner?
In choosing an alternative/complementary practitioner, many of the same criteria may be used as with choosing a conventional practitioner. Finding the best alternative/complementary health practitioner for you requires understanding the basic types of practitioners and alternative medical approaches (see FAQ 14).
Choose an approach you understand the basic principals of and have confidence in. Taking the attitude that they must "prove" their approach to you may affect your willingness to do your part in healing, and therefore limit your success.
It is also important to choose a practitioner with whom you can easily communicate, and with whom you also feel comfortable.
When visiting a practitioner you should not feel "rushed in and out". Rather, you should feel they will listen to you and can take at least twenty minutes to get your background on the first visit. It is also important that you feel comfortable talking with your practitioner about personal matters. For example, if you are a woman, make sure you feel comfortable discussing female health matters regardless of their gender.
Get a referral and/or check credentials,It is always best to be referred to a practitioner due to their good reputation attested to by a friend, another practitioner, or organization. Below is a list of organizations that might help you locate a practitioner and get information about specific treatment modalities they use and their credentials.
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