Choosing a medical professional usually starts with who your insurance provider will allow. I suggest you scrap the advice of Big Pharma and your government and do what is best for you. Your best resources may not be on that list.
In any situation there is good, better and best. If you are dealing with illness, especially long-term illness, start with the best. The best is a professional who understands and has experience with your issue. If you break your leg I would not recommend herbs as a cure, but if you are dealing with the gut, heavy metals or wish to find the source of chronic conditions, I suggest you look beyond traditional Western medicine.
Western Medical Doctor, MD
A typical Western medical doctor has very little understanding of nutritional need and is not schooled in the practice of searching for the cause of illness. The tools of Western medicine are primarily pharmaceuticals which have highly dangerous side effects and only serve to mask symptoms rather than heal. There are areas of concern that are completely foreign to this field and very common in other arenas. Being selective about when to use this protocol is important. It's value is tremendous, but not always the right choice to find wellness.
Integrative Medicine Medical Doctor, MD
A Western medical doctor that is trained in integrative medicine is one that has learned to use natural healing sources instead of just pharmaceuticals. This type of training believes in using pharmaceuticals when necessary and natural methods when possible. Finding a medical doctor who practices integrative medicine and understand metal detoxification can be the perfect fit.
Naturopath ND
Naturopathic medicine is an ancient practice that considers the entire body when healing and not just the symptoms of a condition. They believe in the balancing of the mind, body and spirit. A four year degree and licensing is necessary in the United States.
Osteopathic Medicine DO
A doctor of osteopathic medicine has a 4 year undergraduate degree and a 4 year medical degree, like an MD. They function very similarly to an MD and can prescribe medications, conduct surgeries and function along the same lines. Osteopaths have extra training in musculoskeletal system which includes the muscle and bones. A DO is often more interested in alternative treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic and natural healing.
Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Traditional Chinese medicine includes the ancient remedies that use a combination of plant, animal and mineral resources. Combinations of herbs and healing ingredients are used to stimulate the body’s natural healing power. Students of Chinese medicine become practitioners though a number of degreed sources and can include acupuncture.
Oriental Medicine Practitioner, DAOM
In the United States, Oriental medicine refers to a graduate level degree that include Chinese medicine with acupuncture. The 2 year degree program offers a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Ayurvedic Medicine Practitioner
Ayurvedic medicine is the ancient art of healing from India. It is based on holistic healing and the integration of the mind, body and spirit. In this practice, a treatment is not official until it has been used at least 5000 times. This means any treatment provided has a substantial history. Ayurvedic practitioners understand and treat the body as a whole. Chinese, Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine share common beginnings and are infiltrating into traditional medicine professions.
Homeopath Practitioner
Homeopathy is a system that believes “like cures like.” Treatment offers minute doses of natural substances that in a healthy person would produce symptoms of disease. The basis is to stimulate and heal the immune system. Homeopathic methods are not ancient studies and have only been practiced for about 200 years.
Acupuncturist
Acupuncture is a system using fine needles to penetrate the skin to balance the body and remedy issues of health, including mental, physical and emotional healing. Acupuncture can be very helpful in reuniting and strengthening systems of the body. This treatment can easily be added to other treatments without interference. There are degree programs available and a state license is required in the United States.
Nutritionist
Nutritionist determine the nutrients needed to heal a body through foods and supplements. Understanding the nutritional needs of the body is vital to recovery. This is usually a 4 year degreed professional, but in some areas that is not necessary.