How to Check an Alternative Medicine Practitioners Qualifications

An individual who offers therapeutic treatments that are considered outside the scope of "conventional medicine" is called an alternative medicine practitioner. These practitioners use a variety of techniques, like color therapy, shiatsu, tai chi and acupressure to treat physical and mental illnesses and symptoms that range from depression to muscular pain. Because alternative medicine has become so popular, the demand for practitioners has skyrocketed. Some kinds of alternative medicine, like chiropractics and massage therapy, have even gained limited acceptance from conventional medicine professionals. Since there's no official governing body for alternative medicine, it's important to thoroughly check the qualifications of practitioners you're considering to make sure they're truly competent in their field. Follow these steps to find out how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Check an Alternative Medicine Practioner's Qualifications

1. Research the necessary qualifications for the alternative medicine profession you're interested in. The "Alternative Medicine Foundation" Web site (see Resources below) has several links to alternative medicine societies that list required qualifications.
2. Ask the practitioner in question about his or her education, training and experience. In most cases, the best alternative medicine practitioners are certified by the governing organization for their particular disciplines. For example, an acupuncturist should be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
3. Go to the "National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine" (NCCAM) Web site to learn more about the required qualifications for alternative medicine practitioners (See Resources below). From the home page, click the "Therapies and Treatments" link. Then find the name of the specific discipline.
4. Ask your practitioner for references. While some practitioners may not be able to give out references because of confidentiality agreements. Others, like massage therapists, may be able to refer you to past and current clients.
5. Search your state and local Department of Health and Consumer Affairs to learn about any complaints that may have been lodged against your practitioner. You may also be able to find information about malpractice suits or disciplinary action.
6. Ask your regular physician for a reference. Even if he or she can't give you a name immediately, your doctor may have access to a network of qualified alternative medicine practitioners.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure you know the average prices for alternative medicine services in your area. Some services, like those provided by an herbologist, can be inexpensive. Others, like acupuncture, can be quite pricey.
• Alternative medicine isn't intended to treat severe, life-threatening injuries. Should you experience sudden, unexplained pain, profuse bleeding, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness or loss of vision or hearing, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
• Remember that most alternative medicine practices aren't regulated at the local, state or federal level.