REMEMBER: it is good to interview any type of health coach you are considering working with. You are hiring them, not the other way around, so be willing to keep looking until you find someone who feels perfect for you.

Acupuncturist: trained in oriental medicine, which includes the use of filament like needles inserted into specific points to balance the flow of body energy, Chinese herbal medicine and nutrition. These doctors use signs, symptoms, posture, skin coloration, tongue coloration, palpation of the body and pulse variances to diagnosis imbalances.

Chiropractor: trained in allopathic medicine with a specific focus on bone, muscle, and soft tissue alignment. Many of these doctors also have some understanding of nutritional therapy. They use both forced and non-forced adjusting techniques, physical therapy, massage, and at times drugs to help the body re--align itself and heal from musculo-skeletal injuries and imbalances. There diagnostic tools include; x--rays, range of motion test, palpation of the body, MRI, and CAT scans.

Colon Hygienist: trained in clearing the bowels through irrigation with body temperature water and other natural substances. These practitioners often have an understanding of nutrition and massage. They work on their own or in conjunction with chiropractors, gastroenterologists, acupuncturists, and naturopaths.

Counselor: trained in various forms of emotional/spiritual coaching. This is a very large field, and includes everyone from psychics to social workers and ministers. They work on their own and in conjunctions with all other fields.

Dentist: trained in allopathic medicine with a specific focus in care of the oral cavity. There are many specialties in this field, one of which is natural dentistry. Natural dentists tend to be less invasive in their approach and use non--toxic repair materials in the mouth.

Homeopath: trained in the basics of allopathic medicine with a specific focus on the use of homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies are minute doses of various substances, which alleviate certain sign/symptom patterns. The theory is similar to that of vaccinations: if a large amount of a specific substance causes a set of symptoms to appear. That same substance if given in a minute dose will alleviate those same symptoms. These doctors use signs and symptoms almost exclusively in diagnosing.

Massage Therapist: trained in one or many forms of low--force body rubbing. Many of these practitioners have an understanding of nutrition and the relationship between the physical and emotional body. This field is so broad, that is is often wise to interview several practitioners, and see which one feels most appropriate for you.

Medical Doctor: trained in allopathic (conventional) medicine, which uses signs, symptoms and physical based diagnostic testing to diagnosis dis-ease. Typical therapy is drug or surgical based.
There are many specialties in this field.

Naturopath: trained in the basics of allopathic medicine with a specific focus on Western herbal therapy, homeopathy, and nutrition. They use signs, symptoms, and variety of different physically based tests for diagnosis.

Nutritionist: trained to varying degrees in food as therapy, and food as a basic body requirement. These practitioners often have an understanding of herbs and vitamin/mineral therapy. They work on their own or in conjunction with schools, hospitals, health food stores, chiropractors, acupuncturist, or naturopaths.

Ophthalmologist: trained in the basics of allopathic medicine with a specific focus in the treatment of eye dis-ease. These doctors work on their own and with medical doctors. There are also natural ophthalmologists who are versed in vision training to help eyes recover a normal, full range of visual acuity.

Optometrist: trained in testing visual acuity and fitting the appropriate lenses to enhance vision. They often work in conjunction with ophthalmologist.

Osteopath: trained in allopathic medicine with a specific focus in the treatment of bone related dis-ease. There diagnostic tools include all those of medical doctors and chiropractors.

Physical Therapist: trained in the use of various electro stimulation devices, hot/cold packs, low--force body rubbing, stretching, and various musculo-skeletal rehabilitation techniques. These practitioners often work in conjunction with chiropractors, trauma rehabilitation centers, and osteopaths.

Podiatrist: trained in the basics of allopathic medicine with a specific focus in the treatment of foot dysfunction. These doctors usually work on their own.

Psychiatrist: trained in allopathic medicine with a specific focus on the treatment of emotional disturbances with drugs. They work on their own or in conjunction with medical doctors.

Psychologist: trained in the function of the human psyche, and often proficient in the physical/emotional connection. They work on their own and in conjunction with all the above fields. They often have more formal education than counselors.