First Line Practitioners
First Line Practitioners are holistic, integrative generalists who manage a wide range of acute and chronic health concerns, understand the underlying causes of disease, and use diverse therapeutic approaches to promote healing and wellness. Their work resembles aspects of primary care addressing most issues independently while referring to specialists when needed - and may include limited allopathic treatments alongside their core holistic methods. This category often includes naturopaths, homeopaths, integrative health practitioners, functional medicine doctors, Ayurvedic practitioners, and some herbalists, chiropractors, and at times health coaches.
Second Line Practitioners
Second Line Practitioners focus on a narrower range of health concerns and underlying causes of disease, yet still treat both acute and chronic issues within their specific holistic expertise. Similar to allopathic specialists, they work within a more defined scope and use a focused set of therapies - while still maintaining a holistic perspective. This group often includes biologic dentists, acupuncturists, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, many chiropractors, dietitians, Bowen workers, holistic psychotherapists, Reiki practitioners, lifestyle and environmental health professionals, functional medicine experts, and various energy healers. They may address a wide array of conditions, but generally view their role as more specialized than First Line Practitioners and readily refer out when a case falls outside their scope, yet their interventions can still create profound, whole-person healing.
Third Line Practitioners
Third Line Practitioners typically address a single type of problem or a limited set of causes, focusing on a narrower range of conditions and aiming primarily to resolve the issue at hand rather than manage broader or long-term health concerns. They often use one main therapeutic modality - sometimes with exceptional skill - and can still facilitate meaningful healing within their specialty. This group commonly includes Rolfers, reflexologists, craniosacral therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, massage therapists, flower essence therapists, yoga specialists, hypnotists, and biofeedback practitioners. While their impact can be profound, they generally view themselves as focused consultants rather than broad-scope holistic providers.
