Articles Therapies & Supports Healing Modalities Working with an Integrative, Functional or Root-Cause Oriented Practitioner

Working with an Integrative, Functional or Root-Cause Oriented Practitioner

An Invaluable Part of Navigating Your Child’s Healing Journey

Working with an integrative, functional or root-cause oriented practitioner can be invaluable while navigating your child’s healing journey. Rather than simply addressing symptoms, it allows you to focus on uncovering and treating the underlying causes of illness to create a more personalized/bio-individualized, and comprehensive care plan that supports optimal health and healing for your child in both the short and long term.

Root-Cause-Oriented Practitioner Types

Below is an alphabetical list of practitioner types who might be more root-cause oriented in their assessments and therapeutic approaches than certain specialists. The list is not meant to be exhaustive (and it does not guarantee that an individual practitioner within a category is skilled at their craft). It gives a small sampling of diagnostic tools, therapies and modalities that may be used by a given provider.

This list was created for educational purposes and to highlight the varied array of root-cause-oriented practitioner types—to empower parents with tools and guidance for making informed decisions about their child’s health.

Practitioner Types

Examples of Diagnostic Tools

How Such Tools Might Inform Therapy

Examples of Diet & Lifestyle Changes

Acupuncturist (LAc)

(learn more)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse and tongue diagnosis

Identifies imbalances in organ systems and energy flow, leading to personalized acupuncture and herbal remedies.

Encouraging warm, cooked foods for digestion, reducing processed foods, incorporating mindfulness practices.

Airway Specialist

(learn more)

Sleep study or cone beam CT scan

Identifies airway obstructions, leading to treatments such as myofunctional therapy, orthodontic interventions, or nasal breathing exercises.

Encouraging nose breathing, removing inflammatory foods that contribute to congestion, adjusting sleep position for better airflow.

Ayurvedic Doctor (BAMS, Ayurvedic Practitioner)

Ayurvedic dosha assessment (Vata, Pitta, Kapha balance) and tongue/pulse diagnosis

Identifies constitutional imbalances and metabolic dysfunctions, guiding herbal medicine, detox therapies, and lifestyle changes.

Adopting a diet based on one’s dosha (e.g., warm foods for Vata, cooling foods for Pitta), establishing daily routines (Dinacharya), incorporating herbal teas.

Biologic Dentist

Digital X-rays, 3D cone beam CT scan, or oral microbiome testing

Identifies hidden infections, tongue ties, or metal toxicity, leading to safe mercury removal, oral probiotics, or myofunctional therapy.

Removing fluoride and toxic dental materials, incorporating oral probiotics, avoiding high-sugar foods that impact oral health.

Bioregulatory Practitioner

(Individuals who take a holistic approach – certain NDs, DOs, MDs, NPs, etc. – fall into this general category.)

Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Electrodermal Screening (EDS), Live Blood Analysis, Genetic and Epigenetic Testing, Stool and other functional tests

Assesses autonomic nervous system function, detect imbalances in organs, observe blood components in real-time, test for nutrient deficiencies, toxicities, oxidative stress markers, and modifiable risk factors, gut dysbiosis, inflammation, genetic vulnerabilities, and endocrine imbalances, etc.

Incorporating bio-individual diet and lifestyle supports such as: whole and nutrient dense foods and possibly herbs and supplements to reduce systemic inflammation and support repair, remove or eliminate common irritants, identify food sensitivities and enhance toxin removal, offer supports for preserving the natural circadian rhythm, reduce stress, employ energy based therapies to improve movement, organ function and mental health.

Chiropractor (DC)

(learn more)

Postural, spinal and neurological assessment (X-ray, palpation, HRV, thermal scans and more

Detects misalignments affecting nervous system function, guiding gentle spinal adjustments to improve digestion, immune function, and neurological health.

Encouraging posture-friendly seating, limiting screen time, increasing physical activity to promote spinal health.

Craniosacral Therapist (CST)

(learn more)

Palpation of cranial rhythm and fascial restrictions

Identifies areas of tension affecting the nervous system, leading to gentle craniosacral adjustments that promote relaxation and neurological function.

Using ergonomic pillows for sleep, promoting relaxation techniques, encouraging hydration for better fascia health.

Energy Healer (Reiki, Biofield Therapy, or EFT Practitioner)

(learn more)

Energy field assessment (muscle testing or bioenergetic scans)

Identifies energetic imbalances or emotional blockages, leading to Reiki, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or vibrational therapies.

Encouraging stress reduction through nature exposure, mindfulness practices, and grounding techniques.

Functional Medicine Doctor (MD/DO)

(learn more)

Comprehensive stool analysis (e.g., GI-MAP test); Organic Acid Test

Identifies gut dysbiosis, pathogens, or inflammation, leading to targeted probiotic therapy, antimicrobial herbs, or dietary changes.

Eliminating processed foods, adding probiotic-rich foods, increasing fiber intake for gut health.

Functional Nutritionist/Dietitian (RD, CNS)

(learn more)

Micronutrient testing

Identifies vitamin and mineral deficiencies, allowing for targeted dietary adjustments or supplementation.

Adjusting diet to include nutrient-dense foods, incorporating more whole foods, ensuring balanced macronutrient intake.

Homeopath

(learn more)

Constitutional homeopathic assessment (detailed history & symptom analysis)

Matches symptoms with a homeopathic remedy to support the body’s innate healing response.

Reducing exposure to synthetic medications when possible, emphasizing hydration and whole foods, improving sleep hygiene.

Integrative Pediatrician (MD/DO)

Food sensitivity testing (IgG/IgA panel), Organic Acid Test, microbiome tests and other tests

Identify trigger foods contributing to inflammation or behavioral issues, leading to an elimination diet and gut-healing protocols.

Removing inflammatory foods (gluten, dairy, processed sugar), adding nutrient-dense whole foods, supporting digestion with mindful eating.

Movement Therapist

Gait analysis or motor function screening

Identifies movement impairments, leading to customized exercises, dance therapy, or neurodevelopmental movement techniques.

Encouraging daily movement through play-based activities, reducing sedentary behavior, ensuring proper hydration.

Neuro-Optometrist (OD)

(learn more)

Functional vision exam (tests for convergence, tracking, and visual processing)

Identifies visual processing deficits, guiding vision therapy, corrective lenses, or exercises to improve reading, coordination, and focus.

Reducing screen time, increasing outdoor play, adding nutrient-rich foods for eye health like leafy greens and omega-3s.

Naturopathic Doctor (ND)

Food sensitivity testing (IgG/IgA panel), Organic Acid Test, microbiome tests, muscle testing and other tests

Reveals nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction, or yeast overgrowth, guiding personalized supplementation and lifestyle changes.

Removing refined sugars to reduce yeast overgrowth, adding mitochondria-supporting nutrients (CoQ10, magnesium), improving hydration.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

(learn more)

Sensory processing evaluation (Sensory Profile or SIPT)

Assesses sensory integration challenges, guiding sensory diet interventions to support self-regulation and motor skills.

Incorporating sensory-friendly meals (textures, colors), using calming routines, encouraging weighted blankets or sensory tools.

Reflex Integration Therapist

(learn more)

Reflex assessment (MNRI, INPP, or rhythmic movement testing)

Identifies retained primitive reflexes, guiding exercises and movement therapy to support neurological development.

Incorporating specific movements and exercises, encouraging active play, reducing screen time for better neurological integration.

Speech and Language Therapist (SLP)

(learn more)

Standardized speech and language assessments (e.g., CELF, GFTA, oral motor exam)

Identifies speech delays, articulation issues, or feeding challenges, leading to targeted speech therapy.

Encouraging mindful chewing and swallowing practices, limiting processed foods, ensuring proper hydration for vocal cord health.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (TCM Doctor)

(learn more)

TCM-based pulse, tongue, and meridian diagnosis

Identifies imbalances in Qi, organ function, and circulation, guiding herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary changes.

Following TCM food energetics (e.g., warm vs. cooling foods), using herbal teas, adjusting meal timing to support digestion and balance.

A Whole-Child Approach

Practitioners who take a whole-child approach to pediatric medicine consider the physical, emotional, mental, developmental, and environmental factors influencing a child’s well-being. Similarly, by combining multiple disciplines, families can create a well-rounded, integrative plan to support their child’s health, while addressing root causes and fostering resilience in children to better assure their long-term well-being. A holistic health coach can also help parents explore the wide array of supports available.

How Do I Find an Integrative or Holistic Practitioner?

Below are some online practitioner directories where you may find a practitioner near you. If you do not find one near your geography, some practitioners do offer telehealth services, so it may be worthwhile calling the office to find out.

Documenting Hope Practitioner Directory

This is a large database of many different kinds of root-cause oriented practitioners. Types of practitioners range from medical doctors to nutritionists, occupational therapists, energy practitioners and more. Training varies widely among practitioners listed in this directory.

Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs

These are practitioners trained by the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs or MedMaps. MedMaps practitioners go through a standardized training and some receive advanced training.

Institute for Functional Medicine

While many of these practitioners are oriented toward treating adults, you may find some pediatricians and family physicians. Most are MDs, DOs PAs, ARPNs, RDs or other medical professionals. Does not include therapists.

Still Looking for Answers?

Visit the Documenting Hope Practitioner Directory to find a practitioner near you.

Join us inside our online membership community for parents, Healing Together, where you’ll find even more healing resources, expert guidance, and a community to support you every step of your child’s healing journey.