The
study and application of natural remedies for balancing the body
serves as the basis for homeopathic medicine. Holistic healthcare practitioners are responsible for
using non-traditional and alternative methods of treatment to
help patients with a variety of conditions and illnesses. There
are many specializations in the field and different educational programs can help students pursue a
long-term career and holistic medicine and alternative health.
What Is Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is very different from conventional medicine and
pharmaceutical-based healthcare. Alternative medicine was first introduced to
the Western world in the 19th century, and homeopathic medicine schools focus on
using natural cures, and specific medication techniques to balance out the body.
Holistic medicine often falls under the category of healing arts, with
specializations in industries such as massage therapy, oriental medicine,
acupuncture, and even veterinary holistic practices.
Job Description and Responsibilities with a Holistic Health Education
Alternative medicinal practices are the foundation for homeopathy training, and
holistic health care physicians focus on helping patients regain optimal health
by using nutrition, exercise, ancient healing techniques, and herbal
supplementation as part of treatment. General responsibilities may include:
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Working directly with
patients with specific healthcare needs
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Recommending herbal
treatments and applications to help cure disease
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Researching alternative
holistic healthcare methods for a variety of illnesses
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Understanding and
implementing natural self healing techniques
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Understanding the body's
natural and vital responses
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Integrating emotional,
spiritual, and healing techniques into treatment
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Understanding the connection
nutrition, rest, and this other specialized whole health, healing methods
The general public is becoming
more appreciative of a natural and holistic approach to health care. With the
rise of disease and illness a holistic health education provides the basis for
certification programs, and these may be applied
towards fields in social work, psychology, therapy, and fitness in a variety of
industries.
Skills Needed to Practice
Homeopathic Medicine
Although a formal training
program is not required to practice homeopathic medicine, it does serve a
prospective practitioner well to obtain certification as proof of experience and
credentials. Many people are concerned with legitimacy and background of natural
health practitioners, and are wary of natural healing techniques. The most common skills required
include
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Strong communication skills
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Ability to work in both the
public and private sector
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A high level of patience
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Strong problem-solving
ability
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An open mind to research
alternatives for treatment
Career Options after Homeopathy Training
Natural
healers may choose to receive training from a homeopathy school, and those who
complete their education can choose
from a variety of positions. The most common
fields of study after homeopathy school include:
Massage
therapy often involves the study of bodywork, healing touch techniques,
reflexology, and shiatsu massage. Jobs are available in hotels, physical therapy
centers, rehabilitation clinics, and health status. Nutritionists and personal
training professionals learn the key skills and holistic medicine, including
nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle management. Certification in this
area allows students to work at private health clubs, resorts, or open their own
business. Chiropractic is a growing sector for alternative medicine, and often
involves work with sports injury, internal disorders, numerology, and nutrition.
Most chiropractors choose to open their own practice. Aromatherapy and bodywork
practitioners work with clients to balance out the body's natural state of flow
and energy, and concentrate on a variety of healing modalities using
acupressure, hydrotherapy, nutrition, and the sash therapy. Most practitioners
choose to open their own clinic or practice.
Obtaining Holistic Health Education
through an Program
An online homeopathy
course program is a valuable alternative for those who do not wish to attend a
formal school. Since only a handful of schools offer holistic training programs, it can be more resourceful to take an online
course instead. An online program provides the same level of
education and training for students interested in a holistic medicine career,
and may offer additional benefits by allowing students to network and
communicate with other individuals within their field of study.
Studying holistic
medicine requires extensive training in variety of fields of health care. The
most common foundational courses include:
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Homeopathic Pharmacy
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Understanding the Body's Vital Forces
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Hering's Law
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Symbolic and Medical Interpretations of Illness
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Herbal
Medicine
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Anatomy
and Physiology
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Imagery
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Alternative Therapy Remedies
Holistic School Degree Requirements
Attending a holistic school does not require extensive training in a particular
field, but students who have a strong background in biology, physics, natural
food, nutrition basics, and a genuine interest in alternative health will do
well within the industry. Training allows students to become experts
within their field, and many pursue teaching and education in conjunction with
their career.
Employment Prospects for Careers in Holistic Health Care
Opportunities for a long-term career in holistic health care are promising,
especially after receiving formal training. A homeopathy school can provide the skills,
training, knowledge, and alternative medicine, news and trends. Most holistic healthcare
practitioners choose to open their own clinic or business.
Still,
job growth is expected to be faster than average for healthcare workers at all
education levels and training. The average salaries of holistic health
practitioners average $37000-$45000 in 2004. Related occupations include:
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Alternative Medicine Professional
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Holistic Health Care Research
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Naturopathic Medicine Treatment
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