Some of the more popular holistic programs include training in herbalism. Typical subject matter involves anatomy, physiology, wild crafting, medical botany, herbal medicine formulation, preparation/dosing; ointments, lineaments, basic nutrition, Bach flower remedies, herb cultivation, diet and organic foods, supplements and minerals, aromatherapy, Chinese herbal medicine, and first aid. These particular holistic programs are designed for treating the “whole person,” often resulting in a certificate or diploma of completion. However, holistic programs in herbalism are frequently part of acupuncture and Oriental medicine school curricula, as well as naturopathic studies.

Other popular holistic programs include hands-on training in various massage therapies. These courses are usually between 300 and 500 hours in length; but in some healing arts schools, advanced massage programs run well beyond these training hours. General education entails anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and the history and philosophy of massage. The difference between massage courses is each one of these holistic programs covers its own set of bodywork modalities. In standard massage programs, students will learn massage techniques like deep tissue massage and Swedish massage; in more comprehensive curricula, students gain practical training in these disciplines, as well as geriatric massage, Trigger point therapy, craniosacral therapy, infant massage, and Thai massage, among 80+ additional methods.

Some compelling holistic programs focus on nutrition and wellness. In a holistic healthcare practitioner program, students learn about herbal remedies/therapies, bodywork techniques, ear candling, iridology, spiritual counseling, meditation and visualization methods; energy healing therapies (i.e., Reiki, chakra balancing, harmonic balancing), and other mind-body-spirit medicines.

Generally, holistic programs involve natural healing therapies designed to help support and enhance the body’s self-healing mechanisms. Students who fulfill all educational requirements of the respective course are awarded a certificate of completion, and in some instances – as with massage therapy – graduates can become Nationally certified upon meeting all eligibility requirements. In addition, there are a number of holistic programs geared toward the professional medical provider, like holistic nursing. These courses involve aforementioned studies, in addition to other relative subject matter; and specifically created for nurses and nurse practitioners seeking to broaden professional healthcare treatment options.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding holistic programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore holistic programs near you.

Holistic Programs – Popular Studies

© Copyright 2007

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Depending on the program of study you choose to pursue, achieving natural health degrees requires a fair amount of commitment, dedication and time. In addition, if you’d like to earn one of numerous natural health degrees it is important that you complete any recommended subjects of study like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and chemistry, biology, and other natural sciences in a traditional school or college. This will only help you to better understand subject matter and give you the confidence necessary to complete your selected program of study.

Natural health degrees range from Associate degrees to Ph.D.s. If you would like to earn your Bachelor of Natural Health Sciences Degree, you can achieve this as well as your Master of Arts in Body/Mind Integrative Studies degree. Furthermore, there are other programs that offer natural health degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Health, in addition to Doctor of Natural Integrated Medicine for health professionals.

To earn natural health degrees like a Bachelor of Natural Health Sciences, you must first have completed prerequisite courses in mathematics, social/behavioral sciences, communications, and laboratory sciences. Students enrolled in this particular program will encounter an in-depth curriculum in human anatomy and physiology, clinical biochemistry, elemental chemistry, clinical nutrition, iridology, sclerology, homeopathy, toxicology, colon therapy, whole nutrition, and case studies.

Earning natural health degrees like the Master of Arts in Body/Mind Integrative Studies sometimes requires a thesis prior to enrollment. Students who have a strong desire to help individuals with natural therapeutics find that this course of study teaches them fundamentals about kinesiology, communications, somatics, imagery, body/mind energetics, and more.

If naturopathy appeals to the diehard naturalist, natural health degrees in naturopathic medicine* can be achieved as well. Students in this program of study will acquire first-hand knowledge and skills in human histology, pathology, homeopathy, naturopathy, microbiology, nutritional assessment and counseling, botanical medicine, herbal studies, physiotherapy, iridology, color therapy, Ayurveda, body/mind integrative studies, detoxification, Bach Flower remedies, and a wide array of other associated subject matter. (*Check for course prerequisites.)

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding natural health degrees, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.