Programs in Natural Health - Certificate, Diploma and Degree Courses

Were you aware that educational programs in natural health can lead to a certificate, diploma or degree? In a naturopathic course, for starters, aspiring candidates can achieve a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Degree by successfully completing up to six* years of in-depth studies. (*Check individual programs in natural health for exact curricula and time-table.) In this particular field of study, students gain comprehensive training and education the history, application and philosophies of naturopathy; including common subject matter like anatomy, pathology and microbiology; homeopathy, colonics, herbal/botanical medicine, natural pharmacology, bodywork and somatic education, Chinese medicine, and integrative medicine, among other relative studies.

Other degree programs in natural health, like the Master's in Herbology can be earned in just a few years' time. Typical curriculum in this natural healthcare discipline includes but is not limited to fundamental theories and diagnostics of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and of course, herbal medicine. Relative studies in these programs in natural health are comprised of over 300 herbs, Chinese Materia Medica, herbal prescription and pharmacology, and clinical/laboratory applications.

Certificate and diploma programs in natural health are vastly diverse; and may include career-training courses in massage therapy, reflexology, herbal remedies, aromatherapy, iridology, and holistic health.

Some of the more popular and growing programs in natural health that offer certification and/or diplomas of completion are studies in massotherapy. Today, prospective healing arts practitioners can earn a diploma from any one of a number of natural healing or massage therapy schools in less than one or two years. Dependent upon the level of education and practical training you choose to pursue in bodywork, you will find that typical massage programs in natural health range between 300 and 500 hours; however, to achieve National certification level, students must complete a minimum of 500 training hours. In these natural healing courses, candidates are introduced to anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. Additional hands-on training in somatics often includes Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage; but with growing competition in the field, many natural health programs have begun integrating advanced training in holistic healthcare, aromatherapy, reiki, hydrotherapy, and a number of other bodywork modalities.

An iridology course, as one of many programs in natural health, often combines education and training in the study of the iris; with herbal medicine and holistic nutrition. In many cases, this course of study can be completed through home studies, in addition to convenient seminars and workshops. Upon successful completion, individuals are awarded a certificate; and have the option to apply these professional credentials to an already-established holistic health/wellness clinic, or as a stand-alone practice.

Homeopathy Courses - Enlightening Natural Health Education

Find Homeopathy Courses in the United States and Canada. Homeopathy courses are excellent for students who desire to gain an education in natural and alternative medicines. Once you've chosen to pursue this academic path, you can anticipate an enlightening and revealing education in how homeopathy works and its long-standing history.

Depending in which one of several homeopathy courses students opt to enroll, one can safely assume that s/he will acquire a great deal of training in repertory, homeopathic terminology, case analyses, therapeutics, material medica, philosophy, and much more. While a number of homeopathy courses are designed for basic instruction in homeotherapeutics, other homeopathy courses are more comprehensive and will lead to certification in classical homeopathy.

Students enrolled in homeopathy courses will learn about the Laws of Similars, and how to use a patient’s own natural healing response with homeopathic remedies derived from animals, plants, chemicals and minerals. More serious candidates may elect to participate in advanced, in-depth homeopathy courses that provide both clinical experience and hands-on training. For the most part, students must have already attained a minimal of 500 classroom hours to advance to more comprehensive homeopathy courses. In advanced homeopathy courses, students will acquire additional instruction about various pathologies and homeopathic treatments thereof; they will also learn about case analyses, homeopathy remedy, dosage and potency.

In some cases, certified homeopathic practitioners may wish to take supplementary homeopathy courses as part of their continuing education to stay abreast of innovative skills and techniques that can help maintain a professional practice.

Overall, homeopathy courses teach individuals how to use common remedies to help the body heal itself. Through careful analyses, adequate prescription and dosage, future practitioners can become an essential part of the growing, alternative medicine community.

Natural Health Higher Education - The Ticket to a Successful Career in the Field of Health

Would you like to create a superior and truly fulfilling career as a holistic natural health professional, helping people to become truly healthy? Can you imagine yourself helping thousands of people while living your true purpose in life? Can you picture the joy and satisfaction this would bring to you and those you care about? My doctorate degree in Health and Natural Healing has made all of that a reality in my life.

The greatest preparation for becoming a highly effective health educator, counselor and/or doctor is the personal experience gained in overcoming illness and building new health via the tenets of natural health science. I was provided with this experience. Desperately searching for a solution to a long, devastating illness (ulcerative colitis), in 1983 I discovered a Doctor of Natural Hygiene, Dr. Laurence Galant. He eventually helped me resurrect and reclaim my life without medicine. With his assistance, and my studies of several Natural Hygiene books written by Drs. Herbert M. Shelton and T. C. Fry, I learned what I consider my primary life lessons.

Upon healing and creating a new healthful lifestyle, Dr. Galant urged me to take a natural health course. I ordered a course and studied it diligently, with no other purpose than health maintenance. The foundation for my knowledge of health science was laid by my study of that course, a few books by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton and magazines by Dr. T. C. Fry. I resumed my career in environmental engineering and didn't envision ever becoming a natural health counselor or doctor.

When I expressed to Dr. Galant my belief that there was no future for me in holistic natural health education, he said: "David, with your rare information and wisdom, some day people will be flocking to you for help-you'll be magnetic!" Still, I could not see it. But, from the moment I began my natural healing, I had a burning passion to shout out the healing wonders of Natural Hygiene to the entire world; I wanted everyone to overcome their suffering via natural living.

That passion simmered for years and, eventually, could not be contained. After I was laid off my last engineering job in 1992, health education became my new pursuit, and in 2006 my career was capped with a Ph.D. in Natural Healing and Health. My health counseling career exploded forth via that prestigious credentials, and I have made a good living as a self-employed natural health counselor and entrepreneur, even in these tough economic times. Dr. Galant was right!

You can create a truly rewarding career as a health professional, whether in the healing arts, as an educator, counselor, doctor or a combination of these. You can help those challenged with illness to become truly healthy and free of medical other therapeutic misadventures by understanding and exploiting their own self-healing powers. You can build up your practice to a level where people are flocking to you, even in lean economic times, because you've earned a reputation for helping a multitude of people effectively overcome disease without shortcuts, gimmicks, products or other delusional and expensive practices. You can help them resurrect their lives and feel new joie de vivre. You can feel great about a career wherein you truly help people, serving as a model for the best that a doctor can be. (Remember: the true definition of "doctor" is "teacher".)

Natural Health Programs Today

Find Natural Health Programs in the United States and Canada. Today there is a wide assortment of natural health programs available to prospective students seeking non-traditional educational courses. In addition to general education classes in anatomy and physiology, there are career training programs offered in herbal consulting, certified natural health practitioner, sports nutrition consulting, natural health educator, massage therapist, and holistic practitioner, among others.

For instance, when you enroll in natural health programs in nutritional consulting, you learn the fundamentals of natural health including essentials to a healthy diet (organic foods, whole foods), supplements, herbal medicine, homeopathy, exercise, whole body health (mind, body and spirit), proteins and amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other subject matter. Once students have successfully completed all educational components in this or similar natural health programs, the potential exists to gain entry-level positions as nutrition consultants, natural health practitioners, coaches, weight-loss consultants, and other related career fields.

Natural health programs in massage therapy are excellent for aspiring students who work well with their hands. In these healing arts courses, students are taught about anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. The difference in massage modalities varies with respect to individual school curricula. For example, while typical massage courses provide training in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage, a number of natural health programs in massage therapy extend more advanced training in craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, prenatal and infant massage, and chair massage, among over 80 other specialties.

Some natural health programs include Oriental medicine therapies like Chinese herbal medicine, Tuina (Chinese medical massage), Tai Chi, Qigong, Meridian therapy, acupressure/Shiatsu, moxibustion, cupping, and other Eastern medicine modalities. Of course students who are seeking higher education degrees can go beyond certification programs in nutrition, massage and Chinese herbal medicine; and can pursue more in-depth natural health programs like Doctorates in acupuncture, naturopathy, chiropractic and holistic medicine.

As with all educational programs, it is advisable to examine potential natural health programs to determine if the courses you are interested in will meet your professional needs. Check the school of interest for accreditation, tuition costs and length of programming. In some cases, a number of alternative medicine schools do provide natural health programs both days and evenings; and may even offer home-study courses and continuing education classes.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding natural health programs, 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.

Natural Health Training Today

Find Natural Health Training in the United States and Canada. If you are drawn to the healing arts, perhaps one of several natural health training programs is right for you.

Today, natural health training encompasses a wide array of holistic and complementary medicines, including educational programs in wellness, holistic practice, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), herbal medicine, and reflexology, among others.

Some natural health training courses are geared towards bodywork, and commonly result in certification and/or diplomas. Natural health training in massage therapy, for example, combines education and hands-on training in anatomy, physiology, muscle testing (kinesiology), first aid and CPR, Swedish massage, and deep tissue massage therapy. Deepening on the healing arts school's natural health training course, some bodywork courses may be completed in as little as 300 hours, but may well exceed 1,000 clinical training hours.

A natural health training program in reflexology may not be as lengthy as other curriculums; however, don't let the brevity of the course fool you into thinking that this particular healing art is any less effective in its natural healing abilities. In this program, students learn the various areas of the feet, hands and ears; and their interrelation to different systems of the body. Professional reflexologists apply pressure to specific pressure points on these areas to help in healing and relieving pain, stress and other discomfort.

Natural health training in herbal medicine is yet another educational path that gives future practitioners the skills and knowledge to use familiar herbal remedies, Bach Flower remedies and other herbal prescriptions to treat common conditions and ailments. Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded certificates and/or diploma in relation to the particular level of training received.

If natural health training in naturopathy, chiropractic or acupuncture is of interest to you, there are several alternative and holistic medicine colleges that provide core training in these prospective career fields. Students who wish to enroll in these particular academic programs should know that many natural health training programs like these require a certain set of prerequisites, and are often course-intensive; requiring a fair amount of time (usually exceeding 4,000 training hours) and dedication.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding natural health training, 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.

Natural Health College - Today's Healing Arts

Find Natural Health College programs in the United States and Canada. There is a large array of healing arts taught at a natural health college. Depending on which field of interest individuals have, one can enroll in a natural health college and earn a degree in naturopathic medicine or can participate in a condensed herbal medicine certificate program.

Of course, there are countless other natural healing and holistic programs like massage therapy, reflexology, and holistic practitioner courses in which one can enroll as well. With the growing demand for complementary therapies, a natural health college normally extends bodywork programs that are designed for today's massage therapist and alternative healing practitioner. Standard curriculums in a massage therapy program at a natural health college involve hands-on training in deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and sometimes, sports massage. Additional instruction in kinesiology, CPR and first aid and massage history and philosophies are given.

In a holistic practitioner program at a natural health college, students are introduced to a variety of bodywork techniques, as well as holistic nutrition and skincare, herbal medicine and iridology. Other studies in a holistic practitioner course include aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and basic first aid and CPR.

A natural health college may also supply extensive training in chiropractic, Chinese medicine and naturopathic medicine. These particular programs involve several years of in-depth study, and result in a degree and/or diploma. For example, a naturopathic natural health college teaches fundamentals of naturopathy, as well as herbal medicine, natural healthcare and nutrition, homeopathy, touch therapy and case taking. Depending on the state or province in which you reside, some extended educational programs at a natural health college require licensure and/or certification.

While a few healing arts programs (chiropractic, acupuncture and naturopathy) taught at a natural health college require some degree of formal education, others do not. It is always wise to review course curriculums prior to applying to any natural health college. A number of natural health occupations (massage therapists, holistic nurses, Oriental medicine doctors, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, herbal medicine practitioners) also require continuing education units to maintain licensure and right to practice.

Overall, a natural health college offers prospective students a diverse selection of subject matter from which to choose; and is essential in achieving any one of numerous natural healing professions.

Natural Health Center - Living Well and Learning

Find Natural Health Center(s) in the United States and Canada. At a natural health center, individuals can receive natural healing treatments and can also acquire knowledge about the various natural medicines available today. Whether you're making your initial trip to a natural health center, or you've come back to learn more about innovative healthcare remedies, you are sure to be awed by some of the ancient and latest complementary medicines offered.

For instance, a natural health center is one that promotes preventive medicine and wellness through natural healthcare. Some of the many healing arts services and products that are provided at a natural health center include naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, herbal medicine, essential oils and supplements, Bach Flower remedies, chiropractic, and massage therapy, among other related modalities.

A natural health center that offers chiropractic medicine will commonly help patients to learn about and understand the various aspects of the treatment. A normal visit to a chiropractic natural health center entails a brief summary about what chiropractic is; its philosophy, and case-taking of the patient's health history. Most chiropractic doctors (D.C.) in a natural health center will educate the patient on assorted terms including "dis-ease," and "subluxation." In addition to taking an X-ray to assist DCs in locating subluxations of the spine, patients are frequently welcomed back to the natural health center for public education classes to learn more about chiropractic medicine. Sometimes, chiropractic natural health centers offer other services like massage therapy, and natural nutrition consultations.

A natural health center that strictly provides wellness services like massage therapy, aromatherapy and esthetics is appealing to day spa goers who want to look and feel younger and healthier. Massage therapy services at a natural health center and day spa are often combined with essential oils and aromatherapy, herbal wraps and facials. Individuals who frequent natural health centers like this will often find several natural healthcare and skincare products like herbal medicine, vitamins, supplements, lotions and oils.

In an Oriental medicine natural health center, patients will learn about the various techniques and philosophies of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), how acupuncture works, and may be counseled in Chinese herbal medicine nutrition. In some cases, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine may treat patients with moxibustion, cupping, Tai Chi, Tuina (Chinese medical massage), and Qi gong; among other associated methods.

Iridologists and herbalists often work closely together in a natural health center where they provide a health analysis through the study of the eye, Ph balance, and kinesiology. Clients quickly learn how certain indicators and markers on the iris may sometimes indicate health disorders and conditions. Herbal and supplemental prescriptions are often advised for therapeutic relief.

Natural Health Doctor - Careers in Healing

Find Natural Health Doctor Careers in the United States and Canada. To become a natural health doctor, individuals should take the time to explore the various occupational options that are available today in the natural healing industry. Because there are a multitude of natural health doctor professions, it is a good idea to research the specific field of study in which you are interested in order to establish the right educational path.

For example, if naturopathy interests you, becoming a natural health doctor with an emphasis in naturopathic medicine usually requires a formal education in a variety of health sciences and humanities before prospective students can even apply to the select school. However, once you have acquired all necessary training, you can enroll in one of several natural health doctor programs that will enable you to achieve your professional aspirations.

As a natural health doctor, you will embark on innovative medicine and ancient healing arts, and will apply learned skills and knowledge to help in healing. The modern natural health doctor may facilitate Eastern medicine like acupuncture, Tuina, Chinese herbal medicine, and Qi gong. In addition, other practice essentials may include treatment through homeopathy, bodywork therapeutics, holistic medicine, and naturopathic medicine. Other treatment options that a natural health doctor might apply include color therapy, hypnotherapy and chiropractic medicine.

Depending on the natural health doctor program in which students enroll, it is safe to assume that training and education will be course-intensive, and will require potential years of dedication. In the long term, a natural health doctor can anticipate lucrative earnings.* (Earning potential varies depending on education, experience and area of expertise.) For instance, if you pursue a career as a Doctor of Chiropractic, you can earn upwards of $118,000 annually.

Achieving a career as a natural health doctor is perfect for individuals who still believe in the Hippocratic Oath, and have a strong desire to compassionately help patients through noninvasive and natural methods.

What Does Natural Health Mean to You?

What's your natural health IQ?

All too often, we become caught up with the "what's in" phase of society. Being the average consumer of a myriad of healthcare options, it's sometimes difficult to distinguish what is in our best interest - especially when we're inundated with a constant flow of TV commercials talking about various pharmaceuticals and other conventional health treatments. News reports seem to conflict one another - what's great one day for lowering cholesterol might be detrimental to our bodies five years down the road; likewise, pain-killing drugs like the recent arthritis anti-inflammatory drug Vioxx proved to have serious health repercussions. What has never changed, however, is the fact that basic natural health remedies are frequently the best choice for all concerned.

For instance, natural health products like CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) have been proven to help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. In addition, there are many individuals who seek anti-aging methods; often turning to plastic surgery, harsh chemical peels, and botox to improve the look and feel of skin. Today, there are several alternatives to improving the condition of your skin naturally including facial massage, pomegranate extract, vitamin E and coconut milk - to name a few natural health solutions.

Homeopathic remedies for acne, common colds and flu, strains and other musculoskeletal pain have also shown to work effectively without the drastic side effects of conventional medicine. Aforementioned and other natural health care treatments are beginning to gain leeway in North America, as more and more consumers are demanding safe and noninvasive medicine that treats the whole person and not just the "dis-ease."

What is your natural health education level? Many times, we discover "new" or alternative therapies in newspaper stands, shelf magazines or online. Skeptics might warrant some disdain for complementary medicines like acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathy and homeopathy - but how many of these individuals have actually facilitated these natural health treatments? Begging to differ on opinion-based literature, one must merely explore the many facets of natural health care to determine which discipline or combination of integrative healthcare meets your needs.

Today, there is a plethora of natural health education material available online, in local libraries, college libraries and through your local alternative healthcare practitioner, as well. Don't take our word for it, challenge yourself to discover the many avenues of natural healing medicines. You may just surprise yourself with the outcome!

The Anatomy Of A Natural Health Education

The Clayton College of Natural Health is a distance education instituted devoted to helping people gain accreditation in various realms of health related fields. Some individuals benefit from taking distance education courses from this institution but others may not be suited for such a program. Following is some information about the Clayton College of Natural Health for you to consider.

First of all you want to think about your specific goals. You may find that you are heading down a career path that requires you to become very familiar with holistic nutrition, traditional naturopathy or natural health. These are the only subjects that degree programs fall under at the Clayton College of Natural Health.

Other programs offer certificates for subjects like herbal studies, iridology studies, healthcare professional studies and companion animal studies. There is no degree earned though these four subjects and I’m not quite sure how a certificate from any of those subjects could be used.

Some of the information offered by the Clayton College of Natural Health is a little unfamiliar to most. If you want to earn a degree in traditional naturopathy it would be best to look into the field a little before signing up for any classes. You may find that you are really interested in taking a holistic approach to your health studies.

There are some concerns about taking classes for accreditation at a distance education institution like the Clayton College of Natural Health. Since this seems to fall into the realm of medicine in a holistic kind of way it is certain that some may find the programs to be a little too unscientific for many healthcare professionals.

Consider where you will be employed in the future. If your goal is to work as a nutritionist for a large hospital you may want to forgo the Clayton College of Natural Health as an educational option. However, if you want to start a health and wellness consultation business you might be attracted to the degrees and certificates that the Clayton College of Natural Health has to offer.

The alternative health field is not for everyone. Many people prefer taking the traditional route to healthcare and nutrition [http://www.total-beauty-guide.com]. However, many others are drawn to alternative medicine as well. It is important to note that not everyone recognizes the Clayton College of Natural Medicine as a means of valid accreditation. You may want to conduct a little research before filling out an application.

Natural Health Education in the 21st Century

In recent times, there has been an increased shift toward natural health and wellness programs both here in America and abroad. Part of this evolution is due in part to the noninvasive nature of integrative and complementary medicines; and with the gaining popularity of these effective yet safe, alternative therapies, comes the necessity for natural healing educational courses.

Natural health schools provide a vast array of healing arts programs including acupuncture and Oriental medicine, chiropractic, energy medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, massage therapy, and reflexology, among others. Some of the more popular natural health classes are designed to introduce individuals to healthcare disciplines like herbal medicine, aromatherapy and Reiki. But what many individuals do not know is that not only can they attain a comprehensive education in one of the aforementioned studies, but some of these courses result in a degree and/or licensure.

As an example, natural health programs in massage therapy almost always require students to become certified and licensed in the field. While many natural healing schools provide 300-hour training hours, a greater number of massage schools have begun offering 500+ hour massage programs to meet National certification standards.

Other natural health schools are much more course-intensive and require three to four years of practical training and education. For example, in a naturopathic program, students have the potential to earn their Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Degree (ND). In this particular course of study, students learn about homeopathy, herbs, natural pharmacology, somatic education, and other relative subject matter.

Of course there are many other natural health programs from which to choose, however, before enrolling in one, candidates should examine current trends, career outlook, and whether or not the prospective school offers financial aid programs, in addition to accreditation. Like traditional schools and colleges, natural health schools typically provided clinical internships, continuing education courses, and career placement assistance, as well as financial planning services.