Programs in Natural Healing - What to Expect

If you've decided to pursue a profession in the healing arts, it's no surprise - a matter of fact, there are currently several hundred schools that offer programs in natural healing to meet your educational and career-training needs.

Some of the many available programs in natural healing that you may wish to consider include diploma and/or certification courses in Bach Flower remedies, crystal healing, holistic life coaching, Reiki energy healing, reflexology, massage therapy, holistic health practitioner, or iridology - to list just a few training options.

For example, programs in natural healing can lead toward your achievement of becoming a professional herbalist.  In this particular course of study, you gain a wealth of health-related sciences including anatomy, physiology, biology, and biochemistry.  But that's not all...you'll gain in-depth knowledge of herbology - its history and philosophies; pharmacognosy (chemical properties of plant medicine, and nutritional/therapeutic values), holistic nutrition, iridology (study of the iris), and herbal pharmacy, among other associated studies.  Herbal programs in natural healing are often subdivided into several levels of certificate education, including clinical herbalism through master herbalist.  Generally, it's always a good idea to review course materials and prerequisites prior to applying to your selected natural healing program.

Massage programs in natural healing are also great for the aspiring body worker.  Though most massage therapy courses differ in curriculum, know that the majority of these healing arts programs range between 300 and 1,000 hours of training; in addition to continuing education necessary to maintain certification and/or licensure to practice. While these programs in natural healing typically cover practical training in Swedish massage and deep tissue massage, a growing number of massage therapy schools have begun integrating a wider range of bodywork modalities including but not limited to sports massage, acupressure/Shiatsu, Chinese medical massage, prenatal/infant massage, geriatric massage, and Trigger Point therapy, among others.  Other general studies are comprised of health sciences like anatomy, physiology, and pathology; with complementary training in kinesiology; and sometimes, energy healing therapies.

A number of specialty healing arts schools offer reflexology programs in natural healing.  This unique system of natural healthcare borrows from ancient medical wisdom, where particular reflex areas on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands (and the outer ear) correspond to specific body systems and functions.  Students enrolled in this specific healing arts course learn how to use finger, thumb and hand pressure along these reflex points to promote health and wellbeing. 

Already a conventional medical practitioner?  If you're already a primary care-giver, then participating in any one of several programs in natural healing can definitely enhance your range of effective healthcare services.  Because some patients are leery of invasive medical procedures, there are numerous natural healthcare treatments and therapies that may alleviate chronic conditions and health disorders.  This is also why many nurse practitioners and other healthcare providers are beginning to integrate holistic medicine into primary practices to further help patients with common health problems.

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

Programs in Natural Healing - What to Expect

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