| As the field of natural healing therapies | | | | natural health practitioner after you've |
| continues to grow, so does the demand for | | | | completed an in-depth course in natural |
| alternative health careers. Some of the | | | | healing therapies like massage, aromatherapy, |
| diverse healthcare occupations that | | | | herbal medicine, Reiki, and reflexology. |
| alternative and complementary medicine offer | | | | Healing arts schools vary in subject matter, |
| prospective students include healing arts | | | | so check with prospective schools prior to |
| disciplines in massage therapy, homeopathy, | | | | applying. |
| herbal medicine, natural health, and | | | | |
| acupuncture, among many others. | | | | Of these alternative health careers, |
| | | | acupuncture and Oriental medicine |
| Today's alternative health careers like | | | | practitioners probably have one of the most |
| massage therapy require specific training and | | | | unique educational foundations. In addition |
| education; including an expanding minimum | | | | to learning both Eastern and Western medicine |
| standard of 500 instructional hours comprised | | | | philosophies, acupuncture education offers a |
| of basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, | | | | rare look into Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| kinesiology, and pathology), Swedish massage, | | | | (TCM) principles and theories; including |
| deep tissue massage, and sports massage. | | | | needling techniques, Tai Chi, moxibustion, |
| Other related studies like CPR and first aid, | | | | Chinese herbal medicine, Tuina, Qi gong, and |
| as well as business management and client | | | | even Chinese medical language, among others. |
| communications are commonly integrated into | | | | Prospective students should be aware, |
| this program of study. | | | | however, that alternative health careers in |
| | | | acupuncture do require several years of |
| Homeopathy is also a unique option to those | | | | dedication. |
| seeking alternative health careers. Similar | | | | |
| to most medical programs, homeopathic courses | | | | If you (or someone you know) are interested |
| require rigorous educational studies like | | | | in learning more about these and other |
| anatomy, biochemistry, homeopathic | | | | alternative health career options, let |
| philosophy, physiology, materia medica, and | | | | professional training within fast-growing |
| other comprehensive coursework. To | | | | industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, |
| successfully acquire alternative health | | | | acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and |
| careers in homeopathy, individuals should | | | | others get you started! Explore training |
| review educational prerequisites as most | | | | programs for alternative health careers near |
| homeopathic colleges and schools typically | | | | you. |
| require some formal training and education | | | | |
| prior to enrollment. | | | | Alternative Health Careers - Five |
| | | | Occupational Options |
| If you're drawn to alternative health careers | | | | |
| that involve herbal medicine, a number of | | | | © Copyright 2008 |
| holistic education programs including Chinese | | | | |
| medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy and natural | | | | The CollegeBound Network |
| health commonly offer herbology and | | | | |
| aromatherapy as part of their curricula. | | | | All Rights Reserved |
| Choose from beginner classes to more advanced | | | | |
| training options like earning your degree in | | | | NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of |
| herbal sciences. | | | | charge to relevant websites, as long as |
| | | | Copyright and Author Resource Box are |
| Natural health professions are also part of | | | | included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact |
| the vast array of alternative health careers. | | | | and active. |
| Earn your diploma or certificate as a | | | | |