| Alternative medicine is rapidly becoming part of | | | | Philosophy in Holistic Nutrition degree. |
| mainstream American health care. Patients are turning | | | | Herbology graduates often have their own practice, |
| to a wide range of disciplines like acupuncture, | | | | or consult with acupuncturists, doctors, chiropractors, |
| iridology, herbal medicine, naturopathy, chiropractic | | | | and dentists. Students take nutrition as well as holistic |
| treatment, massage, aromatherapy, homeopathy, | | | | medical courses to learn about herbs that balance |
| and holistic nutrition to discover the underlying causes | | | | body systems to promote natural healing and |
| of illness and disease.Alternative and holistic health | | | | overcome systemic weaknesses. |
| practitioners treat entire energy, blood, and | | | | Aromatherapy grads study the more than 60 |
| neurological systems in order to allow the body to | | | | essential oils that can be combined in creams, |
| heal chronic conditions and prevent illnesses. | | | | ointments, lotions, bath gels, compresses, and |
| Degree programs in alternative medicine may | | | | massage oils to produce healing effects on the body |
| combine Western and Eastern medicines, offering | | | | and mind. Their oils are used as inhalants or applied |
| courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and | | | | directly to the skin and can help treat a number of |
| biochemistry, alongside training in Chinese herbs, body | | | | stress-related conditions. |
| points and meridians, and energy systems. | | | | Putting Your Degree to Work |
| Naturopathic healers may use flower remedies, | | | | Grads from alternative medicine programs will join the |
| homeopathic and herbal tinctures or pills, as well as | | | | rapidly expanding healthcare industry, which is |
| dietary counseling and supplements. Acupuncturists | | | | predicted to increase 27 percent through 2014, |
| and massage therapists depend on knowledge of chi | | | | according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. |
| and anatomy to promote healing of internal organs, | | | | Practitioners will take positions in clinics, private |
| the skin, and muscles. | | | | offices, nursing homes, health agencies, spas, resorts, |
| Wide-ranging Disciplines and Holistic Career Training | | | | counseling centers, and hospitals that employ |
| Depending on your specialization, your career training | | | | alternative health professionals. Some work in concert |
| may take as little as a year or upwards of four | | | | with other holistic professionals (for example, a |
| years. Massage therapy schools offer instruction in a | | | | massage therapist may work with a chiropractor). |
| broad range of modalities, which can include Swedish, | | | | Holistic practitioners also augment their income by |
| Shiatsu, craniosacral, sports, acupressure, trigger | | | | offering clinics, seminars, and training programs for |
| point, Hawaiian, or deep tissue massage. Each state | | | | their clients or other professionals. |
| has its own licensing requirements for massage | | | | Massage therapists are among the fastest-growing |
| therapists. | | | | career groups in alternative medicine, with a 20 |
| Formal training programs can lead to Bachelor of | | | | percent increase in jobs predicted through 2016. |
| Science degrees in Holistic Nutrition, Natural Health, | | | | Earnings for all holistic and alternative practitioners |
| and Natural Health Studies. Grad programs offer | | | | vary by training, experience, and geographic location |
| Masters of Science degrees in Holistic Wellness, | | | | of their practice. Massage therapists earned a median |
| Natural Health, and Holistic Nutrition. Post-graduate | | | | 2007 wage of $34,870, with top earners taking |
| training programs can lead to a Doctor of | | | | home more than $70,000. |
| Naturopathy, Doctor of Natural Health, or a Doctor of | | | | |