Alternative Health Training Today

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 October 2011 07:11 Written by Natural Health Team Wednesday, 26 October 2011 07:11

Health Information about Alternative Health Training Today

Today, students have a diverse assortment of alternative health training prospects from which to choose. Among in-depth coursework in natural healing, future holistic practitioners have options to pursue both diploma and degree programs in alternative health, as well as holistic certification courses. Some of the various academic courses include alternative health training in reflexology, massage therapy, holistic health, herbal medicine, and Reiki, among others.

Alternative health training in reflexology, for instance, teaches students how to apply specific pressure and touch techniques to the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. It is believed that reflex areas on the soles and palms correlate to particular organs and organ systems of the body, and can help advance self-healing. Upon finishing this relaxing bodywork and energy therapy course, graduates are often awarded a certificate or diploma of completion.

Massage therapy is yet another alternative health training option that potential students may wish to pursue. As the demand for qualified massage therapists continues to grow in North America, job prospects are expected to be very good. Included in this 300-500 hour course of study, is a comprehensive curriculum involving various massage modalities (i.e., Swedish massage, deep tissue therapy, sports massage, etc.), kinesiology, pathology, anatomy, and physiology. In some cases, alternative health training electives like Oriental medicine, aromatherapy, acupressure, and other natural health therapies may be included in advanced massage programs.

Becoming a holistic health practitioner also has its advantages. Alternative health training in holistic health care is an opportunity to both health-minded novices and professional health care providers. While there are variables in curricula, individuals can anticipate in-depth alternative health training in holistic nutrition, herbal medicine, energy healing therapies, mind-body-medicine, massage techniques, and reflexology, among others. In the process of learning how to help in healing naturally, individuals like professional nurse practitioners, certified massage therapists and natural health entrepreneurs can also accentuate client/patient services.

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

Alternative Health Training Today

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Alternative Health Careers – Five Occupational Options

Last Updated on Monday, 24 October 2011 09:11 Written by Natural Health Team Monday, 24 October 2011 09:11

Health Information about Alternative Health Careers – Five Occupational Options

As the field of natural healing therapies continues to grow, so does the demand for alternative health careers. Some of the diverse healthcare occupations that alternative and complementary medicine offer prospective students include healing arts disciplines in massage therapy, homeopathy, herbal medicine, natural health, and acupuncture, among many others.

Today’s alternative health careers like massage therapy require specific training and education; including an expanding minimum standard of 500 instructional hours comprised of basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology), Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage. Other related studies like CPR and first aid, as well as business management and client communications are commonly integrated into this program of study.

Homeopathy is also a unique option to those seeking alternative health careers. Similar to most medical programs, homeopathic courses require rigorous educational studies like anatomy, biochemistry, homeopathic philosophy, physiology, materia medica, and other comprehensive coursework. To successfully acquire alternative health careers in homeopathy, individuals should review educational prerequisites as most homeopathic colleges and schools typically require some formal training and education prior to enrollment.

If you’re drawn to alternative health careers that involve herbal medicine, a number of holistic education programs including Chinese medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy and natural health commonly offer herbology and aromatherapy as part of their curricula. Choose from beginner classes to more advanced training options like earning your degree in herbal sciences.

Natural health professions are also part of the vast array of alternative health careers. Earn your diploma or certificate as a natural health practitioner after you’ve completed an in-depth course in natural healing therapies like massage, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, Reiki, and reflexology. Healing arts schools vary in subject matter, so check with prospective schools prior to applying.

Of these alternative health careers, acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners probably have one of the most unique educational foundations. In addition to learning both Eastern and Western medicine philosophies, acupuncture education offers a rare look into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles and theories; including needling techniques, Tai Chi, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, Tuina, Qi gong, and even Chinese medical language, among others. Prospective students should be aware, however, that alternative health careers in acupuncture do require several years of dedication.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these and other alternative health career options, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore training programs for alternative health careers near you.

Alternative Health Careers – Five Occupational Options

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Are Alternative Health Remedies A Useful Tool Or Just Outdated Medicine?

Last Updated on Sunday, 23 October 2011 03:11 Written by Natural Health Team Sunday, 23 October 2011 03:11

Health Information about Are Alternative Health Remedies A Useful Tool Or Just Outdated Medicine?

The famous inventor Thomas Edison once said “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”

Some view natural alternative health remedies as a temporary fascination that will fade into the sunset over time while others perceive alternative health treatments as the way of the future. But the idea that they may lead the way seems the more plausible of the two theories, with preventative medicine replacing that of reactionary medicine.

One of the great myths about alternative natural remedies has been there is no firm scientific evidence confirming the effectiveness of natural treatments. To dispel this all one has to do is pick up any credible natural health reference guide or naturopathic medicine manual. And despite the attempts of many major pharmaceutical companies continuing to marginalize the use of alternative natural remedies they continue to develop medicines based on the very natural treatment that they wish to discredit.

The idea behind the use of natural healing is something referred to as full spectrum approach. This concept is much different than that behind that of prescription medications. Let’s look at how the two theories would be almost diametrically opposed. For our example let’s use my neighbor John who smokes, doesn’t exercise, and has high cholesterol.

John is already on a number of medications and goes for his annual physical only to find that he has high cholesterol. His doctor tells him he really should quit smoking and then writes a prescription for a statin medication and tells John to come back in three weeks for a follow up. In the follow up tests show the statin has crashed Johns cholesterol too low leading to muscle aches and pain. The doctor makes the needed adjustment in dosage and suggests mild pain relievers if pain persists.

Now let’s look at the naturopathic approach. John hasn’t smoked in years due to the advice of his natural health specialist. He uses exercise as a moderate tool to help him relieve stress and boost immune system function. Upon testing high for cholesterol levels his doctor suggests eating fish a couple of times a week and reducing his intake of saturated fat to below 10 percent of total calories and suggests a fish oil supplement. He tells John that diet modification should bring his high cholesterol numbers down but tells him there are a number of natural remedies available if needed.

If you eat a high cholesterol high fat diet, don’t exercise, smoke, are overweight, and are constantly bombarded with stress chances are you will likely be very unhealthy. This will ultimately lead to numerous conditions and medicines being prescribed, as is the case with John. And quite honestly the use of alternative health remedies likely wouldn’t do much good anyway, since they are most effective as a part of an overall approach consisting of diet, exercise, and supplementation. In other words alternative natural remedies should be used in addition to a healthy lifestyle rather than a tool to continue to make unhealthy lifestyle choices.

The two examples above are the push and pull involved. 

The question is does the use of prescription medication enable bad behavior or is an necessary tool in the fight against disease? The answer likely falls somewhere in the middle, leading us back to the debate about the usefulness of alternative natural remedies.

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Natural Weight Loss is a Healthy Alternative to Bypass Surgery or Pharmaceuticals

Last Updated on Sunday, 23 October 2011 03:10 Written by Natural Health Team Sunday, 23 October 2011 03:10

Health Information about Natural Weight Loss is a Healthy Alternative to Bypass Surgery or Pharmaceuticals

While the results of a natural weight loss plan might not be seen as rapidly as with less than natural methods, there is a big difference. Natural weight loss is achieved when weight management flows naturally as a healthy body becomes the highest priority. While food and exercise habits change, lifestyle changes occur naturally. The body responds because it was designed to eat healthy foods and get moderate exercise.

Whenever weight loss is the issue, choices based on natural weight loss can have a significant impact on overall health. It is a good idea to be mindful of diet tips that recommend questionable herbal supplements or drugs to enhance weight loss. Many of those contribute to health problems with undesirable side effects. Diet tips that include pharmaceuticals overlook the fact that those medications are creating systems that are out of balance in the body. Perhaps one type of diet drug speeds up metabolism to burn calories at a faster rate. This seems rational at first, but what happens when the body is exhausted from working faster? What other areas of the body may endure challenges because of hormone imbalances? Beware of these kinds of diet tips and focus on creating natural weight loss that supports the body with a healthy, natural balance instead.

Some aggravated individuals go so far as to choose surgery with gastric bypass or liposuction instead of natural weight loss. Again, the risks associated with these types of procedures usually make them a more dangerous option to natural weight loss methods. Arguably, natural weight loss is more difficult, but it is likely the safest method for lasting health and long term achievements. Other methods, such as gastric bypass, may seem like quick fixes, but they have consequences. There can be significant pain associated with surgeries, not to mention a hefty price tag. More importantly, there are life-threatening health risks associated with most procedures.

Medicine and technology each contribute tremendously to advances in health and fitness, but time and time again, doctors and researchers go back to natural weight loss as really the best approach. Losing weight naturally does not mean steering away from all herbal products. However, it is best to look for whole food supplements, natural health drinks, and safe natural weight loss products manufactured under strict guidelines with whole food ingredients.

When the body is nourished properly with whole foods, it instinctively knows how to use the nutrients most effectively. These kinds of whole food natural weight loss supplements are far superior to diet drinks full of isolated nutrients where the main ingredient is sugar. When whole foods are the central element in a natural weight loss plan, the nutrients are put to proper use, absorbed efficiently and contribute to long term natural weight management.

organicindia.mercola.com Internationally renowned natural health physician and Mercola.com founder Dr. Joseph Mercola discusses Turmeric as an antioxidant.
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Alternative Medicine for Mental Wellbeing

Last Updated on Thursday, 20 October 2011 01:21 Written by Natural Health Team Thursday, 20 October 2011 01:21

Health Information about Alternative Medicine for Mental Wellbeing

Some recent healthcare studies* suggest that alternative medicine is growing in popularity. One of the many reasons for this increase is due in part to the fact that most alternative medicine therapies are often non-invasive, with little or no side effects.

For example, herbal medicine like St. John’s wort was scientifically studied* in Europe, presenting positive findings for its effectiveness on the treatment of certain cases of depression. However, large pharmaceutical company, Pfizer Inc., refuted these studies by carrying out an independent study on the herb. The difference, though, between this alternative medicine in comparison to drugs like Prozac, is the potentially lethal side effects; which have made recent headlines in anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drug lawsuits.

Complementary and alternative medicine like acupuncture is also making leeway in the field of mental healthcare. In a small pilot study* carried out by researchers, acupuncture was used as a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy on patients suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Interestingly enough, research found that acupuncture may be effective in helping people, who have PTSD.

Another form of alternative medicine, believe it or not, is meditation. Studies* found that individuals who practice meditation are more proficient at recognizing and processing information. Does this mean that meditation gurus are more intellectual? No, it simply means that most individuals who practice meditation have an improved sensory-cognitive perception, or heightened sense of awareness. Perhaps alternative medicine like meditation may one day find its way into educational facilities across the country; which could potentially lead to more positive learning environments, as well as a reduction in attention deficit disorders?

Persons suffering from psychiatric problems like bipolar disorder may also find relief from complementary and alternative medicine like Omega-3 fatty acids. Because Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients, researchers studied this supplement to determine its effectiveness on certain mental health conditions. With promising results of the (researcher’s) meta-analysis, the future is looking brighter for those plagued with depression or bipolar disorder; and alternative medicine like Omega-3 fatty acids has the potential to play an important, complementary role in helping to treat these disorders.

Intrigued by alternative medicine? You’re not alone. Over 74 percent of US adults have used complementary and/or alternative medicine* at some time in their lives. This is also one of the many reasons why natural health and alternative healing schools have begun popping up all across the country.

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

*Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Alternative Medicine for Mental Wellbeing

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華人精神健康系列(第二輯) 第一集之認識精神健康

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