What is Holistic Health?
Holistic health refers to the complete or whole health of the individual. In its truest sense it is medical concept that takes into account all aspects of people’s needs. This includes physical and social needs as well as emotional and psychological needs. In this sense holistic health is widely accepted as a method of treatment. Another definition of holistic health is one that claims that disease results from imbalances. These imbalances can be physical, emotional, social, spiritual or psychological and that treatment of a disease is accomplished by restoring balance – often referred to as alternative medicine.
How to Get Started
There are many ways to get started in Holistic Health. Since it is often classified as alternative medicine no formal training is necessarily required and it isn’t officially regulated by the government. Many holistic health providers are self educated through personal research and experience. However, if you are interested in getting a Holistic Health degree there are plenty of places that offer programs. Not all programs are the same, however, and since there is little to no government or official oversight of many of these programs you should be careful in your selection. Here are a few more reputable programs and a little about what they offer.
Associate Degree in Holistic Healthcare from Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts is a state licensed private college located in Tempe, AZ. It offers an Associate Degree in Holistic Healthcare with concentrations in Advanced Bodywork Practitioner, Master Massage Practitioner, Mind-Body Transformational Psychology, Professional Massage Practitioner, Spa Management and Leadership, Western Herbalism
Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness from Kaplan University
This is an online program offered by Kaplan University. It is designed to give participants a basic understanding of health and wellness. The course explores many diverse approaches to health and wellness including the holistic approach. A specific focus is given to the integration of mind, body and spirit in achieving total health.
Bachelor’s Degree in Alternative Medicine from Everglades University
This is an online program which focuses on learning about and exploring the field of Alternative medicine. It requires courses in Herbology, Botany, Nutrition, Aging, Homeopathy, Antioxidants, Traditional Chinese Medicine and more. Ultimately, you will then learn how to combine knowledge from various fields of science and medicine to treat various ailments and diseases with alternative medicine.
Doctor of Chiropractic Degree (DC) from Logan College of Chiropractic University Programs
Located in Chesterfield, MO Logan College offers one of the most comprehensive DC programs available. Their program offers an in-depth study of Basic, Chiropractic, and Clinical Sciences. The program requires about 5,000 hours of combined classroom studies and hands-on experience. The program teaches 13 different chiropractic techniques and get through training in the importance of balance. The program also includes extensive education about the business and marketing skills needed to successfully start and maintain a chiropractic practice.
Sources:
Natural Healers, www.naturalhealers.com
Kaplan University, www.kaplan.edu
Everglades University, www.evergladesuniversity.edu
Logan College of Chiropractic, www.logan.edu
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, www.swiha.edu
