"Courses in aromatherapy are great for established natural healers and massage therapists, or for those simply wanting an introduction to this mind-body-spirit medicine."
The top five programs offered through schools of holistic healing may surprise you. In addition to massage therapy, were you aware that you can enroll in courses in aromatherapy, energy healing, iridology, and herbal medicine?
Courses in aromatherapy are great for established natural healers and massage therapists, or for those simply wanting an introduction to this mind-body-spirit medicine. At schools of holistic healing, these classes are commonly offered through holistic health workshops or seminars, or as part of an overall certificate program. In an aromatherapy course, students learn how to identify and use essential oils, flower essences, and plant remedies for reducing stress, anxiety, and even pain reduction.
If you find energy healing therapies like reiki, touch therapy, crystal healing, quantum touch, or chakra balancing intriguing, then schools of holistic healing may offer these classes as well. In most cases, these programs can be completed in less than six months and sometimes from the convenience from your home (through distance learning courses).
Schools of holistic healing almost always provide some form of somatic education -- namely therapeutic massage. To become nationally certified in massage therapy, it's important to determine how long the prospective massage course is, and if it meets national certification educational requirements. In most instances, you will need a minimum of 500 hours training in basic bodywork modalities like deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, and sports massage; among other health sciences (i.e., anatomy, physiology, and pathology).
Iridology and herbal medicine programs frequently go hand-in-hand at schools of holistic healing. Since iridology complements the diagnostic process for herbal medicine treatments, these studies are often coupled with each other to help future practitioners learn natural and non-invasive methods to assist in the natural healing process. In addition to learning about materia medica, nutritional supplements/minerals, and a diverse range of herbal plant remedies, students learn how to identify markers in the iris by using a specialized camera and reference iris map. Upon successful completion, students become certified in iridology and herbology; and can use these credentials for an entrepreneurial holistic health consulting business, or to further already-established natural healing services.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other alternative health schools, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore schools of holistic healing near you.
Schools of Holistic Healing - Top Five Programs
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Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with College.com - Educational Resources for Schools of Holistic Healing, Alternative Health Schools, and other unique training programs.
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Programs in Herbal Medicine
".. there are associate degree programs in herbal medicine that teach students the science and nutritional aspects of herbs and healing. Other more generalized studies are introductory in nature, and are typically offered for the home organic gardener or for home-herbal remedies."Naturopathic Programs - Teaching Principles of Healing
"NDs assume the responsibility of teaching patients to take charge of their health. Furthermore, physicians of naturopathy enable an environment of wellbeing by teaching patients how to take preventive health measures through natural and holistic means."Programs in Healing Arts
"Students, who are drawn to natural health and holistic healing methods, find that programs in healing arts provide in-depth education and training in the philosophies, practices, and principles of a number of unique health modalities."