Holistic Medicine refers to the system of health care that fosters a cooperative relationship among those involved and leads toward optimal attainment of physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspect of health.

The career outlook for a holistic health care provider is good. They make on average $45-$55 thousand a year.

Some other terms associated with Holistic medicine are alternative medicine which is widely used by the public and many health care practitioners, complementary medicine which refers to the non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques by conventional medical practitioners to complement conventional medical treatments like surgery, and natural healing which refers to the use of non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical techniques to help the patient heal.

Alternative medicine is usually applied to the medical techniques that are not considered traditional forms of healing and medicine. This also includes the practice of herbalism, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

Professional and Personal Qualities

Individuals interested in an alternative medicine career should be compassionate and willing to provide the necessary assistance to their patients. Since massage therapist usually work in health clubs, hospitals, corporate setting or in the field of education, a knowledge on basic holistic medical approach must also be considered and studied. Holistic health care providers should be able to look at the whole person, and analyze their physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, and spiritual and lifestyle values.

Educational Requirements and Training Certifications

To be accepted into a program for holistic studies or alternative healing, schools usually require at least a two-year degree or bachelor's degree. Many other schools offer professional certification and licensing in different areas such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal medicine.

Most holistic healers however are self-employed. Their salaries vary depending on the field they have chosen. Holistic healers in the public sector such as hospitals, clinics, and universities make more than those who are self-employed.

Holistic health care providers includes herbalists, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. People interested in the field of herbal medicine may start their education by taking correspondence courses at their local community college. Professional groups provide certification to members who have attained a certain level of training as herbalist. A person interested in acupuncture may find many accredited schools in the US. On the average, an acupuncture program lasts for 2-4 years. There are also master's degrees available for students and doctoral programs are being considered at many acupuncture schools.

Holistic Health Care Provider Resources

*You Can Heal Your Life (Gift Edition)
*Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition
*Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You to Know About
*The Book Of Massage: The Complete Stepbystep Guide To Eastern And Western Technique
*Prescription for Natural Cures

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