Considering A Career In Natural Health?
We live in a world that is filled with toxins, heavy metals and just too much yelling. It can be hard to figure out which way to turn, and we’ve made it even more complicated by throwing preservatives and artificial ingredients into every product at the grocery store. This can make looking for an occupation in natural health seem like the perfect choice.
That is, if you want to help people find their way back home to feeling strong and vital again. Let us introduce you some of the many ways you can enter this field — from being a holistic nutritionist who will help others nourish themselves from the inside out, to practicing acupuncture for patients suffering from chronic pain or disorders like PTSD or depression.
Of course, there are limitless possibilities for an occupation in natural health. From homeopaths to Ayurvedic practitioners, herbalists, doulas and chiropractors, there is something for everyone who feels drawn to the field of natural health. Here are a few of the best ways to get started with a career in natural health.
Become A Holistic Nutritionist
Anyone who is familiar with the teachings of Dr. Weston A. Price knows that developing a good, healthy foundation through proper nutrition is fundamental to overall wellness and happiness. Today we’ve all heard about “superfoods” and diets that range from Paleo to gluten-free and more.
But if it is your passion to help people create better health by nourishing their bodies from the inside out, a career in nutrition may be just right for you. A holistic nutritionist will work closely with their patients to help them make positive changes in their health and nutrition habits.
A good holistic nutritionist will be aware of food sensitivities, scientific research on nutrition, and understand how specific foods can improve overall wellness and make a difference in the function of various organs in the body. A holistic nutritionist will also be able to help patients identify and make changes in their diet to overcome nutritional deficiencies.
Become A Chiropractor
Chiropractors are trained to detect subluxations, or misalignments in the spine, as well as other areas of the body that can lead to a host of problems throughout the nervous system. The practice of Chiropractic was founded by D.D. Palmer in 1895, who was inspired by his patient Harvey Lillard, who had been treated by a magnetic healer for spinal problems with little success.
After Dr. Palmer successfully worked on Mr. Lillard’s spine through manipulation, he decided to continue his studies in Chiropractic, with the goal of helping others in developing their full potential.
Today Chiropractors or DC’s as they’re also known, are trained to relieve pressure on nerves by adjusting subluxations in the spine and other areas of the body. The practice is holistic, and patients can experience positive changes in their health by improving the function of the nervous system.
Become A Massage Therapist
Massage therapists are trained medical professionals who work to improve a person’s wellness and overall health through a variety of massage techniques that focus on motions that work out knots and tension in muscles. The benefits of massage vary depending on the individual, but massage therapy is known to relieve pain, sharpen senses and increase circulation throughout the body.
A massage therapist will teach you about specific massage techniques that work to relax and stimulate your muscles and connective tissues. They will instruct you on how to apply pressure in specific areas of your body so as to ensure that it is well-suited to the way you move. The practice also involves massaging various parts of the body according to a patient’s individual needs as well as listening carefully to any concerns they may have.
Become An Acupuncturist
Unlike most medical professions, an acupuncturist does not work to diagnose or prescribe treatments for illness or disease. Instead, an acupuncturist will work with a patient in treating the underlying cause of a particular condition by working with meridian points found in specific areas of the body. Acupuncture can also help improve overall well being by relieving pain and promoting healing.
Depending on where you live, states may have either State Board Approved or State Board Certified acupuncturists. To become Board Certified as an acupuncturist, you will need to study acupuncture under a licensed TCM Practitioner and pass national certification exams.
Become A Chiropractor
The practice of chiropractic was founded in 1895 by D.D. Palmer, who worked to identify misalignments in the spine using manipulation. Today, chiropractors use a variety of techniques that help with spinal adjustments, and they can also assist with other injuries or conditions such as headaches and digestive problems.
In order to become a licensed Chiropractor or DC you will need to study the vertebral column, the spine and how it can be manipulated for the purpose of relieving pressure on nerve tissues as well as improving overall health.
Become A Homeopath
Homeopathy is a practice that focuses on the use of plant, mineral and animal extracts and other substances in order to relieve symptoms associated with an illness or condition. The purpose of homeopathic remedies is to improve overall health and well being by targeting any symptoms caused by the underlying cause of an illness or condition. Homeopaths use a variety of techniques in order to work with the immune system and address specific symptoms, leading to better overall wellness.
Today, there are about 10,000 homeopaths practicing throughout the world. To become a licensed homeopath you will need to obtain a degree from an accredited institution as well as take national certification exams for your profession.
Become A Naturopath
Naturopathy is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on using natural remedies in order to treat patients. While a Naturopath or ND will not be able to prescribe or diagnose the cause of an illness, they offer treatments and home remedies that help improve overall health by targeting problems such as allergies, infection, disease and various medications.
In order to become a licensed Naturopath you will need to study the interaction between disease, lifestyle factors and overall health. You will also need to pass national certification exams in order to become a licensed naturopath. Everyone’s body is different, so your treatment plan may differ from other patients depending on your own needs.
Become A Nutritionist
Nutritionists are trained experts who work to help patients identify the best overall diet and nutritional needs in order to reach their goals. There is much debate over the science of nutrition, and many individuals rely on a registered dietitian or nutritionist for specific dietary advice.
The practice of nutrition is basically concerned with helping patients understand how particular foods can help support the functions of various organs in the body. You will also learn about the effects that certain foods have on the body as well as how a patient’s habits and daily routine may affect their ability to achieve certain nutritional goals.
Conclusion
While traditional medicine has proven to be very effective in treating a wide range of diseases and illnesses, there is a growing number of individuals who are choosing alternative methods in order to promote their overall health and wellness.
A career as a chiropractor, homeopath, acupuncturists, nutritionist or naturopath will allow you to work with a specific portion of the population who may otherwise not have access to traditional therapies. Working as an alternative medicine practitioner will also allow you to take more time with your patients in order to help them achieve the results they are looking for while improving their overall well being.
No matter which profession you choose, it is important that you understand the challenges facing each profession.