Additional ways to become an alternative health care practitioner
Training to become alternative health care provider in osteopathy
"Osteopathy (including Cranial Osteopathy) sharpens the body's natural tendency
to strive toward a state of health and homeostasis. A much in demand specialty,
the osteopath is trained to palpate (feel) the body's "living anatomy" (i.e.
flow of fluids, motion and texture of tissues, and structural makeup). They
address health problems with a non-invasive system of alternative health care
called, "osteopathic manual medicine" in order to restore normal function in
areas impaired by trauma, chronic illness, acute health problems, etc." (www.osteohome.com)
Osteopaths hold to the common sense principle that a patient's history of illnesses and physical traumas are written into the body's structure. It is the osteopath's highly developed sense of touch that allows the physician to palpate (feel) the patient's "living anatomy" (i.e. flow of fluids, motion of tissues, and structural make-up). In more clinical terms, an osteopath can even detect physical problems that fail to appear on an X-ray. Osteopathy also follows the alternative health care paradigm of letting the body heal itself. Without being invasive, it allows for the restoration of normal body function.
"The Osteopath gently applies a precise amount of force to promote movement of the bodily fluids, eliminate dysfunction in the motion of the tissues, and release compressed bones and joints. In addition, the areas being treated require proper positioning to assist the body's ability to regain normal tissue function."
"While attending their own medical schools, doctors of osteopathy are responsible for the same academic discipline as their MD colleagues and receive an additional 300 to 500 hours in the study of the body's musculoskeletal system. Physicians who wish to pursue the field of Cranial Osteopathy must train an additional five years in practice to be certified in this area of expertise." (www.osteohome.com)
Training to become an alternative health care provider in nutrition
Degrees in nutrition can be earned on either an undergraduate or graduate level in an accredited program. Bastyr university offers classes in naturopathy and nutrition. Nutrition education classes are available online and through correspondence courses.
Nutritionist, like naturopaths, must have a background in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and physiology. They are trained in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, food pyramid, diet planning, the digestive system, and how nutrients affect energy, wellness, and disease.
While most nutritionists are employed by hospitals, nursing facilities, dietary offices and other health organizations, some go into private practice and counsel individuals. Other nutritionists enter the alternative health care field and work with naturopaths on developing curative diets for people with particular health problems.
Training to become an alternative health care provider in Chinese medicine
Chinese medicine programs usually offer training in all aspects of Chinese medicine from acupuncture to preparing Chinese herbal remedies. Bastyr University offers classes in Chinese medicine. This aspect of alternative health care come from the ancient wisdom of healing practices from China and is based on a theory of balanced energy flow through the body.
The two types of energy are called yin and yang and they must be a dynamic balance of both energies in the body for an individual to be considered healthy. Balancing yin and yang through alternative health care treatments such as acupuncture, herbs or other treatments is the crux of traditional Chinese medicine.
Also the liver and the concept of hot or damp organs are central in Chinese medicine. The pulse and the look of the tongue are primary diagnostic methods in Chinese medicine.
Alternative health care practitioners of Chinese medicine must also attend a four year accredited college that specializes in Chinese medicine. The popularity of Chinese medicine in the U.S. has risen with the popularity of acupuncture.
Training to become an alternative health care provider in homeopathy
Homeopathy is the science of creating tinctures, pills or creams that cure health problems with a like cures like paradigm. The minute dose of an agent that causes the symptoms is thought to encourage the body.s natural response to healing the issue.
To become a licensed alternative health care practitioner in homeopathy one must attend an accredited four-year college such as Bastyr University. Some states require homeopaths to pass licensing exams. Before starting a practice most homeopaths have seen patients in clinical conditions at their college or in an internship position.
Training to become an alternative health care provider in massage: rolfing
Rolfing is a deep form of therapeutic massage that works with gravity and the connective tissue surrounhttp://wwwscle to release tension. The technique improves balance, flexibility, relieves stress and improves energy.
Developed by Swiss-born American biochemist Ida Rolf, the aim of rolfing is to reorder the major segments of the body into vertical alignment. According to Rolf, a distortion in a man.s posture can be accentuated by gravity.
Rolfing corrects these distortions utilizing a deep massage technique which at times can be painful. Pressure is applied with knuckles. Rolfing is a popular alternative health care technique in body work because it promotes the balance of the body, improves posture and increases general physical and emotional health.
A certified rolfer must complete 550 hours of instruction and 250 hours of practice. Before studying Rolfing, students must have an understanding of therapeutic touch and relationship, anatomy, kinesiology, somatic practice and physiology.
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