Holistic therapy is a general term that refers to a variety of therapies striving to treat patients as a whole on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. At times the term is used interchangeably with integrative medicine or complementary and alternative medicine. But holism can be incorporated into a number of health care services. People interested in entering a health care field can choose an area of training based on personal interest and the amount of training desired.
Precautions
The American Holistic Health Association advises that when considering a career as a "holistic practitioner" it is important to first decided in which professional area you wish to train. Professions vary widely in the amount of training and education necessary. Western Michigan University and John F. Kennedy University, for example, are two schools that offer structured holistic programs. When choosing a training program, fully research your prospective profession and the qualifications necessary to legally practice in the state where you will live.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
People interested in practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine may consider acquiring a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM). Acupuncture is a licensed profession in 43 states; most states allow practitioners to work privately. An MSTCM takes approximately three years to complete if attending school full time. Students are required to learn the fundamentals of both contemporary medicine and Eastern medicine. Students also complete supervised clinical hours to get hands-on experience and to prepare for the state licensing board.
Massage and Body Work
Massage therapists are practitioners who manipulate soft-tissue muscles to relieve stress and tension and promote wellness. Practitioners can specialize in more than 80 types of massage therapy. Modalities vary by technique and are influenced by each style's philosophy. Training courses in massage therapy generally require approximately 500 hours of study. Licensing and certification requirements vary by state. Practitioners may acquire specialized certifications in a variety of modalities, such as Asian Body Therapies, on a continuing-education basis.
Chiropractors
Chiropractors are practitioners who generally manipulate the spine to treat problems with the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system or to promote general health. Chiropractors take a holistic view of health care and often make recommendations related to exercise, diet and lifestyle. Chiropractors must go through rigorous training. Generally, two or four years of undergraduate education is required, followed by a four-year program at a chiropractic college. All chiropractors must pass national and state examinations to become licensed.
Other Modalities
Careers that can be holistic in nature are plentiful. Mental health professionals can choose to bring a holistic element into their practice by incorporating theories from humanistic or transpersonal psychology. Midwives, nutritionists, dentists and Western physicians interested in applying holistic principles to their practice may take continuing education courses or complete additional holistic certification programs within their field. Additional holistic careers include homeopathy, biofeedback and aromatherapy.
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