Holistic Health 101: An Alternative Approach to Western medicine
When Western medicine and convenient means of treatment just don’t seem to be doing the trick, it often becomes time to look for alternative options. In a world where Western medicine is very much the norm in many societies, especially the United States of America, it can be challenging for some to feel that they could trust alternative approaches.
While this is completely understandable, the truth is, many holistic health practitioners have given their patients hope when all other doctors had already given up. For this reason, holistic health is an incredibly valuable practice, and for those who are not keen on the ways of Western medicine, it is a precious and respected solution.
In this article, we will explain the primary concepts of holistic health and its practices, along with an overview of the holistic health courses that we offer at ICOHS for those interested in becoming holistic health practitioners.
An Introduction to Holistic Health
If you are interested in pursuing a career path in holistic health, chances are you are already familiar with some of the major aspects and fundamentals of this alternative to conventional medical treatments. For those who are not aware of the ins and outs of what holistic health is, in this section, we present essentially a brief holistic health 101.
What Is Holistic Health?
Holistic health is a form of healing the body and self by addressing all aspects with a wholesome, fully inclusive approach. This means that not only are symptoms in the body addressed – holistic health examines imbalances throughout the emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental realms as well. By recognizing present imbalances, awareness can be brought and a plan devised.
Holistic health practitioners work with their patients to once again restore that equilibrium through a diverse use of various methods and practices. In the practice of holistic health, patients are not viewed or labeled as their diseases; they are instead treated as individuals and welcomed with grace, kindness, and acceptance.
Holistic health, however, certainly is not a one-pill-fixes-all sort of approach. Instead of merely covering up frustrating symptoms with a bandaid, this work dives deep into the inner workings of an individual on all levels, which means that the patient needs to be committed to delving into self and confronting whatever surfaces.
By approaching the emotions that arise with acceptance and love and viewing them as gifts and messengers, further healing is facilitated – the type of healing that lasts because it is actually addressing the root of an issue and dissolving that layer so the next one can appear for further healing.
In this sense, a holistic health practitioner serves very much as a guide and carrier of support. They facilitate this healing with their expertise, but ultimately the patient commits to the practices, recommended methodologies, and treatments.
For many, the concept of healing in such an out-of-the-box manner may seem unreasonable and impossible. But for those who have been failed time and time again by Western medicine systems and how found significant healing and relief with the practices of holistic medicine, these approaches are simply put – phenomenal.
A Brief Overview of Holistic Health Treatments
It is difficult to pinpoint holistic health onto one or two practices and treatment methods, for this route is especially personal and encompasses a broad variety of options. There are, however, some common holistic health modes of treatment that are utilized by many practitioners.
A focus upon lifestyle change and taking care of self on a mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual level is typical of a holistic health care routine. This could involve meditation and mindfulness, specialized diets, counseling and hypnotherapy, exercise, psychotherapy, and many other possibilities.
Some holistic health practitioners also take a more physical approach by complementing the above practices with alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, and more.
Finally, some holistic health practitioners take more Western approaches to further facilitate healing, suggesting various surgical procedures and conventional medications alongside the more alternative routes to healing.
In all, holistic health therapies are well-rounded and take into account the entirety of a patient’s medical needs and history, along with the requirements for healing on a deeper, less physical level.
Holistic Health Programs at ICOHS College
At ICOHS College, we offer a tailored-to-you holistic health practitioner program that allows students to pursue an HHP permit for the city of San Diego or become better versed in a plethora of advanced techniques as one sees fit.
All of our courses are professional and designed to provide students with the highest level of certification recognized by bodywork, massage, and holistic health professionals in the United States.
Pursuing the holistic health practitioner path with us opens up a world of career opportunities and possible professional pursuits. Just to name a few, you will become qualified to pursue the following modes of employment:
● Certified Massage Therapist
● Holistic Health Practitioner
● Employment at Spas & Resorts
● Employment at Wellness Centers
● Employment at Health Clubs
● Employment at Chiropractic Offices
● Employment at Hospitals
● Employment at Doctor’s Offices
● Entrepreneurship
● Advanced Massage Techniques
● Yoga Teacher Training
● Herbology and Nutrition
Our holistic health practitioner program is a diverse collection of applicable courses that span across a wide range of topics and practices so that you can tailor your education to your interests and professional goals. The courses we offer for this program are as follows:
● Fundamentals of Holistic Health
● Anatomy and Massage
● Strategies for Success
● Touch Anatomy
● Circulatory Massage
● Deep Tissue Massage
● Passive Joint Mobilization
● Anatomy with Manikins
● Eastern Perspectives
● Chi Integrated Exercises
● Energy Channels & Acupoints – Tui Na
● Shiatsu – Zen Touch
● Kinesiology
● Client Assessment
● Physiology/Pathology
● Business Practices
● Special Populations
● Communications, Ethics and Career Prep
● MBLEx Preparation
● Practicum – Clinic & Community Outreach
For those who desire a stronger focus upon massage and its related practices, ICOHS also offers a professional massage therapy program to further concentrate on this aspect of holistic health.
Our Final Thoughts on Holistic Health 101
While opting to pursue a career in holistic health is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, a profession in this field is incredibly rewarding and giving, particularly for those who are passionate about helping others using the power of nature and a well-rounded approach.
Here at ICOHS, our dedicated team of educators wants to see their students succeed, which is why our programs are tailored to each student’s needs, goals, and pursuits. We are a non-profit vocational school and we offer a range of benefits to veterans, active-duty military, and their families.
If you are interested in studying holistic health to become a holistic health practitioner, reach out to us today and request more information about our program.
