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Alternative Medicine Schools
By Sarah Clark
Online Distance Learning Columnist
Chances are you've used a complementary or alternative medicine therapy, such as massage, chiropractic, or Chinese medicine, to treat a health problem. You're not alone--the majority of adult Americans have used some form of alternative medicine, according to the National Institutes of Health.
This increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine presents a unique opportunity for those interested in attending a school designed to prepare students to become practitioners of nonwestern or nontraditional medical modalities. There are many areas within this field to develop expertise. Some of the most popular areas include:
- Ayurveda
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Naturopathy
- Chiropractic
- Homeopathic Medicine
What is Alternative Medicine?
While each alternative medical modality is unique, all aim to practice a holistic approach to health, meaning that the body, mind, and spirit are considered collectively during a diagnosis or treatment. Many also emphasize the importance of diet, such as Ayurveda, which purports that certain foods are more health giving than others, depending on a person's body type. Traditional Chinese Medicine also takes a holistic approach to health, but focuses on the use of herbs in the treatment of illness and disease.
Becoming an Alternative Medicine Practitioner
What does it take to become a specialist in the alternative medicine field? That depends on the discipline. Naturopathic doctors, for example, are trained as traditional medical doctors, but also receive training in naturopathy.
Most paths of study, however, do not require an MD. Many specialized post-secondary schools are available to train students to practice Ayurvedic or homeopathic health modalities. As well, schools dedicated to chiropractic are established to train students how the spine relates to overall health.
You could also attend massage therapy school; while massage is not a complete ancient medical system, it is considered a form of alternative medicine by the National Institutes of Health, along with Reiki, electromagnetic fields, and aromatherapy.
It's clear that areas of study within the field of alternative medicine are varied and broad. Explore on your own the professional opportunities that alternative medicine school may unveil for you.
Sources: National Institutes of Health
About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Virginia. Sarah has written on a variety of topics related to career development and post-secondary education.
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