Careers in Alternative Medicine

Here's a short gist of the different forms and branches of alternative medicines that are most popular as career options.

Rapid advancements and developments in medical science have widened horizons and opened up new possibilities for the treatment of various disorders and grave diseases that were once incurable. This, however, has not managed to put a damper on the traditional systems of healing such as Ayurveda, Herbal medicine and more.

Due to the spiritual and cultural values of countries like India, traditional healing practices are still given importance and value. And why not? There is enough evidence to support some of these practices with studies confirming their efficiency.

A number of new schools and universities have now emerged to help aspiring young students gain a good practical knowledge about healing therapies that have originated not only in India, but different parts of the world. Listed below are a few popular branches of complementary and alternative medicinal systems, which one can take up as a career or a profession.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is one of the most popular branches of complementary medicine, and also one of the most widely applied ones. It relies on the belief that energy of the body flows through channels, which when blocked, can cause disturbance in the system, leading to diseases. Stimulating certain points on these channels (mostly with the help of a needle) balances and corrects the energy flow and brings about well-being.

A degree or a diploma course in acupuncture can help you establish yourself as a practitioner.

Homeopathy: Homeopathy, another widely used therapy, was introduced and implemented upon by the sole belief that ‘like kills like’, which explains why bee and snake venom is used to treat poison ingestion. Dilution practices also play an important role in this field.

Homeopathy is a 5 year bachelor’s degree course in India.

Alternative medicine use high among children with chronic conditions
According to a recent research, children who see specialists for chronic medical conditions are also using complementary medicine at an increased rate.

Ayurveda: Ayurveda, an ancient form of Indian medicine, being used for thousands of years, has been an effective form of treatment. This practice works on the basic principles of 5 constituents of a person’s body, each of which is important for survival. A bit of less or more in these constituents is responsible for disease- according to this system of medicine. Treatment of an individual is done on an overall basis- physical, mental and spiritual.

Ayurveda is a 5 and a half year course in India, after which one can start working as a registered practitioner.

Alternative medicine- Placebo or reality
Some alternative healing practices though widely accepted throughout the world, are still under suspicion for their reliability and effectiveness.

Naturopathy: Naturopathy, as the name suggests, is based purely on matters of diet, nutrition and natural ways of healing. Focus is given on natural ways of treatment of disease and simple lifestyle changes are encouraged to improve overall health of the individual.

Naturopathy can be opted for as both a diploma (1-2 years) and a degree (3 years) course.

Biochemic medicines: Biochemic medicinal practices work on the belief that the body is constituted of 12 tissue salts that are vital for life. A deficiency or excess of any of these salts is what leads to development of disease.

Biochemic medicines can be opted for as a diploma course; however, universities pertaining to this course are not established in India.

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy, commonly used by patients suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia and narcolepsy, is another amazing field of alternative medicine that is now gaining increased importance. Essential oils extracted from different plants and herbs are thought to stimulate both mental and physical changes, bringing about well being. A recent study even shows that aromatherapy can help reduce weight.

Aromatherapy is a simple 1-2 year diploma course.

Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy, sometimes categorized under psychological therapies, is based on the principle that the mind is a flexible muscle. Compelling and transforming the mind by use of hypnosis and self hypnosis techniques is thought to eradicate many health conditions and is even thought to be an effective pain killer.

Hypnotherapy can be done as an online course or as a practical course in most countries.

Magnetic healing: Magnetic healing is a form of energy medicine that makes use of magnetic energy available to change the vibrational frequency of the diseased cells, bringing about well being and removing disease.

Magnetic therapy universities are yet to be established in India.

Source-Medindia