Natural therapy or natural medicine is an alternative approach used to treat diseases by helping the body heal itself. Its methods have gained popularity because these are natural and non-invasive. Natural therapy covers a wide range of study including homeopathy, naturopathy, herbal medicine, holistic nutrition, acupuncture, iridology, magnetic therapy and kinesiology. Finding the right course to study can take a little more effort than being told where to find a school - learning about each course, its requirements and outcomes are some of the things you should learn before enrolling.

Degree or certificate

Naturopathy and chiropractic care requires at least 4 years of intensive study leading to a degree. You may also need to pass state board exams before you can practice chiropractic care. On the other hand, a certification program is shorter and is usually completed in six weeks, depending on the number of credits you decide to take.

Certification courses may be studied in a school or online. Courses in natural therapy include iridology, energy therapy, touch therapy, herbology, aromatherapy, massage therapy, and reflexology. It is best to do some research on the basic principles and treatment methods practiced by each natural therapy to determine which study is right for you.
Some popular courses on natural therapy

Ayurveda

Ayurveda means “Science of Life” and is the traditional healing system practised in India. Its principles are based on the laws of nature and deals with the body, mind and spirit, or the individual constitution of each person. The basic idea behind Ayurveda is that most disease is caused by an improper diet and lifestyle that is not in harmony with nature and one’s individual constitution. Ayurvedic treatments include herbal medicine, dietary and lifestyle changes, body work such as yoga asana and massage, meditation and mantra, detoxification and rejuvenation therapies. The Ayurvedic therapist takes the role of teacher, adviser and facilitator, who works together with the client to find the best treatment for an illness.

Energy therapy

Energy therapy is based on the principle that life depends on a free flow of energy. A block in this energy can cause disease in a person. In energy therapy, the patient is taught how to access enough energy to start making changes and to clear some of the energy problems with the body. Energy may be blocked as a result of physical or emotional stress which is retained in the cell memory and intelligence as the body’s regular or default mechanism. This mechanism accounts for why a disease may recur after stopping medication. To permanently treat an illness, the patient’s energy blocks must first be resolved. Energy therapies include quantum touch, Rolfing, R.E.S.E.T. for TMJ patients, crystals, colour therapy, sound healing and Feng Shui.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils and essential oils to promote psychological and physical well-being as well as to treat disease. Proponents of aromatherapy maintain that fragrances in the oils stimulate nerves in the nose which sends specific signals to the brain, depending on the type of oil used. Treatment methods include massage, sprays, infusion in bath water to promote relaxation, relieve stress and pain.

Natural therapies include a great number of safe and effective treatment options that may be easily learned from a reputable school with licensed and experienced instructors.

A career in natural therapy allows you to achieve a good work-life balance as it provides a lucrative source of income without having to work full-time, and doing some research on how to find a school that best fits your needs is a great investment.