Holistic healthcare tends to prefer natural solutions for ailments. Where a doctor might prescribe medication, a holistic health professional will look first for potential lifestyle modifications. The practice is built on the idea that all aspects of a person’s life are ultimately connected to their health: Mind, body, and spirit.
Naturally “spirit,” is not even a widely recognized or contemplated concept in Western medicine.
If you are interested in holistic health, there are many routes you can go. In this article, we will provide an overview of the concept, and look at ways you can begin practicing.
Is Holistic Healthcare Legitimate?
Though holistic practices are not widely circulated in the United States, they are legitimate and associated with documented health benefits. Does that mean that a neighborhood aroma therapy clinic is going to put a big dent in Pfizer’s business?
No. Holistic care is often best used as a complement to other forms of healthcare. A person should not replace their general practitioner with a holistic care provider, in other words.
Are There Holistic Positions that Exist in Traditional Western Healthcare Settings?
There are. Holistic nurses are probably the best example. They begin their careers the same way that any RN does—by achieving their BSN and passing the NCLEX. From there, they go on to get a specialized certification provided by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation.
Once the nurse has acquired that specialized certification, they will be able to weave holistic practices into the standardized care that they provide.
It’s a great avenue for people who want to work in Western healthcare, but still weave natural care into their practices.
Is Holistic Nursing a Good Fit for Me?
Nursing is one of the most popular secondary careers in the United States for several core reasons:
- Nursing is rewarding. Many people leave their current jobs because it doesn’t satisfy their desire to make a difference in the world. Nursing, of course, is an extremely important job that communities all over the country are in desperate need of.
- The work can be flexible. Nursing hours are tough, but because most hospitals staff nurses on three-shift weekly rotations, that is a lot of time for family activities and other considerations that a 9-5 Monday through Friday schedule can complicate.
- Transitioning is streamlined. If you already have a degree, you will be able to start working as a nurse in two years or less thanks to the many streamlined programs that are available.
- Compensation. Though nurses never get rich, they earn competitive salaries, with the potential to expand their revenue through certifications.
These factors make nursing an accessible and appealing secondary career. Do note, however, that if holistic nursing appeals to you, you will still need the aforementioned certification, which will add more time to the two-year estimate mentioned above.
What Would a Holistic Health Professional Focus On?
The answer to that question is pretty expansive. Here’s an overview:
- Diet and nutrition: Though not all nutritionists would consider themselves holistic health professionals, what a person eats certainly intersects with holistic health considerations. Again the difference between a holistic and traditional dietitian would be the scope of their consideration. Holistic nutritionists will focus on the entire lifestyle that contributes to a person’s dietary decisions, and their overall experience with food.
- Massage/Acupuncture: While both of these can be packaged into spa experiences, there is a deeper health benefit to both massage therapy and acupuncture that can be explored by those with the right training. Holistic professionals working in these spaces will focus on alignment and the natural relationship between muscle tension, and other ailments—like nasal congestion—that are not often associated with physical well-being.
- Aroma Therapy: The use of essential oils to promote healing.
- Yoga/Mindfulness: Yoga and other mindfulness routines also occupy the same general holistic health space. Both focus on developing habits and tools that can be used to achieve internal peace and clarity—which can subsequently have benefits to your overall health.
You wouldn’t be wrong to think that these fields sound less scientific than traditional medicine. Holistic practices are very focused on the individual, and consequently, results vary. Still, it’s a legitimate health focus that allows millions of people all over the world to naturally improve their health.
What Certifications Should I Look Into?
To practice holistic healthcare legitimately, you will need to acquire the appropriate certification. Below, we have compiled a list of certifications necessary for the jobs described in earlier headings:
- Holistic Nutritionist: To become a certified holistic nutritionist, you will need certifications like the Certified Holistic Nutritionist (CHN) or Certified Nutrition Consultant (CNC) from an accredited institution. These programs cost between $3,000–$6,000 and typically take 6–12 months to complete online or in-person.
- Massage Therapist: Licensed massage therapists, must complete a state-approved program and earn credentials through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). These programs generally cost $5,000–$12,000 and require 500–1,000 hours of training, which takes 6–12 months.
- Acupuncturist: To become a licensed acupuncturist, you’ll need a master’s degree in acupuncture from an accredited institution like those approved by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). These programs cost between $50,000–$70,000 and take 3–4 years to complete, followed by state licensing exams.
- Aromatherapist: To practice aromatherapy, you can earn certifications through organizations like the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) or the Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC). Certification costs range from $500–$2,000, with training programs requiring 50–200 hours, usually completed in a few weeks to several months.
- Yoga Instructor: Aspiring yoga instructors can obtain a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification through the Yoga Alliance by completing a 200-hour or 500-hour training program. These certifications cost $2,000–$5,000 and typically take 2–6 months to finish, often part-time.
- Mindfulness Coach: To become a mindfulness coach, you’ll need certification through organizations like the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA). Programs cost $1,000–$3,000 and take 6–12 months to complete, depending on the program’s structure and your schedule.
While all of these certifications take more time and effort than say, a Facebook ad for neighborhood yoga classes, they are necessary for establishing your practice legitimately.
