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Module: 3

Choosing a Holistic Therapy

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In the previous module you learned about the various parts and systems in the human body along with a

small sampling of related issues and holistic healing techniques. Here, you will learn about the most

popular forms of holistic therapy, complementary therapies, and some information on how to choose

the holistic method that works best for you. In conclusion, we will discuss choosing multiple

specializations to add to your practice, and briefly cover hoaxes and scams, so that you can offer more to

your patients.

In this module you’ll learn:

3.1 Introduction to Popular Holistic Therapy Methods

3.2 Holistic Massage

3.3 Reflexology

3.4 Aromatherapy

3.5 Homeopathy

3.6 Naturopathy

3.7 Herbalism

3.8 Reiki

3.9 Acupuncture

3.10 Indian Head Massage

3.11 Hopi Ear Candling

3.12 Choosing More than One Specialization

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3.1 Introduction to Popular Holistic Therapy Methods

There are hundreds of forms and variations of holistic therapy ranging from massage and exercise such

as yoga to deeply spiritual practices such as energy work. Holistic therapy methods vary a great deal,

and some require certain levels of open mindedness and perseverance, meaning that they are not right

for everyone. Other methods, such as massage and herbalism are deeply rooted in the physical, and are

therefore easy for everyone to practice. Some practices are completely unfounded in either energy work

or scientific health, and should be avoided. In the next few chapters, you will learn about some of the

most popular forms of holistic therapy, with information on authenticity, training, certifications, and

world view for each therapy.

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3.2 Holistic Massage

Holistic massage takes a neuroscientific approach to massage, recognizing that emotions and stress

are stored in the body. Holistic massage therapists are trained to give massage, and understand the

human body and its parts, so that they can learn to massage areas to reduce stress, grief, improve

happiness, and release tension. This has a physical, mental, and emotional affect, rather than simply

soothing sore muscles. Holistic massage is a form of mind body medicine.

Brief History

Holistic massage is a relatively new approach to massage, although forms of it have existed for centuries,

dating back to China, Japan, India, and other parts of Asia. For example, reflexology, a form of holistic

massage, dates back centuries. New forms of holistic massage often require a background as a massage

therapist.

Training

Many colleges in the U.S., U.K., and Ireland offer holistic massage, usually with prerequisites for general

therapeutic massage. Studies range from 60 hours to upwards of 2 years, depending on the training

provider. Short courses, of 60 hours or less, are also available, but do not provide qualifications unless

you already have massage training.

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Certification

Accreditation and certification varies, but you can look for courses approved by the FHT or by the AHHA.

3.3 Reflexology

Reflexology is an ancient form of hand and foot massage focusing on improving the health,

psychology, and emotions by targeting specific parts of the feet and hands, often using different

amounts of pressure, oil or lotion, and manipulation of life energy such as Qi.

Brief History

Reflexology dates back to ancient China and Egypt, and has been practiced for more than four thousand

years in most of the world. William H. Fitzgerald introduced it to America in 1913, and the practice was

modified to the one we know today in the 1940s by Eunice E. Ingham, who mapped the feet and hands,

and named the process reflexology.

Training

Classes range from a few hours to over 200 hours of class work depending on the course level, the

institute, and the intended practicing level of the student.

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Certification

In the UK, reflexology is regulated by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. The

Reflexology Association of Canada, American Reflexology Certification Board, the Association of

Reflexologists, and Reflexology in Europe Network all handle certification of courses and classes.

3.4 Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy or Essential Oil Therapy is extremely popular in most of the world, thanks to its blend

of naturopathy, herbalism, and an enjoyable application method. Aromatherapy uses plant matter,

oils, and natural oils such as essential oils, to alter mood, or improve physical, mental, or cognitive

well-being.

Brief History

Oils and essential oils have been used for therapeutic, medical, hygienic, and spiritual reasons for

thousands of years, dating back to some of the earliest civilizations. With historical evidence of use in

China, India, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and First Nation America, aromatherapy is also one of the oldest and

most widespread forms of holistic medicine. While known to Western medicine from the early 1900s, it

did not become common until World War II, when Jean Valnet used it in treating injured soldiers.

Training - Because aromatherapy is unregulated, and uses natural ingredients, many people practice

with very little training. Multiple online courses are available for those who want to study at home.

Courses range from a few hours to over 200 hours, depending on the content. It is important that you

choose a good course, as many essential and carrier oils can be dangerous if not used properly.

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Certification - The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy provides training, course

approval, and certification throughout most of the world. Many other individual programs offer their

own certification in individual parts of the world.

3.5 Homeopathy

Homeopathy is not a holistic treatment although it is commonly thought of as such. While popular, it has

been disapproved again and again by science, and is not recommended as a path for holistic therapists

to follow. While it exists as a treatment, study after study shows that it works on par to a placebo, and

can be dangerous. It is not a holistic treatment, despite being used as such, and often does not even use

natural ingredients.

Brief History - Homeopathy was created in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, following his doctrine which

suggests the substances which cause diseases in healthy people can cure them in sick people. While the

science is much refuted, homeopathy is alive and well today, with thousands of practitioners around the

globe.

Training - Training, should you chose to follow homeopathy, ranges from 50 hour to upwards of 500

hour courses, which is important considering that dangerous substances including human puss and fecal

matter are often used.

Certification - The Council for Homeopathic Certification offers certification and accredited, regulated

courses.

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3.6 Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the entire body, much like Chinese

alternative medicine. It integrates many forms of holistic medicine including acupuncture, herbalism,

exercise, proper diet and nutrition, and acupuncture. In some cases naturopathy also integrates

homeopathy.

Brief History - Naturopathy dates back to the 1880s, and the Nature Cure movement in Europe, when

Thomas Allinson began advocating a natural diet and exercise to cure many ills. The therapy method

was moved forward, advancing into the U.S. and most of Europe, and today is a thriving system, that

varies a great deal. In its best form, naturopathy is used to supplement and provide therapy for people

who want to improve their overall condition. However, unethical forms of naturopathy are still in

evidence, using dangerous homeopathic methods, and sometimes offering claims to cure ills, which it

cannot do. These should be avoided, as naturopathy has the best effect when used in its original form,

the promotion of a healthy diet, avoiding toxins and bad food, and avoiding overwork to improve

wellbeing and decrease illnesses and injury related to overwork, stress, and poor food or exercise.

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Training - Naturopathy courses can extend from 30 to upwards of 500 hours, and might include

sections on individual methods, such as herbalism and acupuncture, human biology, and similar. In

much of Europe, European Traditional Medicine, Chinese Traditional Medicine, and Ayurvedic

Medicine are all recognized as Naturopathy. In some cases, college and university degrees of 2-4

years or more can also be found.

Certification- Most of the world requires some form of licensure, and in countries such as

Switzerland and the U.S., can be insurance and healthcare approved. A federally recognized

diploma from a university allows you to practice as a naturopathic physician. Certification and

accreditation is provided by the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations organization and

the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education. Many areas have their own Country and State

licensure, accreditation, and certification programs as well.

3.7 Herbalism

Herbalism is almost unique in that some form of it is present in every single continent, in every ethnicity,

and in every culture. It is one of the most respected forms of holistic medicine, because herbs have been

proven to have medical effects, and herbal and plant based compounds are also used in most western

medicine. Herbalism can include plants, fungi, bee products, shells, and many other types of natural

products. While effective in treatment, it is important to understand the effects of herbalism and not

make wild claims about their effects, as most herbs create mild effects, and cannot cure cancer or act on

par with pain killers. Instead, they offer a gentler remedy that is less effective in the short term, but can

be more effective in the long term, with fewer side effects.

Training- Herbalism training varies between in depth college level courses for practicing physicians

and nurses to short courses for those who want to follow traditional medicine paths.

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Certification - Herbalists are regulated in almost every country. The European Directive on

Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration monitor actual

products. The American Herbalist Guild offers certification, you can also earn a degree in herbal

medicine from some colleges and universities, such as the University of Maryland in the U.S., or the

University of Essex in the UK, the National Institute of Medical Herbalists in the UK, and many more.

3.8 Reiki

Reiki is a form of palm or hands on healing, which uses the Qi or energy and life force to promote

healing, and has been evaluated by the American Cancer Society, Cancer Research UK, and the National

Center for Complementary and Integrative health as suitable as a supplement for standard medical

treatment. Reiki promotes general wellbeing, which in turn, helps to promote overall body healing,

health, and happiness.

Brief History - Reiki was developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist MikaoUsui, and was quickly adopted

around the world. It is similar to Tellington Touch.

Training - Reiki classes are available around the world from individual, approved trainers, as well as in

classrooms and Reiki clinics. Training periods can vary a great deal depending on the teacher, and the

level of Reiki.

Certification - The International Center for Reiki training offers certification, and approved coursework.

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3.9 Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a key component of Chinese traditional medicine as well as multiple other types of

medicine, including Naturopathy. Depending on whether you learn the Western or Eastern method,

the process is meant to either stimulate nerve groups to produce a certain result, or stimulate Qi to

produce a certain result. Both options are widely practiced, although only the nerve group version is

recognized by Western science.

Brief History - Acupuncture is widely accepted to have been practiced as far back as 2,000 BC, but some

speculations suggest up to 5,000 BC, where it would have been used by Neolithic cave men. While

theories abound, acupuncture eventually found its home in ancient China, and is, today, an established

science and very common for medical pain treatment, as well as a variety of other spiritual and

emotional problems.

Training- Depending on whether you are a physician or not, you will receive either 200 hours of

training or 2,500 hours of training. These times are mandated by the World Health Organization, and

adopted in most countries. For this reason, studying to become an acupuncturist is significantly more

time consuming than many other types of holistic medicine, but also more respected. Courses can be

found in universities and colleges.

Licensing- In most countries, acupuncture is regulated by the board of medicine or similar. In the U.S.A.,

state boards regulate and license acupuncture.

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3.10 Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage or Champissage is a form of Ayurvedic medicine from India. The massage

stimulates relaxation, pain relief, blood circulation, and improves energy flow. While common in India,

the process moved to the U.S. and other Western countries within the last 100 years, and is now being

adopted by salons and beauty parlors, where certification allows them to perform relaxing massages,

but many holistic therapists also master the practice as well.

Training - Indian head massage courses vary a great deal and can include simple courses for those who

want to practice at home as well as courses for hair stylists, massage therapists, and naturopaths.

Because of the wide variety of training it is important to pay attention to the classes.

Certification- Certification is not required for any form of Indian Head Massage, although many

naturopathy classes can be found with certification. Indian Head Massage, as part of a massage or

holistic massage course, is also available with certification.

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3.11 Hopi Ear Candling

Ear candling, ear coning, or thermal auricular therapy is a treatment that is often associated with

holistic medicine but, like homeopathic medicine, is not. Hopi Ear Candling not only has nothing to

do with the Hopi Tribe, it also is not related to any traditional form of medicine, and has been proven

to be dangerous, especially with children. For this reason, it is recommended that you avoid it.

3.12 Choosing More than One Specialization

Many holistic methods complement each other, so it can be beneficial to your practice, and to your

income to choose more than one specialization. For example, if you live in a small area, practicing

holistic massage may not be enough. Adding acupuncture, reiki, or herbalism to your skill set can

help you to increase the number of clients, because you can help more people. Choosing a

complementary specialization can be difficult, but you can consider methods that work well together.

Studies at the University of Michigan, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, and many more

have put together lists of complementary treatment techniques.

Pain

Acupuncture & Acupressure

Chiropractic Therapy

Hypnosis

Naturopathy

Massage

Music Therapy

Reiki

Herbalism

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Shiatsu

Nausea/Vomiting

Acupuncture

Aromatherapy

Hypnosis

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (Meditation, Massage, Yin Yoga, etc.)

Shiatsu

Herbalism

Naturopathy

Fatigue

Acupuncture

Massage

Mediation

Reiki

Tai Chi

Yoga

Headache

Chiropractic Therapy

Shiatsu

Muscle Tension

Aromatherapy

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Massage

Shiatsu

Herbalism

Naturopathy

Stress/Fear/Anxiety

Aromatherapy

Guided Imagery

Hypnosis

Massage

Herbalism

Meditation

Reiki

Breath work

Music Therapy

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Tai Chi

Yoga

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Depression

Aromatherapy

Energy work

Breath work

Meditation and Mindfulness

Journaling

Guided Imagery

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

As you can see, many types of holistic therapy work well together, and many are complementary across

most branches of therapy. Choosing one should depend on your aptitude for the therapy, as well as

personal preference, availability of a certification, and whether or not you can find a teacher you respect.

There are many more types of holistic therapy than are listed in this module, but these are the most

common. If you are interested in something not listed here, make sure that you seek out an appropriate

teacher, with an organization backed certification if you want to practice the therapy professionally.

When in doubt, check the Federation of Holistic Therapists to look for an accredited teacher or school. If

you are in the USA, check the American Holistic Health Association for similar information.

In conclusion, many forms of holistic health have been shown to be highly beneficial for whole body

wellbeing, but it is important to remember that many wild and spurious claims are made about nearly

every kind of holistic or natural medicine. In addition, some people attempt to make money through

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hoax products and treatments, which actually do nothing. For example, Reiki cannot cure cancer any

more than a massage can, but it can improve whole body wellbeing. It is important to evaluate the

abilities and effects of the treatment before making or believing claims. One consideration is that if it

seems too good to be true, it probably is. There is no miracle cure, or no one would be sick, but holistic

medicine can be hugely beneficial. Take everything with a grain of salt, and remember to research your

methods before you use them.