Working in

Health Care

complementarytherapy

Includes 14

real-life case

studies covering:

� Hands-on treatment� Consulting and

teaching

� Promoting

Now on the internetwww.connexions-direct.com/wicomptherapy

Contents

2Hands-on treatment

Acupuncturist

Aromatherapist

Osteopath

Chiropractor

Reflexologist

Masseur

10Consulting and teaching

Homeopath

Yoga teacher

Herbalist (Chinese herbalmedicine)

Naturopath

Hypnotherapist

Nutritional therapist

18Promoting

Sales assistant (Health shopassistant)

Receptionist

20Further information

20Useful addresses

What is this booklet about?It is one of over 40 in a series covering manywork sectors, subjects and careers. Each bookcontains a number of case studies showing peoplein a variety of jobs. All telling you how it is –including the good things and the bad.

Each job shows you what qualifications you will need,what training you can get and how much you might bepaid. Also, you will see which route each person took ingetting that job.

How can I find out more?Look on the website www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u whichcontains background information on these featured jobs plus manymore. You can talk to your Connexions personal adviser who will helpyou research more details. Or you can contact one of the organisationslisted at the back of the book.

How can I contact Connexions?In person through a Connexions personal adviser who might bebased at your school, college or reached at your localConnexions centre. By telephone, text, webchat or e-mailthrough Connexions Direct. Open seven days a week,between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m.

Check out www.connexions-direct.com or look in thetelephone book to find your local centre. Or ring 080 800 13219 or text on 07766 413219 for Connexions Direct.

Other formats of this booklet are available – for details see back cover.

Key to salary icons

up to £12,000

£12,001 to £17,000

over £17,000

This represents the typical starting salary for the job featured in the case study.

Complementary therapists are committed to improving the health and well-being of their clients. As we become more interested in complementarymedicine, the demand for therapists increases. Working in conjunction withconventional medicine, they practise medical traditions that are thousands of years old.

1

So you want to work incomplementary therapy?

Working in complementary therapy

What are complementary therapies?Complementary therapies use natural methods to restore thebalance of the body and stimulate its own healing powers.Therapists take a holistic approach to the treatment of illness,which means they identify and treat the underlying cause ofthe illness rather than simply treating the symptoms.

Who employs complementary therapists?Most complementary therapists are self-employed, although asmall number are employed by organisations like complementarytherapy centres, health clubs, gyms and beauty therapy salons.There are around 50,000 complementary therapists practisingin the UK.

What sort of working environment can I expect?Working environments are clean and comfortable. You couldspend most of your working day sitting talking to clients, but ifyou give Hands-on therapy like massage, teach a discipline likeyoga or pilates, or work in a shop, you will be much more active.

Do I have the right personality?Most of the people interviewed in this book stress howimportant it is to be genuinely interested in helping others.Good communication skills are essential. People have healthproblems for all kinds of reasons, so you shouldn't bejudgemental. You need to empathise with clients withoutbecoming personally involved in their problems.

What skills/qualifications will I need?There are opportunities at all levels. While some therapists havedegrees and postgraduate qualifications, some jobs andtraining courses have no formal entry requirements.

Anyone who is self-employed needs business skills to attractclients, manage the finances and keep up to date withpaperwork. Many professional training courses include somemodules on running and building a business.

How do I choose a course?Short introductory leisure courses in many complementarytherapies are offered by colleges and training providersthroughout the UK. They will give you enough skills to practiseon family and friends and help you to decide whether youwould like to study the subject in more depth.

Do I need a qualification?To work as a professionaltherapist, you must study anaccredited course. Theprofessional bodies whichrepresent complementarytherapists are working withthe government on plans toregulate therapists in thesame way that mainstreamhealthcare professionals areregulated. This involvesregistering with a recognisedprofessional body beforebeing allowed to practise.Accredited courses will enableyou to qualify for registration.The organisations listed in theFurther information section,(p20) will advise you.

Is there anything else tothink about?If you are self-employed, yourincome is likely to vary frommonth to month, depending onthe number of patients you see.Overheads like rent, transportand marketing costs will affectthe amount you earn.

Most therapists set their ownworking hours, but it isimportant to be availablewhen clients can see you. Thiscould mean working in theevening or at weekends.

Is health and safety important?It's vital. I buy needles in sterile packs.Once I have used them, I dispose of theminstantly in a special bin. I must makesure the room, couch and any otherequipment I use are scrupulously clean.

What hours do you work?For two days a week, I work 9.00 a.m. to5.00 p.m. However, as a lot of patientswork full time, I stay open late on theother three days, and work on eitherSaturday or Sunday morning.

How did you train?I did a three-year part-time course whichwas very demanding as it involved lotsof written work as well as practicalclinical experience. I learned anatomyand physiology and various models ofChinese diagnosis.

What qualities make a goodacupuncturist?You have to be confident and focusedwhen inserting the needles. If you arenervous you won't do it properly. Youmust be able to make patients feelrelaxed and comfortable. Goodquestioning and listening skills areessential to make an accurate diagnosis.

What do you like most about your work?I love the variety – every day is different.I also enjoy the detective work involvedin getting to the bottom of people'sproblems.

Is there anything you dislike?The work can be tiring and draining, andI sometimes feel exhausted at the end ofa session.

What ambitions do you have?I'm working towards my degree inacupuncture and hope to complete it in two years' time. I'm also consideringtaking a counselling course so I can offermore services to patients.

2

Hands-on treatment

These therapies involve varying degrees of touch. The acupuncturist needs a gentle touch to insert theneedles while stamina and strength is necessary for osteopaths and chiropractors. Anyone considering aHands-on treatment therapy as a career needs to be fit and in excellent health.

What is acupuncture?Acupuncturists believe that energy flowsthrough the body along lines calledmeridians. If the energy is disturbed inany way, illness can result. Acupuncturistsuse needles to tap into points along themeridians, rebalancing the flow of energy.

Who do you help?Acupuncture can help with all sorts ofproblems including arthritis, stress,insomnia, skin problems and high bloodpressure. It is also useful for pain control.

What happens when a patient comes tosee you?Initially I undertake a detailed consultation,lasting around 45 minutes to an hour. Iask the patient about their current andprevious health problems, lifestyle, diet,stress levels and emotional wellbeing. Ialso take the patient's pulse and look attheir tongue – any swellings, coating orcolour changes on the tongue can indicatewhere the flow of energy in the bodymight be disrupted. I note everything onthe patient's record card.

After deciding on the best approach, Iexplain the treatment to the patient andwarn them that it could make them feeldrowsy – this is particularly important ifthey will be driving after the session.

Can you describe the treatment?I ask the patient to remove clothing fromthe area that I am going to treat. They lie on the couch, and I put needles intopoints on their body according to thediagnosis I made during the consultation.

The needles are very fine and don't reallyhurt – the patient may feel a slighttingling sensation. The needles stay inposition for about 25 minutes. I usuallyleave the patient to relax and listen togentle music. At the end of the session I give the patient advice on changes indiet and lifestyle which could improvetheir condition.

Louise Kesterton has her ownacupuncture practice inSutton Coldfield. She firstbecame interested in thetherapy when she was givenacupuncture to relieve thepain of a back injury. Itworked so well that sheinvestigated further anddecided to makeacupuncture her career.

AcupuncturistAcupuncturist

• A basic massage course will helpyou to learn about anatomy and physiology.

Louise’s tip

Louise’s route

• BA in English Literature.• Combined travel with various short-

term jobs.• Worked in a bookshop.• Three-year part-time Diploma

in Acupuncture.

3

• Human biology is a useful subject.• Try an aromatherapy treatment or

go on an introductory course.• A business course will help you to

run your own practice.

Laraba’s tips

Laraba’s route

• Three highers.• BSc in Clothing.• MA in Book Arts.• Worked in a range of fundraising

and business development jobs.• Diploma in Aromatherapy.• Started her own practice.

Laraba Friedman has herown aromatherapypractice in London.Aromatherapy helped herto recover from an illness.She was so impressedthat she decided to trainas an aromatherapist tohelp other people in thesame way.

AromatherapistAromatherapist

Most acupuncturists are self-employedand salaries can vary. A new entrantwould receive about £10,000 a year.Experienced acupuncturists can earnup to £18,000 a year. Acupuncturistsworking in large practices can earn upto £30,000 a year.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

ChiropractorHomeopathNaturopathNurseOsteopathPhysiotherapistReflexologist

• To be eligible for membership ofthe British Acupuncture Council(BAcC), you must have at leastthree years' extensive training (orpart-time equivalent) in traditionalacupuncture diagnosis andtreatment.

• Eight institutions in the UK offercourses that lead to automaticeligibility for membership of theBAcC. You can find a list atwww.acupuncture.org.uk

• Entry requirements are usually atleast five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3)and two or three A levels/four Hgrades, with science subjects beingthe most useful. Equivalentqualifications may be accepted.

• The minimum starting age variesbetween 18 and 21.

Can you describe a consultation?When I see a new client I start bycompleting a full health questionnaire.I then give them a body examination.Many people ask for help with a particularproblem – indigestion or insomnia, forexample – but during the consultation I may discover that these are symptomsof another condition, like stress.

I decide on the three most importantconditions to treat and which essentialoils will be most helpful. Because clientsare individuals with different needs, everytreatment is unique. I can use up to fouroils in a treatment and normally blend afew drops of each one into a carrier oil to use in massage.

What happens next?The client signs a consultation form to confirm that they understand thetreatment. Then they lie on the massagecouch completely covered in towels.I only expose the part of the body that I am massaging so the client doesn't get embarrassed.

How does aromatherapy work?It uses essential oils which are obtainedfrom different parts of plants. Each oil has unique healing properties. Oils aremassaged into the skin to promotephysical, emotional or psychologicalhealing. Massage loosens tight musclesand unblocks congested tissue. It alsotriggers the release of endorphins – thebody's pain-relieving hormones.

Working in complementary therapy

4

Hands-on treatment

Most aromatherapists are self-employed, so income varies accordingto the number of patients they treatand the amount they charge for eachsession. A new entrant will earn about£12,000 a year. With experience thiscould increase to £25,000. Anaromatherapist with a largeestablished practice could earn around £40,000 a year.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

ChiropractorHerbalistHomeopathMasseur/masseuseNaturopathNurseOsteopathPhysiotherapist

• If you want to practise aromatherapyprofessionally you should make surethe course you take is benchmarkedto the National OccupationalStandards (NOS) for aromatherapy.

• Diploma courses usually last twoyears part time. Some courses do nothave formal entry requirements, butyou need to be able to cope with thebiology and chemistry included inthe course. Other courses ask forGCSEs/S grades, or equivalent.Biology, anatomy, physiology andpathology are useful subjects.

• Single and joint honours degreecourses, which include the NOSrequirements for aromatherapy aswell as many other modules, areavailable. Thames Valley Universityoffers a two-year foundation degreein Aromatherapy and Reflexology.

What is osteopathy?It is a system of healthcare based on theidea that abnormalities in the structure ofthe body and the way it functions causemany common illnesses.

Who do you help?I treat people of all ages, from tiny babiesto the elderly. Osteopathy can help withall kinds of problems including back pain,arthritis, migraine, repetitive strain injuryand sports injuries. A lot of people cometo me with spinal pain and backcomplaints. Because I practise in gyms I also see a lot of sports people.

What happens during a treatment?The initial consultation usually lastsbetween 30 minutes and an hour. I askthe patient about all aspects of their life,including their physical and emotionalhealth and their diet. Next, I ask thepatient to undress down to theirunderwear to examine the painful areasof their body. I can then decide whetherosteopathic treatment will help them.

I explain everything carefully to thepatient, giving them an idea of what theywill feel during treatment and how longit should take for their condition toimprove. It's essential to get their consent before I start to treat them.

Stephen Makinde is anosteopath who works forthree different osteopathicpractices. Two of them arebased in gyms. He firstdiscovered the therapythrough one of his friendswho had a bad back –osteopathy helped him whenother treatments failed.

After the massage, I allow the client torelax while I make notes about how theyresponded to the treatment. I sometimesgive clients a treatment to use at home –essential oils can be used in many waysincluding inhalation, lotions, creams and compresses.

What hours do you work?I usually start at around 11.00 a.m. andcan work until about 9.00 p.m. I usuallywork six days a week. The first time I seea client the session lasts about 90 minutes.Subsequent sessions last 60 minutes.

How did you train?I did a diploma in aromatherapy whichtook 18 months part time. There were five week-long courses and a lot of workto complete in my own time. About halfof the course was written work, the restwas practical experience.

When I qualified, I took additionalspecialist courses in pregnancy massageand using aromatherapy on pregnantwomen, babies and children.

What do you like about your job?There's a lot of variety – I see so manydifferent people with different conditions.I really enjoy helping people and it's greatto see the effects of my treatment. I alsolike being able to set my own hours.

Is there anything you dislike?Because I'm self-employed I have to doall the tasks associated with running a business, like keeping receipts andrecords for tax. My income can varybecause it depends on the number ofclients I see.

What qualities do you need?You must have good listening skills andempathy with clients. You need to beinterested in healthcare because you will have to do a lot of research intomedical conditions. Business skills arealso important.

Most osteopaths are self-employed, soincome varies according to the numberof patients they treat and the amountthey charge for each session. A newentrant building up a practice couldearn £12,000 a year. With experiencethis could increase to £25,000.Osteopaths with well establishedpractices could earn around £50,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

ChiropractorGeneral practitionerNaturopathNursePhysiotherapistReflexologistSports physiotherapist

• All osteopaths must be registeredwith the General OsteopathicCouncil before they are allowed topractise. Candidates must have arecognised qualification inosteopathy from an accreditedosteopathic school. Contact theOsteopathic Information Service (seeFurther information, p20) for a list ofaccredited courses.

• Minimum entry requirements for adegree in osteopathy are usually atleast two A levels/four H grades (A-C/1-3) in science subjects, includingbiology and chemistry, and at leastfive GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3).

• Postgraduate degrees in osteopathyand short courses for qualifiedmedical doctors are also available.

What happens next?Sometimes I give treatment during theinitial consultation, but I may wait until thesecond visit. Treatment involves using myhands in a range of different techniques.

A common technique is manipulationwhere I give high velocity thrusts to helpincrease the mobility in a joint. Othertechniques include stretching andmassage. I sometimes give patientsexercises to do at home and advise themon lifestyle changes.

5

• Contact a local osteopath and askto talk to them about their work.

• Having an osteopathic treatmentmay help you to decide whether youwould like to find out more aboutthe therapy.

• Science A levels, particularly biology,are useful. Some colleges also askfor chemistry.

Stephen’s tips

Stephen’s route

• GCSEs.• A levels in psychology, biology and

physical education.• Took a year out coaching and

playing tennis.• BSc Osteopathic Medicine.

OsteopathOsteopath

What about the next visit?The second visit usually lasts 30 minutes.At the end of the session I examine thepatient again and ask some morequestions to check that there has beenan improvement. Some patients need justone or two treatments, but others needbetween four and six.

Do you ever refer patients to their doctor?Osteopaths and doctors often workclosely together. Part of my traininginvolved learning which conditionsosteopaths should not treat. If I suspectsomeone is suffering from one of thoseconditions, I send them to their doctor.

Can you describe your training?I did a four-year degree course. It coveredsubjects like anatomy, physiology,osteopathic technique, pathology and the diagnosis of disease. In the third and fourth years I did supervised sessionswith patients in the clinic attached to the college.

What do you like about the job?I really enjoy being able to relievepeople's pain. I also like the fact that I meet so many people in the course of my work. Everyone has an interestingstory to tell! I enjoy being self-employedtoo, because the harder I work the more I can earn.

What qualities make a good osteopath?Communication and listening skills arereally important – it's essential to buildrelationships with patients and gain theirtrust. You must also be good with yourhands. The training is demanding, so youdo need a genuine interest in health, aswell as motivation and dedication.

Working in complementary therapy

What hours do you work?I currently work 35 to 40 hours a week in my main practice, but occasionally I also cover for other chiropractors inlocal clinics in my spare time. Being self-employed means I can set my own hours.

How did you train?I did a five-year degree in humansciences and a masters in chiropractic.Core subjects included anatomy, physiology,biochemistry, neurology, pathology anddiagnosis. In my last year I worked undersupervision at the college's student clinic.

What do you enjoy most about your job?It is very rewarding to help someone in pain, and chiropractic can have animmediate effect on some conditions.Some patients arrive very distressed,but leave smiling!

Every patient I see is different, so eachday is interesting and varied. There areopportunities to develop my career as Icould specialise in a particular field – likeworking with pregnant women or children,sports professionals or the elderly.

What qualities make a goodchiropractor?You need to be good with your hands –good co-ordination is helpful. Problem-solving skills, maturity and the ability toempathise with people are also important.

6

Prab Chandhok is achiropractor who works in a multi-disciplinarypractice in Middlesex.Meeting a chiropractor at a school careers eveningencouraged him to beginchiropractic training.

What is chiropractic?Chiropractors diagnose and treatproblems with joints, bones and musclesand the effects they have on the nervoussystem, without drugs or surgery. Theywork with all the joints of the body,concentrating particularly on the spine.They use their hands to make gentleadjustments to improve the efficiency of the nervous system, releasing thebody's natural healing ability.

Who can you help?All kinds of people can benefit fromchiropractic treatment, including babies,children, adults, pregnant women and theelderly. I modify my techniques to suit thespecific needs of each patient.

What happens when a patient comes to see you?We start by discussing the patient's mainreason for seeking care, as well as otheraspects of their lifestyle and generalhealth. I ask questions to help identifythe possible causes of the problem, anddecide if chiropractic may help.

I also do a physical examination of thepatient, which includes a thorough check-up of the spine and other parts of the body.

What about treatment?I use a range of different techniques.The main emphasis is on gentlemanipulation of the joints, but I also useother techniques including soft tissuemassage and dry needling (using needlessimilar to those used in acupuncture forthe release of tight muscles). I also teachexercise techniques that can help toprevent some conditions returning.

The first appointment lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. Subsequent visits last 15 to 20 minutes.

How do you market your business?Most new patients come to me throughword of mouth. In this field you can builda strong reputation simply by doing agood job. I also talk to GPs about what I do and they often refer patients to me.I give talks about chiropractic to localgroups, which is another useful way offinding patients.

• Any work experience in a healthcareenvironment is relevant.

Prab’s tip

Prab’s route

• A levels.• Degree in Human Sciences.• Masters in Chiropractic.• Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) after

one year in practice.• Continuing professional

development including acertification in chiropracticpaediatrics.

ChiropractorChiropractor

Hands-on treatment

How does reflexology work?Reflex points on the feet and handsrelate to every part of the body. Duringtreatment I apply mild pressure tospecific areas of the foot. If an area feels tender or gritty it may indicate animbalance or problem in the correspondingarea of the body. Reflexology works torestore balance and relieve any symptoms.

Who can you help?I treat men and women of all ages, withall kinds of problems. I have treated menin their 50s who suffer from work-relatedstress and women in their 20s who havemigraines or hormonal problems.

What happens when the client arrivesfor their first treatment?I take notes of the patient's details andask about their general health, goingthrough a check-list of conditions whichmight prevent me from treating themwithout their doctor's consent. When I am happy the client is suitable for areflexology session, I ask them to removetheir socks and shoes and clean their feetwith a wipe. They then sit on the recliningreflexology chair.

What happens next?I begin the session, using talcum powderon my hands which helps me to hold thefeet firmly. The session normally takes 45 minutes. Some clients find it so relaxingthey fall asleep; others want to chat.

After the treatment, I make a note ofwhich reflex zones felt gritty or tenderduring the session, so I can build up apicture of possible problem areas overthe coming weeks.

7

Lorna Hill is a reflexologistwho practises in Glasgow.Reflexology is a form offoot massage which isbased on the theory thatthe body is divided intoten zones through whichenergy flows.

ReflexologistReflexologist

• Have a reflexology treatment to findout if you like it. It will also help youto understand what the client isfeeling and experiencing.

• Train in other complementary healthsubjects so that you can offer avariety of treatments.

Lorna’s tips

Lorna’s route

• Law degree.• Post-graduate certificate in

journalism.• Diploma in Reflexology.• Studied Indian head massage and

therapeutic massage to offer moreservices to clients.

• Currently studying for a certificate incounselling skills.

Most chiropractors are self-employedand incomes vary. A new entrant canearn around £18,000 a year. Anexperienced chiropractor can earn atleast £40,000 a year. Chiropractorsworking in large practices can earn upto £70,000 a year.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

AcupuncturistGeneral PractitionerOccupational TherapistOsteopathPhysiotherapistReflexologist

• To work as a chiropractor you must complete a degree courserecognised by the GeneralChiropractic Council (GCC) and register with them.

• Entry to chiropractic degree coursesusually requires at least three A levels/four H grades, normallyincluding biology and chemistry.There are preliminary chiropracticcourses for applicants who do nothave the usual entry qualifications.

• The minimum age to start training is 18.

What attracted you to study andpractise chiropractic?At school I was involved in looking afterpeople who had arthritis. I heard thatchiropractors helped them to cope andmanage their problems. I met a chiropractorat a school careers evening and wasinvited to see his clinic. I was amazedhow much he could help people, usingonly natural techniques withoutmedicines or surgery.

Working in complementary therapy

Hands-on treatment

Ed Walsh works for ConnectPhysical Health Centres inManchester. Ed enjoyedsport from an early age andwas fascinated when hesaw a therapist massagingan athlete. He decided tolearn more about it and hasmade it his career.

Who comes to you for massage?I see a wide range of people, including a lot of sports people. Massage helps toremove the waste products like lactic acid which build up in the body duringtraining. It also helps to relieve tensionand keep the muscles toned and in good shape.

Musicians come to me if they have builtup tension in their muscles due to longhours of rehearsing. Office workers mightbe suffering from stress or posture-related problems due to sitting at a deskall day. People like builders, decoratorsand plumbers could need a massage ifthey overuse their muscles.

8

How many times do you see each client?I usually recommend weekly sessions forfour to six weeks, but I leave the client todecide on how often they want to come.

Do you work a normal five-day week?No. It's important to work outside regularworking hours, as most people want to have treatment after work or atweekends. Usually, I work late on one or two evenings a week, and I work on Saturdays.

How did you train?My course was spread over severalweekends and took just under a year to complete. It involved around 100teaching hours. Usually we would studytheory in the morning, including anatomyand physiology, and do practical work inthe afternoon.

I also had to complete about 86 hours of case studies which were continuallyassessed throughout the training. Thisinvolved spending a lot of my own timepractising on friends and relatives.

What do you like about the job?I enjoy meeting people and seeing thedifference I can make to their health andwell-being. It is fulfilling to see howrelaxed people can be after a session,particularly if they have arrived feelingstressed after a hard day at work.

What qualities make a goodreflexologist?You have to be interested in people andtheir health, with strong communicationskills. You need to identify which clientswant to chat and which would rather bequiet during the session. It also helps tobe friendly and smile – even if you arehaving a bad day!

Salary information

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AcupuncturistAromatherapistChiropodist/PodiatristChiropractorHerbalistNaturopathOsteopathPhysiotherapist

• A wide variety of courses inreflexology are offered by a numberof different organisations. Coursesfor professionals usually last oneyear or more.

• There are often no formal entryrequirements, but applicants must beable to cope with the study ofhuman biology as well as the writtenelements of reflexology courses.

• The minimum age to begin trainingis normally 18.

Most reflexologists are self-employed,so income varies according to thenumber of patients they treat and theamount they charge for each session.Someone building a practice couldearn £12,000 a year. With experiencethis could increase to £20,000.Reflexologists with large, establishedpractices could earn £40,000 a year.

• Contact a masseur and ask if youcan watch them working.

• Biology is a useful school subject.

Ed’s tips

Ed’s route

• Worked as a lifeguard.• HND Biology.• HND Physiology and Health

Science.• BSc Sports Rehabilitation.• Worked in a gym and did voluntary

work with a basketball team whilestudying.

• Present job.

How do you market your business?I sometimes work in an establishedcomplementary health business whichmeans marketing is slightly easier, asclients call the clinic to makeappointments. I also rent out a treatmentroom, and have found the best way tofind new clients is by word of mouth andthrough friends and family.

Do you do anything else?If there is an area of scar tissue from apulled muscle or torn ligament I use mythumb, tip of finger, base of hand orelbow to apply controlled force across the direction of the muscle line. Thiscreates heat, improving the blood flowwhich removes waste and brings healthy nutrients to the area toencourage healing.

How did you train?I learnt massage as part of my degree insports rehabilitation. As well as coresubjects like anatomy and physiology,I did two or three case studies each yearto learn which massage techniques werebest suited to which sports and types ofinjuries. I also had to do assessedmassages throughout the course.

What do you like about the job?The variety and the one-to-onecommunication with clients. You also seeresults very quickly. Clients arrive in a lotof discomfort but they leave feeling much better.

How does each session start?I go through a full health questionnairewith new clients and ask them specificquestions about the problem, when andhow it started and how it restricts theiractivities. I make sure that they aresuitable for treatment, as people with certain conditions should not have massage.

I explain the treatment to new clients,then leave them for a few moments whilethey remove clothing from the area to betreated, cover themselves with towelsand lie on the couch.

What happens next?I make sure that the client is warm andcomfortable. Next, I warm my hands andapply oil. I start the massage by movingmy hands in circling, fanning or T-shapedmovements across the client's skin. Theaim is to help them relax as well asspread the oil, increasing blood flow andwarming the tissues.

Then I use techniques like rolling andkneading which relieve tension, promotegood muscle tone, stimulate the nervoussystem and remove waste products fromthe muscles. The third stage involvespercussion – controlled slapping of themuscle using my fingers and the side of my hand.

9

MasseurMasseur/Masseuse

A new entrant could earn £12,000.This could rise to £16,000. Anestablished masseur with a largeclient list could earn £20,000 or more.

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AromatherapistChiropractorOsteopathPhysiotherapistReflexologistSports physiotherapist

• There are many massage courses,but to join the General Council forMassage Therapy (GCMT) NationalRegister of Qualified MassagePractitioners, you must havecompleted a course approved by them.

• Approved courses last a minimum of six months.

• There are no formal entryrequirements for many courses but you must be over 18 to begin training.

Working in complementary therapy

What hours do you work?I usually do four-hour shifts which couldbe in the morning, afternoon or evening.I also work with a basketball team from6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Is there anything you dislike?The work is physically tiring, but that ispart of the job and you get used to it.

What makes a good masseur?You must be very confident and a goodcommunicator. It is important to makethe clients relax and learn to trust you.

What hours do you work?During my two full days at the pharmacy I work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. I makeappointments on other days to suitpatients, including Saturdays. It's veryimportant to be flexible when you arerunning this sort of business.

How did you train?I did a three-year full-time course. Therewas lots of supervised clinical practice –either watching other students treatpatients or treating them myself. The finalyear included writing up 20 case studies.

What do you like most about your job?I meet a lot of people with differentproblems, so no two days are the same.I really enjoy helping people and seeingthe difference that treatment can make to their health and well-being.

How do you find new patients?That is probably the hardest thing aboutbuilding a business. The pharmacy puts my leaflets on display, so customers knowabout the practice and what I do. Peoplechat to me informally about homeopathy,and it can give them the confidence tomake an appointment for a full consultation.Some of my patients also recommend meto their friends and relatives.

I post the remedy to the patient, alongwith an instruction sheet describing howand when to take it. I may also includeother advice such as changes in diet thatcould be helpful.

Do patients need a follow-upappointment?I usually see patients again after amonth. I spend about 30 minutes withthem, finding out how they are progressing.I may change the dosage of theirmedication or prescribe a different remedy.Most patients see me three or four times.

Manishaa Patel is a self-employed homeopathworking in Crawley,Sussex. She discoveredhomeopathy whiletravelling in India.

What is homeopathy?It is a type of medicine using remediesfrom natural sources. All the remedies are very diluted and help the body torecognise that it has a problem and healitself. Homeopathy can help anyone, frombabies to the elderly, and is used to treata very wide range of complaints.

Where do you practise?I am based in a pharmacist's shop. I spendtwo full days a week there when anyonecan ask me about homeopathic treatment.I give advice to customers with simplecomplaints, like colds, bruises or strains,and book appointments for those withmore complicated problems.

What does a consultation involve?I see the patient in a private clinic roomat the pharmacy. I spend about an hourwith them, discussing their complaint and their symptoms. I do some physicalchecks, such as taking their bloodpressure, checking their weight andexamining their skin.

What happens next?I take the notes from the consultationhome with me so I can spend timeresearching the best remedy. I consult alot of reference books and use specialistcomputer software to help me decide.

• Science qualifications are very helpful.

• Contact a homeopath in your areaand find out about what's involved.

• Try a homeopathic treatment for asimple ailment like a cold.

Manishaa’s tips

Manishaa’s route

• Science A levels.• BSc Medical Biology.• Three years' study for LcH

(Licentiate in Homeopathy).• One year pre-registration,

practising and putting together a portfolio of case studies.

• Registered with the Alliance ofRegistered Homeopaths.

Homeopath Homeopath

10

Consulting and teaching

Many therapies involve a consultation with the client and teaching, either on a one-to-one or class basis.Good communication skills are vital for these therapies as is the ability to concentrate and relate well toall types of people. You will need organisational skills, as well as the ability to handle groups yetremain alert to the needs of individuals at the same time.

Most homeopaths are self-employedand their income varies according tothe number of patients they treat andthe fees they charge. A new entrant,building a practice, could earn about£12,000 a year. With experience thiscould increase to £20,000.Homeopaths with large practices andgood reputations could earn £40,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

AromatherapistHerbalistNaturopathPharmacistPharmacy Technician

• There are many courses inhomeopathy, offered by manydifferent bodies. Contact one of theprofessional registering bodies (seeFurther information, p20) for adviceon choosing a suitable course.

• Entry qualifications for a diplomacourse in homeopathy vary from noformal qualifications to two A levelsor equivalent, depending on thecourse provider. Full-time courseslast for three years. Part-timecourses last for four or five years.

• Full-time and part-time BSc coursesare also available. Entry normallyrequires two A levels/three H grades,preferably including biology, withscience or chemistry studied toGCSE level.

What qualities do you need?People skills are vital. You must bepatient and understanding. It's also veryimportant to be non-judgemental – somepatients have values that are verydifferent to mine, but I must not let that affect the way I treat them.

11

Kimberley Phillips is a self-employed yoga teacherbased in Manchester. Shestarted going to yogaclasses when she was 16.She enjoyed it so much andfelt so many health benefitsthat eventually she decidedto train as a yoga teacher.

Yoga teacherYoga Practitioner

What is yoga?It is an ancient system of living –practised in India thousands of years ago – which helps to keep the mind,body and emotions in balance. In western society we are more familiarwith the physical aspect of yoga, whichincorporates basic breathing exercises,posture work (know as asanas),relaxation and/or meditation.

Who do you teach?People of any age can learn yoga, so I teach a wide range. Most classes aretargeted at a particular group, for examplebeginners, intermediate or advanced, orover 50s.

Over the past year I have run special yogaclasses for nursery school children agedthree to four years old. I have alsocompleted a specialist course on teaching yoga to pregnant women.

What happens during a class?I usually start by introducing a simpletheme based on the philosophy of yoga.We then do some gentle breathing andstretching to warm up. I spend some timeguiding students through limbering thewhole body, which helps to avoid possibleinjury, before progressing onto asanas(physical postures).

I demonstrate each posture and talkstudents through it. Safety is veryimportant, so I must observe my studentscarefully. If they look uncomfortable or arenot performing the posture correctly, I mayadjust their posture or talk them into abetter position.

How do you end the class?I finish with a relaxation session. With moreexperienced students I often incorporatesome calming meditation techniques.

• Find a teacher you like and startattending yoga classes. You usuallyneed some experience before youcan attend a training course in yoga teaching.

• Training is a long-term commitment.Do some research and make sure itis right for you.

Kimberley’s tips

Kimberley’s route

• 8 GCSEs and 3 A levels.• BSc Psychology.• Worked in social work.• British Wheel of Yoga Teaching

Diploma.• Has been teaching yoga for

two years.

Working in complementary therapy

Consulting and teaching

12

How long is a normal class?It depends on the style of yoga beingtaught but on average classes lastbetween one and a half and two hours.

What hours do you work?Most classes are from 6 p.m. in theevening, when people are finishing work.Classes during the day tend to be morespecialised – they could involve workingwith children in schools, at health centres,or with retired people. I also work at theweekends when more people are free toattend classes. Sunday mornings areincreasingly popular.

How did you train?My course lasted about three years.I went to classes one day a month tolearn about all aspects of yoga, includingphilosophy, anatomy and physiology, safeteaching practices and physical practice.

I also had to do a lot of work at homesuch as writing essays, preparingpractical work, attending yoga classes (to improve my own practice) andreading. It was difficult, because I wasalso working full time, but very rewarding.

What do you like about the job?I love the fact that students seem to getso much out of the classes. They all workreally hard and ask lots of questions.I enjoy helping people to increase their well-being and happiness.

Is there anything you don't like?Because I am self-employed I have toaccept that my income can change from week to week.

What qualities do you need?You must have a genuine love of yoga,be a good communicator and enjoyworking with people. You should have aflexible approach to work and be able toadapt class content quickly if it doesn'tmeet the needs of individual studentsand the class as a whole.

Most yoga practitioners are self-employed, and incomes varyconsiderably. A new entrant wouldreceive about £10,000 a year. Withsome experience this could increase to £20,000. An experienced yogapractitioner could earn £30,000 a year.

Salary information

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Related jobs

Aerobics teacherAlexander technique practitionerChiropractorHealth and fitness instructorNaturopathOsteopath

• There are many courses in yoga, butto qualify to join the Register ofExercise Professionals, you musthave completed a British Wheel ofYoga (BWY) Teaching Diploma.

• The diploma course lasts betweentwo and four years and takesaround 500 hours of study.

• There are no academic entryrequirements, but you should havepractised yoga with a BWYrecognised teacher for at least twoyears before starting the course.

Cheng Hao Zhou practisesChinese herbal medicineat the Northern College ofAcupuncture in York. Shetreats illness with plantremedies, following atradition which is overtwo thousand years old.

What is Chinese herbal medicine?Traditional Chinese medicine dates backto a time before the development ofmodern sciences like chemistry andphysiology. It is based on the idea that allof nature is balanced – heat is balancedby cold, for example. Humans should bebalanced too, and if something happenswhich disturbs a person's balance, theybecome ill.

Who can you help?Chinese herbal medicine can help peopleof all ages with a wide range of commonmedical complaints. These include asthma,allergies, skin conditions, depression, highblood pressure and back pain.

What happens during a consultation?Traditional Chinese medicine looks at thewhole person and not just the symptomsof the illness. I spend a lot of time talkingto the patient, finding out about theirillness, when and how it started, how ithas progressed and how it responded toprevious medical treatment. Informationabout the patient's lifestyle and diet isvery helpful too.

Do you carry out a physical examination?Yes, I check the patient's pulse and lookat their tongue. The strength and variousqualities of the pulse, and the colour,shape and coating of the tongue can tell me a lot about the patient's health.

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Herbalist (Chineseherbal medicine)

Herbalist

How do you decide what treatment to prescribe?All the information I gather from thepatient helps me to understand the causeof their illness and how their balance hasbeen disturbed. I then prescribe a numberof herbs to balance the disorder. Forexample, if the patient suffers fromweakness, I would use plants withstrengthening properties.

What happens next?I dispense the remedy. Most of the herbsI use come from the supplier in powderform. I then explain to the patient how touse the remedy – they usually need tomix the powder with water and boil it.

Do you give any other advice?In some cases it's very important to givethe patient advice on lifestyle changeswhich will improve their health. I oftenadvise patients on how to keep a goodlife-work balance, relaxation techniques,nutrition, using food supplements andappropriate exercises.

How long does it take?Consultations last around 45 minutes toan hour. Patients with minor illnessesmight see me once or twice, but severeillnesses can take one or two years totreat. On average, I see each patientabout ten times. I take notes on everythingdiscussed during each consultation and allthe treatments I prescribe.

What do you like most about the job?I really enjoy working with people andhelping to make their lives easier andhappier. I also teach traditional Chinesemedicine to the students at the collegewhere I work, which gives me variety.I enjoy the constant challenge to learnmore and keep improving my skills.

Is there anything you dislike?Some people think of herbal remedies as“witches' brew” rather than medicine.I find this very frustrating. However,Chinese medicine will soon be regulated,just like mainstream western medicine,so hopefully this image will change.

What hours do you work?I work from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.,Monday to Friday.

What qualities make a good herbalist?Listening skills and observational skillsare essential. It also helps to have anunderstanding of the philosophicalbackground of traditional Chinese medicine.

• Find out more about Chinese herbalmedicine on the Internet. Sites likewww.chinese-medicine.co.uk andwww.rchm.co.uk give usefulinformation.

Cheng’s tip

Cheng’s route

• Batchelor of Medicine (MB).• Worked and studied further

in China.• Took up present job in the UK and

became a Member of the Registerof Chinese Herbal Medicine(MRCHM).

Most herbalists are self-employed, sotheir income varies. A new entrant,building a practice, could earn about£12,000 a year. With experience thiscould increase to £20,000. Herbalistswith large practices and 10 to 15years' experience could earn £40,000 a year.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

AcupuncturistAromatherapistDieticianHomeopathPharmacist

• To qualify for registration with one of the professional associationsfor herbalists you must take arecognised professional courseaccredited by either the NationalInstitute of Medical Herbalists(NIMH) or the European HerbalPractitioners Association's (EHPA)Accreditation Board.

• Degrees and diplomas in herbalmedicine are available. Entryrequirements vary but for a degreeyou usually need two or three Alevels/four H grades, or equivalent,including biology or human biology.

• The Register of Chinese HerbalMedicine (www.rchm.co.uk) has alist of institutions offering approvedprofessional courses in Chineseherbal medicine.

Working in complementary therapy

Consulting and teaching

14

What is naturopathy?A naturopath believes that the body iscapable of repairing itself, so my workinvolves educating people on how toboost their immune systems and createthe best possible environment to helptheir bodies repair.

Shireen Sherif is anaturopath who practisesin Hampshire. She alsoteaches students at theBritish College ofOsteopathic Medicine in London.

What happens during a consultation?I start by asking the patient about theircomplaint, how severe it is, and how itaffects their life. I then take a full medical history, noting previous injuries, operations and serious illnesses, and whether the patient istaking any medication.

I also find out about the patient's familymedical history and their working life.I check their weight and height, andexamine their body for problems withposture. I also check their blood pressureand pulse.

Do you ask for other information?I give patients a diet diary and ask themto list in detail everything they eat anddrink in the following week. If they havecereal for breakfast I need to know whattype, roughly how much they ate, howmuch sugar they added, how much milkthey used and whether it was full-fat,semi-skimmed or skimmed.

Why do you need to know so much?A health problem could be caused by many different factors. Building a complete picture of the patient and theirlifestyle helps me to understand theirproblem and recommend the mostappropriate treatment.

NaturopathNaturopath

• Work experience with people can be helpful.

• Contact a naturopath and ask toobserve them at work.

• You won't be able to instructpatients unless you believe innaturopathy and follow the lifestyleyourself.

Shireen’s tips

Shireen’s route

• A levels in physics, chemistry,biology, maths and English.

• BSc Osteopathic Medicine (withDiploma in Naturopathic Medicine).

• MA Osteopathic Medicine.• Teaching at the British College of

Osteopathic Medicine.• Five years working in a

complementary health clinic.• One year in her own practice.

What treatments do you recommend?Changes in diet are often helpful,although people's bodies react to food in different ways. I examine the patient'sdiet diary and identify a food which couldbe causing the problem. I advise them toavoid that food completely for six weeksand monitor their condition during thattime. If it doesn't improve, that particularfood was not causing the problem andwe try something else.

I could also recommend breathing andother exercises, and in some cases foodsupplements.

Do you give any physical treatment?There's hydrotherapy which stimulatesthe circulation and the immune system.The patient sits in a large bowl, known as a sitz bath, which is filled with coldwater. Their feet are placed in anotherbowl filled with hot water. I alternate hotand cold water in the bowls throughoutthe treatment.

I could also use my hands to treat partsof the body. For example, to treat thelungs, I would work on the ribs, intercostalmuscles, diaphragm and its nerve supply.

What hours do you work?I work in my private practice three days a week, from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Thereare often breaks between appointments,so I can sometimes go home for a fewhours in the middle of the day. On thetwo days when I am teaching, I workfrom 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

What do you like most about your job?I really enjoy the variety and I meet newpeople all the time. It's very satisfyingwhen treatments work. I also enjoychoosing my own hours.

Working in complementary therapy

15

Is there anything you dislike?Naturopathy doesn't help everybody andit can be frustrating when treatmentsdon't work.

What skills do you need?Listening skills and empathy withpatients are very important. Treatmentcan take a long time and results dependon how well the patient follows advice,so patience is essential.

Naturopaths are self-employed, soincome depends on how many patientsthey treat and the rates they charge foreach session. A new entrant, buildingup a practice, could earn about £12,000a year. With experience this couldincrease to £20,000. Naturopaths with established practices could earn £40,000-£45,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

AcupuncturistAromatherapistDieticianGeneral practitionerHerbalistHomeopathOsteopath

• To qualify for registration with theGeneral Council and Register ofNaturopaths (GCRN) you must havestudied a full-time accredited coursein naturopathic medicine, leading toa Naturopathic Diploma (ND), orhold a Degree in Health Sciences,Complementary Therapies (Pathwayfor Naturopathic Medicine) from theUniversity of Westminster. For moreinformation about accredited coursescontact the Naturopathic Helpline(see Further information, p20).

• The British College of OsteopathicMedicine offers a BSc (Hons) Degreein Osteopathic Medicine combinedwith a Naturopathic Diploma, and a four-year full-time Diploma in Naturopathy.

• Minimum qualifications for entry arethree A levels/four H grades, usuallyincluding biology and chemistry, andfive GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3),including English.

Andy Stratton is ahypnotherapist with hisown practice in Brighton.He is fascinated by theway the human mindworks and trained as ahypnotherapist to helppeople make positivechanges in their lives.

HypnotherapistHypnotherapist

What is hypnotherapy?Hypnotherapy uses the natural process ofrelaxation to encourage calm throughoutthe mind and body. This is known as atrance state. It's a time when theunconscious mind becomes more open to accept positive suggestions which canovercome anxieties, break habits andimprove many areas of life.

• Try hypnotherapy yourself. It's a veryrelaxing experience and a sessionwill help you to understand how thetherapy works.

• Any work experience with people,particularly if it involves helping themto deal with problems, will be helpful.

Andy’s tips

Andy’s route

• BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

• TEFL (Teaching English as aForeign Language) course.

• Taught English in Japan for one year.

• One-year Diploma in Hypnotherapy.• Volunteered on a mental health

help line while studying, which gavehim experience of talking to peoplewith a variety of difficult issues.

Who can you help?More and more people are trying to giveup smoking and many of them turn tohypnotherapists for help. I also treatphobias, such as a fear of flying or public speaking. I have some clients who use hypnotherapy to help overcome depression.

And how do you help them?When a new client phones to make anappointment we talk about what theywould like to achieve from hypnosis andhow I can help. I find out more informationabout the problem when they arrive –this helps me to decide how I will directthe hypnosis.

During hypnosis, the client closes theireyes, sits back and listens to my voice.I use a special way of talking to helpthem relax and reach a trance state. ThenI guide them through imagery of howgood life will be when they lose theirfears or habits.

How long does it take?The first session with a new client lasts90 minutes. Subsequent sessions last onehour. The number of sessions each clientneeds depends on their problem. Givingup smoking, dealing with phobias orbreaking habits usually only need acouple of treatments, but clients withdepression will need more sessions.

Consulting and teaching

16

What is nutritional therapy?It is a natural approach to restoring andmaintaining good health through the useof diet and supplements. It addresses theunderlying causes of health problemsrather than just the symptoms.

How does diet affect our health?Our body cells use the nutrients in thefood we eat and drink to grow and repairthemselves. The modern diet does notgenerally provide the range, level orquality of the nutrients we need. Also,factors such as smoking, alcohol, stress,pesticides and pollution can actively lowernutrient levels in the body, and this canlead to a wide range of health problems.

What sort of people use your services?Anyone – from babies and children to theelderly – can benefit from nutritionaltherapy. Some clients have specific healthproblems like asthma, depression, fatigueor arthritis. Others just want to improvetheir general well-being. Nutritional therapycan also strengthen the immune system.

How do you help your clients?Before a consultation I send out adetailed questionnaire about health, dietand lifestyle, and a 7-day food diary forclients to record everything they eat anddrink for a week. Then I visit the client intheir own home for a consultation.

Zoe Kirby is a self-employednutritional therapist based inLondon. Zoe was attracted toher career because sherealised that a good diet andusing the right nutritionalsupplements had a positiveimpact on her own health.

A new entrant could earn £12,000.This could rise to £20,000 a year withexperience. A hypnotherapist with alarge, established practise could earn£40,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Clinical psychologistCounsellorDramatherapistPsychiatristPsychoanalyst

• A number of organisations offerhypnotherapy training, but to beeligible for membership of theGeneral Hypnotherapy StandardsCouncil (GHR) you must havecompleted a course validated atpractitioner level. A list oforganisations offering validatedcourses is available on the GHRwebsite at www.general-hypnotherapy-register.com

• There are no formal entryrequirements for most courses.Some organisations offer foundationcourses or introductory workshopswhich candidates should completebefore beginning practitioner level training.

• Courses range from two weeks full-time, to one year part-time.

What hours do you work?A lot of clients work during the day and so prefer evening or weekendappointments. I book appointmentswhich are convenient for both the clientand me. This means my hours are not predictable.

How did you train?I did a one-year diploma in hypnotherapy.There was a lot of emphasis on howpeople can maintain good mental healthby balancing different aspects of theirlives and having social contact, goals and ambitions, and good nutrition.

What do you like about the job?The best moment is when the client looks completely calm after a session,especially if they were anxious before.Sometimes I know that I've made a bigdifference to someone's life and that isreally satisfying.

Is there anything you dislike?Sometimes clients fail to come fortreatment without letting me know.That is a real waste of my time.

What qualities make a goodhypnotherapist?It's essential to make the client feelrelaxed and encourage them to see howtheir lives can improve and change. Youshould also be able to change your styleand adapt the hypnosis to each individual patient.

How do you market your practice andfind new clients?I put adverts in local papers anddistribute leaflets through doors and incafes, pubs and gyms. I have a websitewhich is registered with search enginesso people who are looking forhypnotherapy can find me.

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We discuss positive changes to their diet,and I give them an individually tailoredprogramme of lifestyle and dietarychanges to put into practice until thenext time we meet. I could alsorecommend that they take nutritionalsupplements, or undergo tests to see if they have a food intolerance.

• Science A levels will help you tocope with the diploma course.

• If you don't have sciencequalifications you could do a science Access course or Foundation Degree.

• Work experience in a natural healthclinic or shadowing qualifiednutritional therapists can be helpful.

Zoe’s tip’s

Zoe’s route

• Four A levels including biology andchemistry.

• MA (Oxon) in Psychology.• Diploma from the Institute for

Optimum Nutrition.• Member of the British Association

for Nutritional Therapy.• Work experience shadowing other

therapists.

Nutritional therapistNutritional therapist

How long does it take?The first consultation lasts between an hour and 90 minutes. Follow-upconsultations last around 45 minutes.I try to see clients a minimum of threetimes during the first six months, andthen once a year after that.

What hours do you work?I work for myself, so I can be flexible.I see clients during normal workinghours, but if that isn't convenient forthem, I can offer appointments in theevenings and at weekends.

How did you train?I did a three-year part-time course at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition inLondon. Most people on the course wereworking full or part time as well asstudying. The first year was science-basedwith a lot of theory to learn; after thatwe began to have supervised practicalexperience advising clients.

What do you like about the job?I really like working for myself. I knowthat the harder I work and the moreeffort I put into finding clients, the more successful I will become. I alsoenjoy helping people to improve theirhealth by natural methods.

What qualities make a good nutritional therapist?You must have an interest in naturalhealth and good food. It's important to bea good communicator and, because youare your own boss, to be self-motivated.

How do you market your business andfind new clients?Word of mouth is probably the mostimportant way – existing clients oftenrecommend me to their friends. I alsohave a brochure and business cardswhich I distribute in local shops and I give talks to relevant groups of people,such as pregnant women.

Most nutritional therapists are self-employed and incomes vary. A newentrant will probably receive about£15,000 a year. With experience thiscould increase to £25,000. Anexperienced nutritional therapistcould earn £35,000.

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Related jobs

DieticianGeneral practitionerHealth visitorHerbalistNaturopathNurse

• There are no set entry requirementsfor some diploma courses innutritional therapy, but someGCSEs/S grades or equivalentqualifications will be helpful.Biology, anatomy, physiology andpathology are useful subjects.

• To do a degree in nutritional therapythe usual requirements are at leastfive GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) andthree A levels/four H grades,preferably including biology, humanbiology, physics or chemistry.

Working in complementary therapy

There's also a range of natural beautyproducts like shampoos and face creams,books and some exercise equipment likeyoga mats and yoga bricks.

Do you advise customers?That's very important. Some customersare very interested in natural healthcareand want a lot of information aboutdifferent products and how they work,as well as lifestyle advice.

Do you need a lot of knowledge?Yes, but it's something you learn withexperience. There are lots of books toconsult about natural healthcare. We alsohave a health information program on thecomputer which we can use to check thingslike the medicinal properties of herbs.

Sometimes suppliers send trainers towork with staff in the shop. They talk usthrough their products, explaining whichconditions they could help and how theyshould be used.

What else does your job involve?I order stock. It's important to respond tocustomer needs and monitor the sales of particular products in the shop. Thecomputerised till system is useful becauseit records everything that is sold, so I cansee which products are the most popular.

18

What happens when stock arrives?I check the delivery against my originalorder. If there are any problems I contactthe suppliers to sort them out. I then putthe bar codes of the newly-delivereditems into the till which adds them to ourstock system. I also notify the accountsdepartment that the delivery has arrivedso they can deal with the payment.

Where do you put the stock?Storage space is limited, so most of thestock goes straight onto the shelves.Products are arranged so that customerscan find what they need easily. It'simportant to keep the shelves clean and tidy to attract customers.

Do you do anything else?I also take payments from customers.That involves using the till and handlingcheques and credit card payments. It'simportant to understand the system fordiscounts and special offer products. Atthe end of the day I cash up, checkingthat the amount in the till matches thesales records, and make sure the takingsare delivered to the bank.

What hours do you work?Probably about 40 hours a week onaverage. You have to be prepared to worksome evenings and weekends.

Can you describe your role?I'm acting manager in a newly-openedstore, helping staff who are new to thecompany to settle into their jobs, anddealing with everything from stockordering to serving customers.

What products do you sell?We stock food supplements like vitaminsand minerals, herbal and homeopathicmedicines, aromatherapy oils and sportsnutrition. We sell some food, includingpulses, beans and nuts and specialityfoods for gluten-free or wheat-free diets.

David Price works inNutricentre in Newcastle.He developed his interestin natural healthcarewhile travelling in NewZealand, Australia andAmerica, and now enjoyshelping to educate andmotivate customers totake responsibility fortheir own health.

• English, maths, biology, chemistryand health studies are all useful subjects.

• Reading about complementarytherapies will give you a basicknowledge of natural healthcare.

David’s tips

David’s route

• HND Applied Biology.• BSc Applied Human Physiology.• One year travelling around the world.• Worked at Nutricentre.• Was promoted as the company grew.

Sales assistant (Health shop assistant)

Sales assistant

Promoting

Whatever your career incomplementary therapies youwill need help to sell yourservices and to organise yourbusiness. These supporting rolesare a useful way of gaining aninsight into the various therapiesbefore choosing specific training.

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Salary information

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Related jobs

Beauty consultantCheckout operatorCustomer services assistant/managerDisplay designer/visual merchandiserReceptionistStore demonstratorStore owner/manager

• There are no minimum qualificationsfor this career although someemployers ask for at least twoGCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). Somecompanies set tests in basic mathsand English.

• Qualifications in retail include aBTEC first diploma, nationalcertificate and national award,NVQ/SVQ at Levels 2 and 3, and an AVCE.

• Apprenticeships may be available.

The starting salary for sales assistantsis around £8,000 a year. Moreexperienced sales assistants earnaround £12,800. Supervisors mayearn up to £15,000 a year.

Kat Riddle is a receptionistat The Health Works, acomplementary therapyclinic in Walthamstow. Sheis also trainning to be areflexologist and finds herwork on the receptiondesk an excellent way ofbuilding her knowledge.

ReceptionistReceptionist

What does your job involve?One of the most important tasks isanswering the phone and makingappointments for patients to see thetherapists. I take the patient's name andphone number and write them in a timeslot in the book, along with the cost ofthe treatment. I also give them directionsto the clinic if necessary.

What happens when a patient arrivesfor treatment?There's a buzzer system at the clinic sopatients tell me who they are and whothey have come to see before I let themin. When they arrive I offer them a drinkand let the therapist know their patienthas arrived.

I ask new patients to fill in a registrationform and any other forms the therapistmight need, for example a medicalhistory questionnaire. The therapist then comes to reception to collect their patient.

And when they leave?When a patient has finished theirtreatment, they come back to receptionto pay. I put the payment into a plasticwallet with the relevant therapist's nameon it. I also record the payment in theappointment book. If the patient asks fora receipt I complete a handwritten form.

Do you ever give advice?Sometimes I get calls from people whohave a problem but don't know whichtherapy would be best for them. I explainsome of the therapies available to helpthem to decide which therapist to see.

Other people simply want informationabout the clinic, so I send them a brochure.Making up the brochures is another ofmy tasks. At quiet times I print out thepages from the computer and put themtogether in the right order.

• IT skills are an advantage.• A receptionist is the first point of

contact with a company for mostpeople, so it's important that youlook presentable, as well as beingfriendly and helpful.

Kat’s tips

Kat’s route

• GCSEs and A levels.• Gap year at the Millennium Dome.• BA in History of Art.• Receptionist at a health and

beauty clinic.• Present job.• Currently training to be

a reflexologist.

Working in complementary therapy

What skills do you need?It's important to have an interest in naturalhealthcare and to want to help otherpeople look after their own health. Youshould be friendly and helpful. Goodcommunication skills are useful and basicmaths is important for dealing with money.

What do you like most about your job?I love working with people, helping themto change their lifestyles and improvetheir health. This industry is growing all the time, so there are lots ofopportunities to advance my career.

Further reading(Some may be priced)

Becoming a Complementary Therapist – How To Books

Complementary Medicine – Trotman

Getting into Complementary Therapies – Trotman

Working in healthcare - Connexions

For further details on careers look on theConnexions jobs4u website

i www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u

Leaflets and information can be obtained from theorganisations listed below.

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Do you do anything else?Occasionally a therapist is unwell andhas to cancel an appointment. It is myjob to call the patient to explain andrearrange the appointment.

We also sell natural products, rangingfrom hand creams to cough remedies andhomeopathic first aid boxes. They are allprice-marked and kept in a cabinet inreception. It's part of my responsibility to deal with the product sales.

What hours do you work?I work three days a week from 2.30 p.m.to 8.30 p.m. The clinic is open from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Saturdays too.Sometimes, I cover for other receptionistswhen they are on holiday.

What do you like about the job?I love working with the therapists. I'mtraining to be a reflexologist, so it's reallyhelpful to talk to them and find outabout how they work. I also enjoy beingpart of an organisation that helps tomake people feel better.

Is there anything you dislike?When the clinic is busy it can be a bitoverwhelming. I could be helping onenew patient to fill in forms and takingpayment from another, with the phoneringing, the entry buzzer going and achild screaming in reception!

What qualities make a good receptionist?You must be able to speak clearly, be politeand friendly, and enjoy working withpeople. Good communication skills areessential. You should be well organised,remain calm under pressure and have a lot of energy to cope at busy times.

Trainee receptionists earn about£8,500 a year. Experiencedreceptionists receive about £13,000.A receptionist in a senior position canearn £17,500 or more.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Administrativeassistant/officer/manager

Customer services assistant/managerMedical receptionistMessengerSecretarySwitchboard operator

• There are no minimumqualifications, but GCSEs/S grades(A-C/1-3), particularly in English,are useful.

• Employers usually ask for clerical,secretarial and numerical skills.Some employers may also require IT skills.

• Some colleges of further educationand private colleges offer courses inreception work.

• Apprenticeships may be available.

Promoting Further information

Useful addressesThe British Complementary MedicineAssociation (BCMA)PO Box 5122Bournemouth BH8 0WGp 0845 345 5977i www.bcma.co.uk

Complementary Medical Associationi www.the-cma.org.uk

The Prince of Wales's Foundation forIntegrated Health12 Chillingworth RoadLondon N7 8QJp 020 7619 6140i www.fihealth.org.uk

Skills for HealthGoldsmiths HouseBroad PlainBristol BS2 0JPp 0117 922 1155i www.skillsforhealth.org.uk

ChiropracticAECC Chiropractic College13-15 Parkwood RoadBournemouth BH5 2DFp 01202 436200i www.aecc.ac.uk

British Chiropractic Association (BCA)Blagrave House17 Blagrave StreetReadingBerkshire RG1 1QBp 0118 950 5950i www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk

General Chiropractic Council44 Wicklow StreetLondon WC1X 9HLp 020 7713 5155i www.gcc-uk.org

Osteopathic Sports Care Association (OSCA)PO Box 542Haywards HeathRH16 2YEp 0870 601 0037i www.osca.org.uk

ReflexologyAssociation of Reflexologists27 Old Gloucester StreetLondon WC1N 3XXp 0870 567 3320i www.aor.org.uk

The British Reflexology AssociationAdministration OfficeMonks OrchardWhitbourneWorcester WR6 5RBp 01886 821207i www.britreflex.co.uk

HypnotherapyThe General Hypnotherapy Standards Council(GHSC) and General Hypnotherapy Register(GHR)PO Box 204Lymington SO41 6WPp 01590 683770i www.ghsc.co.uki www.general-hypnotherapy-register.com

Nutritional TherapyBritish Association for Nutritional Therapy(BANT)27 Old Gloucester StreetLondon WC1N 3XXp 08706 061284i www.bant.org.uk

Nutritional Therapy CouncilPO Box 116RiponHarrogate HG4 2WAp 0845 355 1162

MassageGeneral Council for Massage Therapy(GCMT)Whiteway HouseBlundells LaneRainhillPrescot L35 6NBp 0151 430 8199i www.gcmt.org.uk

Sales assistantSkillsmart (Sector Skills Council for Retail)40 Duke StreetLondon W1A 1ABp Retail career line: 0800 093 5001i www.skillsmart.com

The International Federation of ProfessionalAromatherapists (IFPA)82 Ashby RoadHinckleyLeicestershire LE10 1SNp 01455 637987i www.ifparoma.org

HerbalismThe College of Phytotherapy (CPP)Rutherford ParkMarley LaneBattleEast Sussex TN33 0TYp 01424 776780i www.collegeofphytotherapy.com

National Institute of Medical Herbalists(NIMH)Elm House54 Mary Arches StreetExeter EX4 3BAp 01392 426022i www.nimh.org.uk

The Register of Chinese Herbal MedicineOffice 51 Exeter StreetNorwich NR2 4QBp 01603 623994i www.rchm.co.uk

NaturopathyGeneral Council and Register of Naturopaths(GCRN)/British Naturopathic Association(BNA)Goswell House2 Goswell RoadStreetSomerset BA16 0JGp 0870 745 6984i www.naturopathy.org.uk (GCRN) andi www.naturopaths.org.uk (BNA)

OsteopathyBritish College of Osteopathic Medicine(BCOM)Lief House120-122 Finchley RoadLondon NW3 5HRp 020 7435 6464i www.bcom.ac.uk

British Osteopathic Association (BOA)Langham House WestMill StreetLutonBedfordshire LU1 2NAp 01582 488455i www.osteopathy.org

General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)176 Tower Bridge RoadLondon SE1 3LUp 020 7357 6655i www.osteopathy.org.uk

21

Working in complementary therapy

University of GlamorganThe School of Applied SciencesPontypriddGlamorgan CF37 1DLp 0800 716 925i www.glam.ac.uk

HomeopathyAlliance of Registered Homeopaths (ARH)MillbrookMillbrook HillNutleyEast Sussex TN22 3PJp 08700 736339i www.a-r-h.org

British Homeopathic Association (BHA)/TheFaculty of HomeopathyHahnemann House29 Park Street WestLuton LU1 3BEp 0870 444 3950i www.trusthomeopathy.org

Homeopathic Medical Association (HMA)6 Livingstone RoadGravesendKent DA12 5DZp 01474 560336i www.the-hma.org

The Society of Homeopaths11 BrookfieldDuncan CloseMoulton ParkNorthampton NN3 6WLp 0845 450 6611i www.homeopathy-soh.com

AcupunctureBritish Acupuncture Council (BAcC)63 Jeddo RoadLondon W12 9HQp 020 8735 0400i Website: www.acupuncture.org.uk.

YogaThe British Wheel of Yoga25 Jermyn StreetSleafordLincolnshire NG34 7RUp 01529 306 851i www.bwy.org.uk

AromatherapyAromatherapy ConsortiumPO Box 6522DesboroughKetteringNorthamptonshire NN14 2YXp 0870 774 3477i www.aromatherapy-regulation.org.uk

AcupuncturistAlexander technique practicionerAromatherapistChiropractorHerbalist (Chinese herbal medicine)HomeopathHypnotherapistMasseur/MasseuseOsteopathNaturopathNutritional therapistReflexologistYoga teacher

Check out further details about some of these jobs at www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u

Jobs which might interest you in thecomplementary therapy sector include:

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ISBN: 0-86110-893-0

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