Guide to Alternative Medicine Degree Programs

Dr. Steven Bratman defines alternative medicine as "any healing practice that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine." The goal of the many variations of alternative medicine practices is to align the mind, body and spirit to improve one's physical and mental health. Those who practice this type of medicine use it to prevent illness as well as to treat illness. Don't mistake this Eastern medical practice, which is based on ancient Chinese medicine, for a "quick fix"patients combine their doctor-performed treatments with a commitment to certain lifestyle changes, which they often discuss with the licensed professional who is treating them.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines this approach to health as follows: "What are considered complementary or alternative practices in one country may be considered conventional medical practices in another. Therefore, our definition is broad and general: complementary medicine includes all such practices and ideas which are outside the domain of conventional medicine in several countries and defined by its users as preventing or treating illness, or promoting health and well-being. These practices complement mainstream medicine by 1) contributing to a common whole, 2) satisfying a demand not met by conventional practices, and 3) diversifying the conceptual framework of medicine."

Beginning a career in Alternative Medicine can take you down many different paths. Here are a few of the most widely recognized jobs within this field:

• Naturopathic medicine
• Acupuncture
• Yoga
• Massage therapy
• Herbal Medicine
• Indian Ayurvedic medicine
• Homeopathic medicine