Holistic Medical Degrees

Holistic medicine is a form of health care that incorporates the mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual aspects of healing, according to the Holistic Healing Web Page. The holistic process requires that a patient examine their physical, environmental, spiritual, emotional, social, nutritional, and lifestyle values to achieve personal balance and well being. Several degrees are available in holistic medicine, allowing students to practice in various settings.

Holistic Nutrition

Obtaining a degree in holistic nutrition allows a student to become familiar with nutritional methods of staying healthy including dietary supplements and the use of herbs. Holistic nutritionists believe using natural health methods reduces the possible negative effects of modern medicine. A holistic nutrition degree is awarded as a bachelor's degree. Upon completing his degree, a holistic nutritionist finds employment as a holistic dietitian, personal trainer, massage therapist or nutritional consultant.

Holistic Nursing

Holistic nursing is a specialty practice that draws on a nurse's knowledge and is a certification added to a nurse's degree by the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation. To obtain certification, an applicant must already be a registered nurse. A nurse who practices holistic medicine uses complementary and alternative modalities (CAM) to treat patients with psychological, physiological and spiritual needs. She uses CAM to complement modern medicine and healing methods. Health promotion and prevention are also important aspects of holistic nursing.

Holistic Wellness

Western medicine practices are paired with other forms of natural medicine to offer curriculum for a holistic wellness degree. A master's degree is generally required in the field for holistic wellness. Learning how to heal the body through interaction between the body, mind and environment is the focus of the program. The interaction of mind and body as well as the health of the whole person is the focus of holistic wellness. With a degree in holistic wellness, a graduate may pursuer a career in holistic counseling, herbology, nutrition or iridology.