Certificate in Complementary and Integrative Health

Traditional medicine has a rich and extensive history dating back thousands of years. Used by the majority of the world's population, traditional healing systems include a diverse collection of philosophies, practices, spiritual and manual therapies, incorporating plant, animal, and/or mineral-based medicines. Most often used by indigenous persons determined to preserve, develop, and transmit their knowledge to future generations, traditional medicine is increasingly popular due to its accessibility and affordability, its holistic focus, and because of its emphasis on community and cultural values.

Touch is one of the most primal needs of any human being. Manual bodywork healing therapies address the need for human touch, enhance health, and heal the body, mind, and spirit. Somatic and musculoskeletal therapies for healing include therapeutic massage, (including Swedish massage, rhythmical massage, sports massage, hot stone massage, neuromuscular massage therapy, and Aston patterning); Eastern, meridian-based, and point therapies (acupressure, shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and reflexology); energy-based therapies (Therapeutic Touch ®, Reiki, and Healing Touch); emotional bodywork (Rolfing and Hellerwork); and manipulative therapies (osteopathy and craniosacral therapy).

Chiropractic is often considered a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. Chiropractic care commonly uses spinal manipulation therapy as a main treatment modality to address back and neck pain, as well as pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches. The goal is to correct alignment problems, ease pain, and support the body's natural ability to heal itself.

The practice of yoga is becoming increasingly popular as a way to relieve stress, live in harmony with nature, and enhance well-being of the mind and body. One reason for its growing popularity is that more many people are open to it and are using holistic approaches to manage their pressure-filled, fast-paced lives. Yoga provides an integrative, healthy way to connect mind, body, and spirit, resulting in improved physical, mental, and emotional health.

The ancient Chinese healing practice of acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat many ailments, especially pain. Today, this therapy that addresses disharmony in the body, mind, and spirit is widely practiced throughout China and is used by millions of individuals in the United States and many other countries. This course explores the history of acupuncture, the theories involved in its practice (including yin and yang, qi, the meridian system, and causes of disharmony), the types and benefits of acupuncture, as well as possible complications and contraindications of the therapy and training issues.

Our diet has a profound impact our health and well-being, yet many of us are not aware of where our food originates from and even less of us are aware of exactly what is in these foods. Many individuals eat foods sprayed by numerous pesticides, grown in depleted soil, "enhanced" with hormones and antibiotics, or obtained from countries thousands of miles away from our home. How can we change our eating habits and become more conscious of what we eat, why we eat it, and how it is prepared? How can we use that information and select healthy "natural products" designed to support our diet and support our health?

Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative therapy that uses essential oils to promote both physical and psychological health. It is often used in conjunction with massage, meditation, and other therapies to achieve healing.

Naturopathic medicine has a long, complex history. Considered a way of life and a system of healing encompassing many different modalities, naturopathy is experiencing a resurgence today as a result of the dissatisfaction many Americans feel about conventional medicine and the growing interest and respect for alternative and complementary methods of healing.

Animals have been a part of our lives as long as we have been on the planet. The health benefits of the human-animal bond are far reaching. From guide dogs, to watching fish in an aquarium, to swimming with dolphins, animals provide us with companionship, assistance, exercise, a sense of calmness, sensory stimulation, and a level of acceptance that is often difficult to find from any other source.

The chakra system has been practiced by yogis for thousands of years as an integral part of healing. Recently, interest in this ancient system has exploded within the health care profession and the general population. Chakras are spinning vortices of energy positioned in seven centers of the body from the coccyx to the crown of the head. This course will provide an overview of the chakra system, chakras, and elements of chakra balancing.

Patient use and acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in the United States is increasing. However, many legal issues remain unresolved surrounding provider oversight, inconsistent legislative mandates regarding definitions about standards of care and scope of practice, liability issues for providers and organizations, and lack of knowledge about CAM therapies.

There has been a dramatic rise in the use and acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in the United States. However, there are ethical issues that remain unresolved surrounding provider oversight, inconsistent legislative mandates regarding definitions about standards of care and scope of practice, liability issues for providers and organizations, and lack of knowledge about CAM therapies.