Holistic Stress Management
Stress affects each of us every day and while some of us rise to the occasion, others experience myriad physiological, psychological, and spiritual effects. How we cope with stress can determine the current and future state of our health and well-being. Our bodies react to the signals sent to us by our brains during stressful episodes and these signals affect every system, especially the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.
There are many holistic stress management techniques including self-awareness, cognitive restructuring, effective communication, guided imagery, social support, art therapy, and journaling.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the concept of stress and describe holistic stress management techniques.
Healing Effects of Physical Activity and Movement
Physical activity and movement are essential elements of any program designed for obtaining or maintaining health and well-being. While most individuals associate physical activity with aerobics, many activities comprise a well-rounded and interesting physical fitness and movement program.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the profound physical and psychological benefits of physical activity and movement.
Nutrition: An Integrative Approach
What we eat profoundly impacts our health and well-being, yet many of us eat when we are rushed; we don't know where our food originated; we eat toxic, irradiated, or genetically altered foods; and we eat more than we need. How can we revise our eating habits and become more conscious of what we eat, why we eat it, and how it is prepared?
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the role of food and health in human history. The various elements of nutrition, some of the most common types of diets, and the roles of nutraceuticals and supplements are explored. Types of toxins and the effects of irradiation, genetically altered foods, and food allergies are discussed. Finally, the role of herbs and herbalists, herb processing, how herbalists are trained, and issues facing herbal use are reviewed.
Place and Space: Healing Environments
Every individual has the capacity to enhance his or her healing process (or the healing process of clients) through the creation of healing environments—spaces that support the individual's inner healer and utilize the environment to maximize its healing effects.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the importance of healing environments, their historical evolution, and their unique elements. Specific considerations for designing healing environments for children are briefly discussed, and the role of communication, education, and healthcare providers in developing healing environments are explored.