Alternative Medical Degrees

Alternative medicine is useful for treating chronic health problems. Numerous fields fall under the umbrella of alternative medicine such as: Chinese medicine, massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture. There are various degree programs offered in alternative medicine ranging from certificates, to a bachelor of science, master's, and a Ph.D. Career specializations in the field include: herbal medicine, oriental body therapy, yoga instruction, and Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

Chinese Medicine

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a 3,000-year-old practice that is widely used in China. The foundation of TCM differs from that of Western medicine in that it is based on the principle of regulating the the body's qi or energy as opposed to the West's biochemical orientation. TCM practitioners believe that disease or illness comes about when the body's qi is out of balance or has stagnated. Through the use of acupuncture and herbs, a TCM doctor will reverse this condition and restore the proper flow of qi in the body. TCM is a rapidly growing field in the United States, and numerous accredited colleges and universities like the American College of Traditional Medicine, offer bachelor's and master's degrees in acupuncture and Chinese herbology.

  American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  455 Arkansas St.
  San Francisco, CA 94107
  415-282-7600
  actcm.edu

Massage Therapy

• Massage therapists stimulate the body's circulation through the use of therapeutic techniques like shiatsu, Swedish, and deep-tissue massage. Most massage schools offer one- to two-year associate degree programs. Some institutions also offer a master's or Ph.D. program in massage therapy. In addition to classroom training, students must fulfill a minimum amount of "massage contact hours" requirement in order to be fully licensed. The New York College of Health Professions provides training in massage techniques that integrate the principles of Asian bodywork and western anatomy and physiology.

  New York College of Health Professions
  6801 Jericho Turnpike
  Syosset, NY 11791
  800-922-7337
  nycollege.edu

Indian Ayurvedic medicine

• Ayurvedic medicine is based on a 5,000 year-old healing tradition from India. An ayurvedic doctor diagnoses patients according to a classificatory system called "dosha," which categorizes individuals according their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual constitution. According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in a dominant dosha leads to illness. An Aurvedic doctor will instruct patients on proper lifestyle and dietary regimens to help restore well being and regulate a patient's dominant dosha. Training in Ayurveda is comprised of a four-year Ayurvedic program and an internship. Degree programs in Ayurveda are offered at the bachelor's and master's levels. In the United States, Kripalu School of Ayurveda is a well-known school that trains students using a curriculum that has been approved by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA).

  Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
  57 Interlaken Road
  Stockbridge, MA 01262
  413-448-3152
  kripalu.org