Alternative Health Master's Degrees

Alternative medicine is an umbrella term for all types of holistic or natural medicines and healing. People with master's degrees in alternative medicine are interested in finding other ways to treat the body and mind than with traditional western medicine. Alternative medicine is a way to create a balance between the body's natural energies to promote health and well-being. Achieving a master's degree in the field of alternative medicine can open up doorways to the growing world of holistic healing.

Nutritional Medicine

• Nutrition at the master's level studies the effect of certain foods on the body and focuses on human nutritional requirements and physiology. Graduate students might also learn about how culture, education level and region effect food choices as well as the effects of extreme nutritional situations on the body, such as being stranded on an island. Graduates with a master's in nutrition work as consultants for private clients wishing to eat healthier or those who want to understand how their food choices affect them. Graduates may also work in hospitals or private doctors' offices.

Herbal Medicine

• A master's-level study of herbal medicine teaches students how to identify and properly use medicinal plants. A large emphasis is placed on the nutritional value of the plants and how these herbs restore balance to the human body, as well as clinical applications for patients. A graduate with a degree in herbal medicine often works in holistic medical practices, helping patients use herbs and medicinal plants to improve their lives and health. Graduates can also use their skills to manufacture products such as herbal teas or medicinal herb supplements.

Homeopathy

• Homeopathic degree programs are awarded at the bachelor's, master's and doctorate levels.The study of homeopathy originated in Germany and focuses on treating patients through natural remedies. At the master's level, homeopathy expands on knowledge about bio-energy and bio-physics, abnormal psychology and homeopathic remedies for psychological disorders and disease. Master's-level students would also work in office administration to prepare them to work in clinical situations. Graduates work in doctor's offices as consultants for patients, in research facilities studying effects of homeopathy or as teachers at public and private colleges.

Massage and Bodywork

• The study of massage or bodywork focuses on the practical and clinical application of body movement and massage to achieve optimal health. Students seeking a master's in massage or bodywork study acupuncture, Chinese herbology, dermatology, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders and sensory organ disorder. Massage and bodywork relies heavily on anatomy and physiology. Graduates in this area work as massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors in private practice and consultants.