Though modern medicine helps many people, there are still those who suffer despite the best efforts of medical doctors. This is where alternative medicine comes in. They manage to get results, though not in the scientific tradition of western medicine. If you’re one of those passionate in using naturopathic medicine, it is possible to start a career in it. Here is a brief guide on what to expect and what you need to do:
Know What to Expect
Before you start your career, you need to know what you will face. As a naturopathic healer, you will be dealing with a wide variety of conditions. It is like being a doctor, but there is a lighter workload. Most can expect 40 hours a week of work. The salary is good, with most earning a comfortable amount. Don’t expect doctor’s wages, though.
As for your duties, most of your focus will be on clients and consulting. New clients will take up to two hours of consulting, while newer ones will be easier to process. You might have to do special sessions, but that is up to you.
Pick a Path
Naturopathic medicine covers many fields under its umbrella. This is because it is a way to cover various non-standard treatment methods. This means you have to decide on what exactly will you do as a naturopathic healer. There are several options available.
One of the simplest choices out there is being a massage therapist. Massage therapy is pretty acceptable to mainstream medicine, and a few doctors recommend them. They are also very popular for their general massage skills.
You can also opt to be a chiropractor or an acupuncturist. Both of these need specialized training. Chiropractors are like massage therapists, but they focus less on muscles and more on bone structure. Acupuncture should be familiar to most people. Practitioners insert needles into the body’s nerve clusters to help reduce pain in the body.
These are only a few of the choices available. Naturopathic medicine can cover more than these three paths, so you might have to do some research.
Get the Right Education
To practice naturopathic medicine professionally, you need to get professional training. Many courses out there can ensure that you can start working quickly. For example, you can take courses at the College of Naturopathic Medicine and other educational institutions. Though they are not as long as a traditional medical course, you still need to put in four years.
No Need to Go All the Way
If you are not sure about it, there is no need to dedicate yourself completely. Some diploma courses are shorter and give you the basics of your chosen path. You can then use them as an intern so that you can know what to expect.
For those with a passion for naturopathic medicine, being able to use it to help others is a big step forward. With the pointers above, you should be able to lay the foundations of your career. Helping people is a great motivation, and doing it in an all-natural way can be a big boost for you.