CAREER IN ALERNATIVE THERAPY

Alternative therapy refers to approaches of maintaining health and treating sickness, injury, and other problems with ways that are different from those used by modern, allopathic medicine. Alternative therapy draws upon a variety of sources which include spiritual understanding and self-healing, ancient systems of knowledge of herbs or medicine, and diverse traditional practices from a variety of cultures. Alternative therapy approaches are very diverse.

Some leading alternative systems of therapy include acupuncture, reiki, ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, past life regression, crystal therapy and music therapy and lifestyle counseling.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese art of healing. Acupuncturists give therapeutic treatment through such techniques as needle insertion, massage, and heat/herb therapy as part of a treatment plan. The plan may involve lifestyle and nutritional counseling, herbal remedies, exercise, and other techniques based on the Chinese medical model.

Naturopathic treatments may include nutrition counseling, herbal remedies, acupressure, homeopathy, exercise, psychotherapy, physiotherapy, and life style counseling.  Naturopathic practice excludes the use of most synthetic drugs and major surgery.
Reiki: A Japanese word representing Universal Life Energy, Reiki is based on the belief that when spiritual energy is channeled through a Reiki practitioner, the patient's spirit is healed, which in turn heals the physical body.

Yoga is primarily a philosophical science, born out of man's need to fathom the meaning of existence. Yoga attempts to quiet and enlighten the mind so as to release stress and bring the body and mind back into equilibrium. It uses breath and postures to correct inner malfunction. According to Yoga texts, there are ten vital principles with specific functions in the body. Breathing techniques and exercises are prescribed to regulate the vital principles in the body.

Ayurveda means 'Knowledge of Life' and is derived from philosophical theories propounded in ancient India. The basic concept is that the body is composed of three principles – pittha, kapha and vatha – called the tridoshas. Each dosha is located in a certain organ of the body and is a combination of the five natural resources (earth, fire, water, air and space). Depending on the dominance of a particular dosha, a person falls into a character type and is prone to particular types of diseases. Ayurveda practitioners advise diet and treatment based on the patient’s type.

Homeopathy is a German method of therapy based on the principle that ‘like cures like’.  Substances that cause symptoms in a healthy person can also treat and remove similar symptoms in a sick person. Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted and bereft of harmful side effects. They have their initial reaction at the primary level of disturbance, the energy level or vitality, and stimulate the natural self-healing processes to restore order in the individual.

Crystals are used for healing, personal reflection and meditation. According to crystal therapists, crystals work with the human energy field, and can move, absorb, focus, direct and diffuse energy within the body. When the body is unwell or diseased, the person has in some way, lost their balance/natural rhythm. Working with crystalline energy helps the body to find that natural rhythm again. Crystal therapy is used for self-development, stress relief, improved self confidence, balance between mind, body & spirit, creativity and spiritual development.

Past life regression therapy is based on reincarnation and the belief that many physical complaints, fears, phobias, compulsions and personality traits in the present life originate in the experiences of former lives. A significant component of past life therapy is the re-experience of a past life trauma. This is done differently with different therapeutic methods. Some methods try to lighten the experience while others accentuate it further so that it is fully lived and released.

Hypnotherapy is therapy that is undertaken with a subject in hypnosis or a form of deep sleep. Hypnotherapy is often applied to modify a subject's behaviour, and for a wide range of conditions obesity, substance abuse, pain, anxiety, stress, amnesia, phobias, and matters of performance. Techniques used include regression to healthier states times to regain strength and confidence, guided imagery of health and relaxation, repetition of a key idea, and direct positive suggestions.

Reflexology, or zone therapy, is the practice of stimulating points on the feet, hands and ears, to encourage a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or to try to improve general health. Reflexology practitioners believe the foot to be divided into a number of reflex zones corresponding to all energy zones of the body, and that applying pressure in the form of massage to "tight" areas of the foot will stimulate the corresponding part of the body’s energy and assist the self-healing process. Reflexology does not seek to diagnose or cure medical conditions - merely imbalances in the body’s energy. It is used for back pain, migraine, infertility, arthritis, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, sports injuries, digestive and stress-related disorders.

The Prospects

Allopathic system has its own disadvantages and with growing awareness these disadvantages are coming to light. So, more and more people are shifting their medicinal requirements from Allopathy to Alternate Medicine. Thus, this is one of the fast emerging fields. The Indian Systems of Medicine - Ayurveda, siddha, Unani and drugless therapies like Yoga and Naturopathy-have been widely practiced in India for centuries. Homeopathy, though originated in Germany, has been widely accepted and practiced in India. The traditional, centuries-long system combined with modern technological systems and innovations make India, a direct, natural leader in the Alternate Medicine.

There are seven apex national level institutions relating to AYUSH (Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) where one can be employed. Central and State governments also employ degree and PG degree holders at various levels. NGOs and social welfare institutions too employ and seek opinion and advise from AYUSH experts. Pharmaceutical companies and other private sector groups (for e.g., Dabur, Hamdard, Maharishi Ayurveda, etc.) employ these professionals. Various hospitals and clinics have opened separate wings for these professionals. Some of them for e.g., Kairali, Dr.Batra's Clinic, are solely concentrating in and contributing to the fields. Apart from these, there is always the path of private practice, where one can earn name and fame apart from money.

Alternative therapy practitioners work as independent consultants or with clinics, corporates or the hospitality industry.
Most people set up their own private practice. Alternative therapy consultants often get listed with doctors who send their patients to alternative healers for speeding up the healing process.

One could also start teaching with enough experience.
Some leading hospitals employ alternative therapists or “holistic healer” to help their mainstream treatment work better by engaging the spiritual desire to heal.

Yoga instructors and, increasingly, reiki instructors, are often called home for sessions by individuals. The demand for such sessions is high and growing in metros.

A number of alternative therapy practitioners hold sessions with corporates and other small groups – like expecting mothers or cancer patients – where they talk and do exercises in spiritual and alternative healing.

The Job

• Listening to patients’ problems and understanding their personalities to arrive at a holistic picture of each patient and his or her ailment. A first meeting can last for 1-2 hours.
• Evaluating the information and taking decisions on diagnosis and treatment
• Communicating the diagnosis and treatment to the patient in an easy and relevant way. Often, one has to deal with many questions and doubts at this stage. This stage may also include psychological counseling.
• Choosing and prescribing treatment (for instance, a single ailment like headache has over 200 remedies in homeopathy alone)
• Follow up with patients either on follow up visits or on the phone
• Reading periodicals and journals to keep abreast of the latest developments in your field
• Self study of advanced techniques and research

Personal Traits

• Firm belief in the possibilities of healing through alternative means
• Desire to help people who are under physical and mental stress
• Should enjoy talking to and dealing with people of all ages
• Good listening skills, compassion, and the ability to establish trust
• Self confidence and willingness to make decisions that affect the lives and activities of others
• Dedication and willingness for self-study and research to enrich diagnosis and treatment
• Entrepreneurial spirit to build a clientele and practice
• Some specialties require physical strength and good eye/hand coordination
• Awareness of personal biases, values, shortcomings etc.
• Ability to think quickly and act in emergency situations
• Maintain empathy for others without internalizing their pain yourself
• Ethical, careful, organized, responsible attention to detail
• Ability to deal with setbacks, failures in the process of developing homeopathic skills
• Willingness to work long hours, keep appointments and take work home
• Patience to wait for remedies to action; can take anywhere between 6 months and 5 years
• Tact in managing patient expectations of immediate well-being

Salary

A beginner could earn around Rs 4000 - 6000 per month either working with an experienced healer or with a clinic. An experienced healer who has a clientele of say 5-6 patients a week could easily earn around Rs 15,000 - 25,000 a month. A professional healer doing individual sessions could do 6-7 sessions depending on the treatment and earn Rs 100 -200 per session or charge on hourly basis. If one gets very well-known, however, earnings could be much higher and unpredictable.
Working with corporates and other small group could earn Rs 15,000 – Rs 20,000 per session.

Study Routes

General:

While some systems like Ayurveda and Homeopathy have dedicated universities that run long-term Bachelors and Masters courses, a lot of alternative therapies are taught by masters in the field through short term courses held in various locations from time to time. Students who have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology can opt for five-and-a-half year bachelors degree courses, in Ayurvedacharya, which is equivalent to an MBBS degree. This can be followed by an MD in Ayurveda and topped with a Ph.D (Ayurvedavaridhi) from the Central Council of Indian Medicine.

Some courses are available through distance learning. Courses ranging from 1 year to 3 years at Diploma, Under graduate and post graduate levels are available at The Indian Institute of Alternative Medicines, 80, Chowringhee Road, Calcutta-700 020 which is affiliated with The Open International University For Alternative Medicines. Courses are offered in Yoga & Massage, Naturopathy, Bach Flower, Reiki Healing, Acupressure, Magneto therapy, Medicinal Herbalisim, Medical Astrology, Gem-Tele-Chromo Therapy, Electro-Homoeopathy, Hypnotherapy, Aroma Therapy, Radiesthesia & Radionics

Reiki:
Reiki can be learnt in four stages starting from reiki for personal benefit going on to using Reiki to heal other people and finally, to being a master equipped to teach reiki to others. All stages can be learnt over one-day workshops run by Reiki masters, who recommend that you should have at least a six-month gap between learning different stages.

At a formal level, Reiki India Research Centre trains people in Reiki Sadhana, Meditations, fire walking and treats Past Life therapy and work on aura level as guided by the Reiki Masters. The centre is called:

• Reiki India Research Centre, 16 & 17 BA, "Ekopa", Gunsagar Nagar, Station Road, Thane, Maharashtra. It has branches in Bangalore, Pune, Aurangabad, Thiruanathapuram, Cochin, Chennai, Chennai, Pallakkad, Hyderabad, Calcutta, Baroda. Delhi, Nashik, Mysore, Coimbatore, Dahanu, Hyderabad

Ayurveda:

• A.L. Government Ayurvedic College, Industrial colony, Luxmipura, Warangal
• Aligarh Unani & Ayurvedic Medical College, AUAMC Campus, Anoop Saher Rd, Aligarh
• ALN Rao Memorial Ayurvedic Medical College, Chickamaglur, Koppa, Chickmaglur
• Alva's Ayurvedic Medical College, Near New Bustand, Moodbidri, Dakshin Kannada
•  Annasaheb Dange Ayurvedic College, Sangali, Islampur, A/P Ashta, Tal. Walwa, Sangali
• Aryakanya Shudha Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Kareli Bagh, Baroda (Vadodara)
• Ashtang Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, 2062, Paranjape Chowk, Vijaynagar Colony, Pune
• Ashwin Rural Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Ashwai, Manchi Hill Tal. Ahmednagar
• Ashwini Ayurvedic Medical College, Davangere, 185/33, Anjaneya Layout, Davangere
• Assam Government Ayurvedic College, Jalukbari P.O., Kamrup Dt., Guwahati
• AV Samiti’s Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Bagalkot Cross Rd, Vidyanagar, Bijapur
• Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Jalgaon, Vadi, P.B.No.2, Chalisgaon Jalgaon
• Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Near Sion Railway Station, Sion, Mumbai
• Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Near Gadge Maharaj Bridge, Panchavati, Nashik
• Ayurved Medical College, Nagpur, Sawarkar Nagar, Shankarpur, Nagpur
• Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Dr. G H Desai Nava Ayodhya Nagar, Heggeri Extn. Hubli
• Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi
• Ayurvedic Medical College, Gaya, Near Polytechnic, Gaya
• Ayurvedic Medical College, Kolhapur, Peth Vadgaon, Hatakanangale, Distt. Kolhapur
• B.S.P.M.'S Dhanwantari Ayurved College, Latur, Nanded Road, Udgir, Latur
• B.V. College of Ayurveda, Katraj - Dhankawadi, Pune - Satara Road, Erandawane, Pune
• Bapuji Ayurvedic Medical College, Chitradurga, Challakere, Distt. Chitradurga, Karnataka
• Bapuji Ayurvedic Medical College, Shimoga, Rajendra Nagar, Main Road, Shimoga
• Behrampur Government Ayurvedic College, Ganjam, Ankuspur, Berhampur, Ganjam
• Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Ayurvedic Medical College, Gadag, Gajendragarh, Gadag
• BSD Trust's Ayurved Hospital & Research Centre, Wagholi, Tal. Haveli, Dist. Pune
• Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Ponda Road, Vaja, Shiroda, Goa
• Bhau Saheb Mulak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Great Nag Road, Nandanwan, Nagpur

Homeopathy:

• Dr. Guruji Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College, Gudivada, Dist. Krishna.
• JSPS Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College Ramanathapur, Hyderabad.
• Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College Cuddapah.
• University of Health Sciences, Gundala, Vijayawada.
• Dr. BRKR Govt. Ayurvedic College, SR Nagar, Hyderabad.
• Dr. NR Sastry Govt. Ayurveda College, Bandar Road, Vijayawada.
• SV Ayurveda College, Tirupati.
• Anatha Laxmi Govt. Ayurveda College, Station Rd., Warangal.
• Guwahati University, Guwahati.
• Gaya Homoeopathic Medical College, Gaya.
• Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Gaya.
• KNH Medical College, Barari Road, Bhagalpur.
• Magadh Homoeopathic Medical College, Bihar Sharif, Nalanda.
• Muzaffarpur Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur.
• RBTS Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur.
• Temple of Hahnemann, Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Munger.
• Saran Homoeopathic Medical College, Chapra.
• Homoeopathic College and Hospital, Santhal Parganas, Mihijam.
• Sinha Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Laheria Sarai, Darbhanga.
• Yogda Satsang Homoeopathic Mahavidyalaya, Ranchi.
• Anand Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Institute, Bhalej Road, Anand.
• Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College, Bangalore.
• HKE Society Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Gulbarga.
• Fr. Muller's Homoeopathic Medical College, Kankanady, Mangalore.
• Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College, East Part, Trivandrum.
• Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College, Karaparnba, Calicut.
• Athurasraman NSS Homoeopathic Medical College, Sachivodhamapuram, Kottayam.
• Chandaben Mohanbhai Patel Homoeopathic Medical College, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai.
• Adarsh Shikshan Sansthar, Somajrao Kshirsagar Homoepathic Medical College, Beed.
• Shri Bhagwan Homoeopathic Medical College, CIDCO, Aurangabad.
• SP Mandal's Nagpur College of Homoeopathy, 543 Azamshah Layout, Nagpur.
• MTE Society's Dhondumama Sathe Homoepathic Medical College, Off. Karni Rd., Pune.
• Shivaji PEC Trust's Homoeopathic Medical College, Tararani Chowk, Kolhapur.
• Venutai Yashvantrao Chavan Homoeopathic Medical College, Dasara Chowk, Kolhapur.
• Coop. Homoeopathic Medical College, Berhampur, Ganjam
• Utkalmani Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Rourkela.
• Orissa Medical College of Homoeopathy and Research, Sambalpur.
• Dr. Abhin Chandra Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bhubaneshwar.
• Dr. M.P.K. Rajasthan Homoeopathic Medical College Hospital, Station Rd., Jaipur.
• Kamraj Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College, Tirumangalam, Madurai Dist..
• National Homoeopathic Medical College, Lucknow.
• State Dr. Brij Kishore Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Deokali, Faizabad.
• State Ghazipur Homoeopathic College and Hospital, Ghazipur.
• State Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Tigri Mankawla, Nagina, Bijnore.
• State KGR Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Moradabad.
• State Kanpur Homoeopathic Medical College, GHK Building, Kanpur.
• State Lal Bahadur Shastri Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Allahabad.
• State Mohan Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, 2, Habibullah Road, Lucknow.
• State SDJ Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Chandeswar, Azamgarh.
• State Tilak Dhari Homoeopathic College, Jaunpur. Bundelkhand University, Jhansi
• Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College, 265-6, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Rd., Calcutta.
• DN Homeopathic Medical College, 63, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Calcutta.
• Mahesh Bhattacharya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, 1 GT Rd., Howrah.
• Midnapore Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Midnapore.

Source: Compass One

Date: 27th Nov., 2009

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