About Natural Therapy
‘Natural therapies’ is a term used to describe a range of therapy practices that aim to promote health and treat illness through natural, holistic means. It is a field enjoying immense popularity and increasing recognition as people seek to treat themselves naturally and enhance their wellbeing.
Treatments can range from physical therapies like massage, to herbal remedies or treatment through lifestyle change like diet and nutrition. The array of therapies is incredibly diverse – there’s a modality to suit everyone.
If you choose to study Western herbal medicine and naturopathy, you will learn about not only herbal and naturopathic treatments, but you will also learn the science to back them up. This means you will cover anatomy and physiology, botany and biochemistry, in addition to more alternative methods like iridology, so you can utilise both traditional and complementary approaches to provide ideal outcomes for your clients.
Potential natural therapy career outcomes include: Alternative Medicine Therapist, Holistic Wellness Coach, Acupuncturist, Aromatherapist, Chinese (Oriental) Medicine Therapist, Iridologist, Naturopath, Myotherapist.
read more
Other natural therapy practices include reflexology, homeopathy, aromatherapy, shiatsu and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points to treat different parts of the body, internal organs and general energy flow. The practice of reflexology has been documented as a treatment method used in ancient Egypt and China.
Homeopathy is designed to help patients by using a ‘like cure like’ methodology. This theory is based on the doctrine that an ingredient that causes healthy people to become sick can also be used to help sick people become healthy when used in extremely diluted doses.
Like many natural therapies, aromatherapy uses a sensory experience to aid in patient recovery. The concept behind this practice is that essential oils and other aromatic mixtures have the ability to alter the patient’s mind, mood, cognitive function and health. You can study an aromatherapy course online and gain the skills to use aromatherapy with other treatments, including massage.
If massage is your area of interest, you can also study a course in shiatsu and oriental therapies. Not only will you gain the skills to perform a range of massage techniques, you will also become skilled in Chinese acupressure and reflexology.
There are so many career options in natural therapies, and so many online courses to get you qualified.
read less
Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Free Natural Therapy career guide!