4 Steps to become an Alternative Health Care Practitioner



1-First, you need to find an area of study that interests you. More and more people are looking for cost friendly and alternative ways to facilitate the healing process. The demand for alternative healers is starting to rise and finding an area of study to practice, can be very rewarding. For example, you may be drawn to nature and plant life, so herbalist would be a good focus of study. Or, perhaps you feel that you want to work directly with a client/patient through touch, so massage therapy or Reiki may work for you. Other types of alternative practice includes: Acupuncture, Nutritionist, Naturopathy, and Qigong, to name a few.

2- You may need to invest in the alternative practice you are seeking. Before you pull out your credit card and pay thousands of dollars for online courses, go to your local used book store and find books related to your topic of interest. Also, be sure to check out your local commercialized bookstore as they may have a wider variety of material related to your topic. Learn all you can by reading and practicing what your read (always be SAFE when practicing ). Online resources are in abundance but be warned, not all online material is up-to-date and accurate. Be sure to cross reference all learned material with reputable sites. In Ontario, a good guide for identification of herbs is: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/12-033.htm

3- Seek out a local practitioner, online program, or degree program through a College or University. I started by google searching local practitioners in my area then, I compared prices. Some were well-priced and others were exceptionally over-priced. A word of advice: Sometimes, it can be confusing to try and figure out the best path to invest in your study. Unfortunately, some practitioners are not serious in their healing role and will take advantage of potential students. Be sure to compare prices and services offered, with online programs as well. The Ontario's Herbalist Association, is a good guide for finding local and reputable herbalists in Ontario: http://herbalists.on.ca/

4- Practice what you study. Once you have learned and received certificates and degrees that pertain to your area of study, don't be afraid to start your own practice. Always research home business requirements for your local area, before offering services to the public. Or, seek an established business that is looking for alternative practitioners such as, a spa.


* Good luck with your future as an Alternative Health Care Practitioner*

“Let each man take the path according to his capacity, understanding and temperament. His true guru will meet him along that path.” 
― Sivananda Saraswati