What is a Natural Health Consultant?

I am a certified Natural Health Consultant and I provide information and education to people seeking natural forms of healing and treatment. Most health consultants have a broad understanding of a variety of alternative health disciplines and may recommend a specific approach of alternative healing to a client. Approaches may include nutrition, homeopathy or herbal remedies. I try to combine all three when possible.

As a Natural Health Consultant, I discuss and assess health issues or symptoms with clients. These assessments include educating individuals about various methods of alternative health and recommending particular methods that will benefit a client. I sometimes will have to refer individuals to licensed practitioners or other health care providers because it is beyond the scope of my training.

You need to be knowledgeable about alternative health disciplines, including herbs, vitamins, minerals and nutrition. The Natural Health Consultant is not necessarily an expert, nor a practitioner, in any of these fields. Remember, that we are not here to diagnose diseases.

However, the consultant's expansive knowledge about the capabilities of all these fields allows them to explain alternative health options to people, advise them on which discipline might be an appropriate starting point, and assist them in being referred to those who can provide the necessary treatments.

He or she also may be familiar with additional areas of study, such as acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy, or massage therapy, although a Natural Health Consultant may not be trained to perform these procedures.

TRAINING

Training varies depending on areas of interest. Currently, there are no set licensure requirements, but becoming certified by taking classes and seminars is one way to add validity to a career. I received my certificate through a Strafford Institute home study course. There are also colleges that offer classes as well as other home study programs.

OPPORTUNITIES

There are many opportunities for a career in the natural health field. However, most consultants have their own practice. This way you can set your own rates and schedule, not to mention you are the boss.

You can attend one of the many natural health schools or do like I did, and take my natural health classes online.

This includes homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, osteopathy, medical herbalism, and other similar or closely related approaches.

Overview of Natural Health classes covered in a Natural Health consultant program:

Natural Diagnostic Techniques

Complete Therapeutic Systems

Naturopathy

Asian Systems

Shamanism

Therapies

Chiropractic

Osteopathy

Cranial Osteopathy

Rolfing

Myotherapy

Rosen Technique

Bowen Technique

Massage

Aromatherapy

Reflexology

Polarity Therapy

Herbal Medicine

Dietary and Nutritional Therapies

Homeopathy

Flower and Tree Remedies

Acupuncture

Acupressure

Shiatsu

Clinical Ecology

Geopathic Therapy

Psychotherapy and Counseling

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Relaxation Therapies

Reiki

Radionics

Crystal and Gem Therapies

Light and Sound Therapies

Ailments by Body System

Homeopathy

Origins of Homeopathy

Preparing and Finding a Remedy

Visiting a Practitioner

Guide to the Materia Medica

The Materia Medica - Principal Homeopathic Remedies

Repertory Index

The Home Medicine Chest

Herbal Remedies

Herbs in the Holistic Context

Wholeness & Prevention

Practical Herbalism

Gathering Herbs

The Preparation of Herbs

The Chemistry of Herbs

Herbs for Infections & Infestations

Anti-Microbials

Diaphoretics (Febrifuges)

Anthelmintics (Vermifuges)

Treating Infections

Treating Infestations

Herbal Remedies in the Home

The Herbal Index: Individual Profiles of Herbs

Herbs for Particular Systems of the Body

The Circulatory System

The Lymphatic System

The Respiratory System

Ears, Nose, Throat & Eyes

The Digestive System

The Nervous System

The Skin

The Musculo/Skeletal System

The Glandular System

The Reproductive System

The Urinary System

Health Counseling

Enhancing Physical Health: The Counselor’s Contribution

The Process of Health Counseling: Strategies, Skills and Concepts

Counseling Applications

Weight Control

Smoking Cessation

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Exercise Motivation

Sleep Difficulties

Sexual Health

Chronic Pain

Coping With Illness

Toward a Wellness Perspective

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