Many medical professionals are integrating holistic health into their practices, or at least accepting the benefits of gentle treatments with minimal to no side effects. Acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy and homeopathic medicine are all holistic health care methods.

Holistic health care approaches the body as a whole and looks for natural and safe techniques to improve a patient's mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Homeopathic Medicine
Practitioners of homeopathic medicine treat illnesses by delivering small doses of highly diluted natural substances that mimic a patient's symptoms when given to a healthy person. These substances are non-toxic and free of side effects. They are supposed to work with the body’s natural healing abilities to overcome disease.

You can become a practitioner of homeopathic medicine through two years of schooling at a college of alternative medicine focusing in homeopathy. You can obtain a certification, but this is not required. If you are looking to become a medical doctor or nurse, or if you want a career in counseling, homeopathic medicine can be a specialization. However, further schooling is required to work in these career fields.

Acupuncturist
Acupuncture is a technique wherein an acupuncturist treats disorders by putting needles in various points of the body. This is a technique was developed centuries ago in China but is still relatively new to the United States. To become an acupuncturist, you must attend a school specializing in this field. Typically, the required schooling takes four years, but to become a certified acupuncturist, a master's degree is often required.

Chiropractor
This is a popular field in the health care industry. A chiropractor uses the art of spinal manipulation and adjustment to cure and prevent illnesses and injury. Graduation from an accredited chiropractic institution and two years of undergraduate study are part of the educational requirements to obtain licensure. Licensure is needed to practice.

Herbalist
The world of herbalists abounds with plants. Herbalists may administer medicine made from plants, collect plants to be used for medicine, inform people about herbal medicine or manufacture products. Herbal medicine school is recommended, though certification is not required. However, to be a practicing herbalist, you should obtain a license - for legal purposes.

Massage Therapy
Massage therapy helps relax muscles and relieve tension and stress. After attending a massage therapy college or institution, you can find job opportunities at spas, resorts and on cruise ships.

Counseling
A counselor in holistic health considers a person’s diet, environment and other aspects of their lifestyle when hearing about a patient’s psychological and physical problems. Counselors typically need a bachelor’s degree to practice. To become certified, you must earn a master’s degree in counseling. Classes focusing on nutrition and other holistic health practices are recommended, depending on the career field you would like to work in.

Programs are available for medical doctors, nurses and other health care professionals that allow them to combine conventional and alternative medicine. You will need extra schooling to specialize in an aspect of holistic health care, but it will be worth it because job opportunities are on the rise for those considering a career in holistic health care. If this is a career you are interested in, check with the clinic or other place you would like to work to see if they implement any alternative health care practices.