Natural Living

Holistic Careers: Here are 4 to consider

Are you unhappy in your current career and long for an alternative job role? We’ve got just the thing…

From dull office jobs to demanding careers which come with more stress than they’re worth, we’ve all sat and daydreamed about retraining in something we’re more passionate about. But are you ready to take the plunge? “Find a quiet place and close your eyes. Then imagine your life in two years doing the same job and connect to how that makes you feel,” says Sara Stevens clinical hypnotherapist and life coach. “Now imagine yourself in your new, desired career.How do you feel?” This simple technique should make your choice easy, it’s having the confidence to bite the bullet that’s the hard part. “Confidence is a learned and developed habit,” explains Sara. “It’s best to try small but regular steps to help build your confidence and setting goals will help. With each new challenge you’ll start seeing your confidence grow.” So what are you waiting for? “It’s key to remember that the only thing in your way is you. Step aside and into a new career,” she advises. We caught up with four experts in different holistic disciplines to bring you all the information you need before changing careers.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a natural medicinal practice which involves treating individuals with highly diluted substances, usually in tablet form, to prompt the body’s self-healing process. To become a fully qualified homeopath of degree level or higher it takes approximately four years, however it’s important to note that study can be done around current work commitments and family life. “Most courses are part-time attendance where the student studies one weekend per month and completes home-directed study which is usually the equivalent to two days per week,” says Mani Norland, principal at School of Homeopathy. Not sure if you have the key skills required? “To be a homeopath you need to hold an interest in people, have a desire to help others and an interest in health, wellbeing and disease. You need to have the ability for analytical thinking using your intuition, have good listening and communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure and accurate recording skills,” he explains. Basic courses at The School of Homeopathy start from £199 with the practitioner course priced between £2,000 and £3,000 per annum. For more information visit homeopathyschool.com

Holistic therapist

From reiki and massages, to the Bowen technique and reflexology, holistic therapy encompasses a range of practices to target various ailments. “Holistic therapy is a treatment which aims to treat a client as a whole rather than as a being separated into parts which do not interconnect,” explains holistic and lifestyle expert Sarah Jones. All therapies treat the individual’s body, spirit and mind and help us gain a deeper understanding of the whole self. Training to be a holistic therapist varies depending on the practice. “The type of courses available include a one-year course in reflexology and similar for reiki,” explains Sarah. “The content of each course differs from college to college and is not always confined to the obvious. However, whilst courses are very important, perhaps the most important qualification which will prepare individuals for all treatments provided by holistic therapists is anatomy and physiology,” she adds. Once qualified, Sarah’s one piece of advice is to stay focused. “Paddle your own canoe. While it is so important to keep up with the industry, don’t get swept away with what other therapists are doing. Focus on you and your practice, channelling your energy where it matters.”

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is gaining momentum in becoming a popular complementary medicine. Used in a variety of applications for pain relief, increased cognitive function and mood enhancement, the blending of natural plant oils can enhance our psychological and physical wellbeing. “Aromatherapy is one of the most gentle and versatile healing arts,” explains Christine Fisk, consultant aromatherapist at Base Formula. “It harnesses the natural, therapeutic powers of essential oils to relieve a whole host of physical and emotional complaints ranging from stress, anxiety and fatigue through to insomnia, aches, pains and problem skin conditions.” Training to become a fully qualified aromatherapist takes a minimum of 10 months which includes at least 94 hours in a classroom. “Be wary of fast track courses as these invariably won’t lead to a professional qualification,” warns Christine. “It is important to choose a course provider which adheres to both National Occupational Standards and the Aromatherapy Council’s Core Curriculum,” she adds.

Ayurveda

The most ancient structure of medicine known to mankind, Ayurveda is a sophisticated health system which focuses on the power of the mind to heal the body using herbal treatment, diet and yogic breathing. “Ayurveda is a science-based healthcare approach that treats illness and promotes wellness by focusing on the biochemically unique aspects of each patient, and then individually tailoring interventions to restore balance,” explains Dr Mauroof Athique, director of College of Ayurveda. “Using core principles, Ayurvedic practitioners focus on understanding the unique physiological processes, the environmental inputs, and the genetic predisposition that influence every person’s experience of health and disease.” To become a fully qualified Ayurveda practitioner, courses take around four years to complete. “The College of Ayurveda (UK) is the only institute that offers a comprehensive curriculum in the field of Ayurvedic Medicine and Healthcare in the United Kingdom,” Dr Athique says. The college is accredited by the British Complementary Medicines Association and recognised by the Ayurvedic Practitioner’s Association and blends home-schooling with classroom education and one-to-one tutor guidance to help students learn around their lifestyle with adequate support. For more information visit ayurvedacollege.co.uk