You will enjoy learning the methods, philosophy, and practices of a Naturopath; how we work and what we have to offer, along with the philosophy behind this enduring form of health care. The underlying mission of our diploma program is that of developing skills and awareness for the confident and meaningful practice of naturopathy and sensitive client care, in private practice and beyond.
We receive inquiries about whether we will specifically teach this or that technique. Although the curriculum is very rich, backed by 18 years of successful clinical experience, our objective in curriculum design goes deeper than merely teaching techniques. If we do not include a particular technique in our curriculum, it is because we wish to focus instead upon the foundational practitioner development which creates the basis for understanding the wise use of any technique. Depth and breadth of foundational learning comes first, and naturopathy is rich in well developed traditions. Once a broad based understanding and foundation of natural medicine is achieved, practitioners will naturally gravitate towards further development in areas of special interest to them. As the college begins to add electives and continuing education in 2010 and 2011, learning opportunities in special interest topics will become available. Areas of study are listed below. Note that we do not offer a selection of "courses" to choose from, as this is a program covering pertinent areas of study for future practice, exam preparation, and certification.
HOLISTIC BODY SYSTEMS
Our Inner Ecology, as integrated with Anatomy and Physiology studies. The response of body systems to naturopathy methods is an ingoing study during the program, through lecture, demonstration, practice, and applied therapeutics. This area focuses on the interrelationship of body systems as a living ecology, exploring cause and effect of health building processes.
NATUROPATHIC HYDROTHERAPY - Classic Naturopathy utilizing the profound vitalizing effects of water and fire element, which in turn affect all elemental energies. Theory, practice, and applied experiential natural therapeutics. Hydrotherapy methods are an aspect of naturopathic physical medicine, and are integrated into various bodywork therapies. NATUROPATHIC NUTRITIVE THERAPIES Dietary Healing and Support; Preparation and analysis of various alkaline whole foods diet templates; cleansing diets and their scope and impact; analysis of body systems impact of Standard American Diet, non- foods ingestion, fast food/junk food, and general client diet analysis. Our curriculum offers insights into western and eastern cultural dietary approaches, avoiding dogma about dietary choices, while bringing in emerging theories and facts from scientific researchers which have been previously suppressed by the scientific community for political and industrial reasons. NATUROPATHIC PHYSICAL MEDICINE: Massage and bodywork therapies of wide ranging approaches have always been integral to naturopathic training and practice in client care, and are considered within the scope of practice of a Naturopath, as are various palpation skills and assessments through touch including Swedish massage system, reflexology, Chi Massage, indigenous native methods, connective tissue massage, and acupressure. Iridology- Iris Analysis as naturopathic assessment and guidance, with exploration of the models presented by Dorothy Hall, Farida Sharan, Bernard Jensen. Applied Natural Therapeutic Treatments and Protocols - first through third year training in the many applied naturopathic treatments- the hands-on practice, experience and discussion of direct client care. MICROBIAL BALANCING AND NATUROPATHIC PARASITOLOGY Exploration of how inner ecology and health conditions are influenced by microbial and parasitic populations, how dietary approaches and changes play a part. Study of human parasites, their origin, effects, and treatment. FIRST AID , CPR : This co- requirement for our diploma program may be met through Red Cross Training and related certified training at any time within the first two years. Our tuition does not cover fees for this training- it is a co-qualification. Students may seek training near their homes and according to their own schedules. Students of individual classes and "first year" programs are not required to take this training. Evaluation and Assessment Methods in Naturopathic Practice, including lab hours: inclusive of Iris Analysis, Body Tissues palpation, body reading, interview intake, analysis of reflex areas, and energy medicine pathways. The natural physician employs hands-on assessment, taking time to integrate the signs of the body to indicate imbalance and need for healing and support. Case Histories and Protocols for Body System Imbalances: Our version of "Grand Rounds " - in which we evaluate, record, discuss and learn from actual case histories under guidance- initially with ourselves, proceeding with the class group, and evolving into working with the community. Movement Dynamics, Therapeutic Movement: Program participants will learn about and engage in a variety of forms of therapeutic movement , cultivating an understanding of the role of movement in health and healing programs. Feldenkrais, Authentic Movement, hatha yoga, and others are experienced and considered. Energy Medicine for personal development and client support, exploring, experiencing, and practicing the contributions of a variety of energy medicine systems. These include Therapeutic Touch, polarity, basic energy balancing, and others. Client / Therapist Communications, Dynamics, Ethics: Supervised communications circles and individual support in the development of client therapist consultancy skills Herbal Therapeutics and Advanced Herbal Medicine Studies: A working , hands-on knowledge of western herbal therapeutics from the ground up - herbology, medicine making, apothecary skills and management, herbal pharmacology, herbal nutrition and foundational tenets of herbal arts and sciences is essential in the training of the Natural Physician in our current culture. In combination with other natural therapeutics, herbs are key and potent allies in the support of health and healing. Our herbal medicine program is well established and continues to develop. Flower Essences training is part of this program, derived from a 30 year foundation of experience using, testing for, taking, and making flower essences from a variety of ranges and traditions. Herbal Medicine Student Clinic: Living practice with the community as supervised by our master herbalists/Naturopaths. Herbal Apothecary and Dispensary lab - Clinical herbal medicine and botanical therapeutics, with a focus on maintaining a working herbal pharmacy. Special Populations, Life Pathways: Infancy through Elder years; Childbearing year, additional special populations. Naturopath Clinical Internship begins after completing curriculum, within our established student and community clinic. Internship offers an opportunity for supervised professional development in client care. Professional Practice Development - Ethics, business, marketing, and the legal/political arena are addressed in segments throughout all years of all programs. Guest Teachers presenting enlightening experiences: students and practitioners will continue with their development throughout their careers. Guest teachers bring perspectives beyond our curriculum focus for future consideration. We welcome enrollment of the general public to our first year weekend programs and other select lectures, on an individual "try it out" class basis, for personal enrichment and to explore your interest in the topics we offer. NATURAL MEDICINE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
The first year of the diploma program, this program is offered as a one year program for those who seek an overview background in naturopathy theory and practice. During this program an overview of naturopathic skills and applied philosophy is presented and experienced. The individual weekend workshops of this program schedule are open for registration on a session by session basis for those who do not seek to enter the diploma program. To recap: 1) This is the first year of the diploma program 2) The first year is available to the prospective student as a complete program unto itself; you may register for just that one year if you choose 3) One may register for the individual classes, on an individual basis, during the first year. Second and Third year programs are open only to diploma program students.
You will follow a holistic pathway in the study of the human body. Living Naturopathy yourself, you will be best prepared to understand the theoretical mechanisms behind natural healing, so as to better help others.
We believe health and wholeness, as well as the healing path require the presence of joy, humor, transformation and flexibility in our lives, so be prepared to experience our program in that spirit. With successful completion, each year of our 3 year program will provide you with skills you may readily apply in a variety of forms of work. Year One will provide an initial foundation in the western traditions. Years Two and Three will integrate eastern traditions, while developing skills in the client/therapist relationship which require sensitivity, intuition, ethics, boundaries, tolerance, pacing, and comprehensive knowledge of this field. |
