A career in health and medicine is proven to be lucrative. But, as the world moves to traditional and complementary medicine, the demand for alternative medicine professionals is also on the rise. A career in alternative medicine is now a rewarding option with endless opportunities to learn and grow.

Suppose you are into the field of medicine and would like to explore opportunities in any of the alternative medicines. In that case, you should take up a PhD in alternative medicine degree. Let’s see why health and medicine professionals with a master’s degree should obtain a PhD in alternative medicine.

What Is Alternative Medicine?

Alternative medicine is a field of medical practice that focuses on using untested medications, or their efficacy has not been proven yet. Sometimes referred to as complementary or integrative medicine, alternative medicine includes achieving healing effects using non-traditional treatments. Some common examples of alternative medicine include homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, Ayurveda, Oriental medicine, yoga, etc.

The Emergence of Alternative Medicine

The use of alternative medicine and complementary medicine is increasing globally, with a worldwide market valued at $69.2 billion in 2019. It was expected to reach $296.3 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 19.9%. Simply put, the demand for alternative medicine is anticipated to increase by four times in the next 7 years.

Back in the day, alternative medicine was a concept of the eastern side, mainly China and India. The western side started adopting alternative medicine with North America and the European Union leading the initiative. But now, the spread of alternative medicine has reached Africa and the Middle East. Research conducted by BMJ suggested that the use of alternative, complementary, and traditional medicine is significant in Africa, especially in the Sub-Saharan region.

Several factors have attributed to the rise of alternative medicine in Africa. First, the increasingly adverse effects of orthodox medicine have encouraged people to adopt lesser harmful alternatives. The governments of various countries in Africa have also taken measures to promote the use of alternative medicine.

This increasing adoption of alternative medicine in Africa has also led to the rising demand for alternative medicine professionals and specialists. Several public organizations, NGOs, and private providers are looking for expert professionals. Therefore, if you have an alternative medicine degree, opportunities for you in Africa are substantial.

In-Demand Specializations in Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is a broad field comprising various traditional and complementary therapies. If you want to make a career in alternative medicine, you’ll need to pick one domain and specialize in it. Nowadays, a lot of colleges and universities offer specializations in alternative medicine, both as in-school as well as online degree programs.

Some of the most in-demand specializations in alternative medicine are:

• Acupuncture: It includes inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points to relieve pain and other conditions.
• Massage Therapy: It involves scientific manipulation of soft tissues and muscles of the body.
• Herbal Medicine: It refers to the study of pharmacognosy and the use of plants and plant-based products for medical therapies.
• Ayurveda: It is a natural medicine system originated in India that includes herbal medicine and lifestyle changes to treat diseases.
• Oriental Medicine: It comprises herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture, and exercise to treat illnesses.
• Homeopathy: It is a medical system that originated in Germany. It includes giving small amounts of medicine to encourage the body to heal itself.
• Yoga: Yoga involves physical, mental, and spiritual practices to treat bodily and mental health issues.
• Naturopathy: It’s a traditional medical practice that focuses on natural, non-invasive healing using folk medicine and vitalism.

For health and medicine postgraduates looking to start a career in alternative medicine, it’s crucial to get a PhD in alternative medicine degree in any of the above-mentioned fields. Once you obtain the degree, you can practice as an alternative medicine professional or build a career in research and development. If you want, you can also pursue further education and specialize in more alternative medicine fields.

The Prevalence of Alternative Medicine in Africa

A WHO survey on alternative, traditional, and complementary medicine concluded that the African region is the second-largest user of alternative medicine, with more than 72% of countries having an alternative medicine policy. This number is second only to South-East Asia (92%).

The WHO, African region, implemented its first regional strategy on alternative medicine between 2001 and 2012. Since then, the use of alternative medicine has been on the rise. The report also demonstrated the high percentage of regulation of herbal medicine in Africa.

Besides, WHO has also recognized the use and benefits of alternative medicine for the treatment of COVID-19 in Africa. According to WHO, Africa has a long history of traditional and complementary medicine. Plants like Artemisia annua can be considered for the treatment of COVID-19 if adequate research facilities and expert alternative medicine professionals are available.

In response, African governments have urged member states to research the safety and efficacy of traditional medicine. Countries have also agreed to carry out relevant research to get alternative therapies approved as per the international standards.

This indicates the need for highly skilled alternative medicine professionals in Africa. The governments of almost all countries in Africa are investing heavily in the development of alternative medicine facilities. Thus, there’s a high demand for specialized alternative medicine professionals.

Career Prospects for PhD Holders in Alternative Medicine

If you pursue accredited alternative medicine degrees online, you will specialize in treating and preventing illnesses through a wide range of complementary and traditional methods. As discussed, these methods include the use of herbs, physical exercises, and other alternative therapies that can be to heal human ailments.

As an alternative career professional, you’ll be responsible for the holistic well-being of humans rather than only treating the symptoms. Through your research works, you’ll get the opportunity to help people get rid of ailments like migraines, arthritis, back pain, cancer, and more.

Alternative medicine professionals can pursue their career in two ways. They can start their own private practice clinic and grow it into a successful healthcare business. This option is more prevalent across the world, and most alternative medicine professionals end up starting their own clinic.

Or, if you want, you can continue studying and obtain more specializations in alternative medicine. Let’s take a quick look at the options for alternative medicine careers.

• Job in Wellness Industry: Based on your specialization and interest, you can choose to work in the wellness industry. You can become a consultant or therapist.
• Research Job: Youcan contribute and become part of some groundbreaking research.
• Jobs at a Hospital: Alternative medicine professionals, especially naturopaths and acupuncturists, are always in high demand. In South Africa, for example, naturopathic doctors with a doctorate have an average base salary of ZAR 474,374 per year. Job opportunities for alternative medicine professionals are also immense in the public and non-profit sectors.
• Teaching Career: With having a doctorate in alternative medicine, you can take up teaching as your career. Scholars with a PhD degree can become lecturers at universities and colleges.
• Study Further: The last option is to continue your education and attain more specializations in alternative medicine. A lot of alternative medicine fields, like naturopathy, massage, and acupuncture, follow the same fundamentals and principles. So, you can specialize in multiple domains and increase your chances of having a successful career in alternative medicine.

You can also enter the domain of research and development and help organizations develop new alternative medicines and therapies.

Options in alternative medicine are endless, but it all starts with obtaining accredited alternative medicine degrees online from a reputed university, like ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ (ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ).

PhD in Alternative Medicine at ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ

Alternative medicine is a field that requires expertise and real-world skills. Therefore, it’s essential to pick a university that focuses on your overall development – both theoretical and practical.

ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ provides a PhD in Alternative Medicine in an academic partnership with the University of Central Nicaragua. This degree program is 100% online, offered parallel to the regular program. Therefore, in addition to the flexibility of online learning, you’ll get access to advanced research and all other benefits provided to the students of the regular course.

The program duration is 3 years and requires you to have a master’s degree in health, medicine, or related field from a recognized university.

Some salient features of ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ’s PhD in alternative medicine are:

• several specializations to choose from;
• 100% online program, study from anywhere, anytime;
• on-hands experience with access to higher research;
• international exposure and exchange; and
• internationally recognized degree.

Why Choose ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ for PhD in Alternative Medicine?

ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ’s doctoral programs are globally renowned for their teaching methodology, doctorate structure, and practical teaching approach. Here’s why you should choose ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ for PhD in Alternative Medicine.

• Proven, efficient doctoral structure
• Online program for enhanced flexibility
• Faculty and support by your side
• Study resource, including e-journal and thesis

Get specialized in alternative medicine with a PhD degree from ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ and explore better career opportunities in the relevant sector.

The post How Can an Alternative Medicine Degree Transform Your Career? appeared first on ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ.

The world market for alternative and complementary medicines is projected to experience substantial growth in the next few years. Growing medical expenditure is one of the major factors that are likely to encourage the growth of the overall market in the coming years. Besides, the opportunity to get jobs in the alternative medicine field is wide where one can have an excelling career growth.

Alternative, complementary, and preventive medicine has gained huge popularity in recent times. It could be because of reduced side effects or better access to these treatments, thus making preventive medicine a winner.

An article titled ‘Perception, attitude and usage of complementary and alternative medicine among doctors and patients in a tertiary care hospital in India’ states that the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) was more among doctors (58%) when compared with the patients (28%).

The Indian government is also eyeing a three-fold increase in the AYUSH sector by 2022. AYUSH stands for traditional systems of medicine and healthcare such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, and Siddha and Homeopathy.

Having said that, we need to understand the avenues that are open for us in the longer run. Here is an insight into the list of careers that you can choose from alternative medicine.

1. Ayurveda

Ayurveda is needed in the modern world, which lacks a personal approach to food and the environment. Such a personal approach helps individuals relate to food and its health effects.

The chronic yet preventable diseases like diabetes, obesity, and IBS demands the intervention of Ayurveda for a healthy life. Although Ayurveda is gaining popularity, there are sadly few practitioners to fill this important role in society.

The demand for Ayurveda jobs has peaked over the last century, not only in India but also worldwide.

Ayurveda is a systems approach to health. Ayurveda science believes in going to the root cause of a problem before recommending the treatment. AyurVaid is not just a one-off treatment center. It is a place where their health is tracked, documented and taken care of.

The demand for Ayurveda jobs has skyrocketed over the last century. Indian schools of medicine and other institutes find themselves catering to this burgeoning market of students. Ayurvedists get paid well and usually work in Ayurvedic hospitals both in the government and private sectors. You could become an Ayurvedist and earn well.

How Much Will I Make?

By becoming an Ayurvedist, one can get paid between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 40,000 per month based on their experience.

2. Yoga

Yoga, as a form of psychotherapy, has started to be developed in a structured manner only over the past few years.

The yoga therapist will first train the person to reduce the physiological arousal level. In the techniques of self-empowerment, ways to control the body, breath, and mind will be taught.

Asia and Africa are promoting a career in yoga as a motive to make India fit. There are several job vacancies in government sectors.

Role of a Yoga Instructor

You will be instructing someone as a yoga instructor, or you can be following these plans:

1. Design courses & lesson plans
2. Analyze the fitness level & requirements of all participants
3. Demonstrate and perform all yoga exercises
4. Design safe and comprehensive yoga programs
5. Monitor participant performance and recommend different yoga exercises

Being a Yoga Therapist can help you explore job opportunities in the fields of education, corporate sector, and research. Gone are the days when yoga was considered as just a way to keep fit. With the popularization of yoga at the global level, several career opportunities have come up in this field.

How Much Will I Make?

You could become a yoga therapist and can easily make anywhere between Rs. 25,000- Rs.40,000/month by providing personal training. You can also participate in various workshops organized by the government and private sector companies.

Careers are not solely limited to being a trainer. Yoga therapists can also practice in hospitals and wellness centers, the hospitality industry, and schools and corporate. Additionally, you also a join higher education system after clearing NET-JRF or PhD.

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine that is widely used to treat migraines, heart problems, digestive issues, and infertility. It uses tiny needles to be affixed on certain spots to relieve you of pain. If you are considering alternative medicine as your career path, this one could be good.

Becoming an acupuncturist requires intensive higher education and practical experience. For most schools, you can expect to spend about three years studying to earn your acupuncture accreditation.

What does an Acupuncturist do?

You will examine the patient and assess their condition and then accordingly insert one or more thin, sterile needles. You may also have to offer advice on self-care or other complementary therapies, such as Chinese herbs.

How Much Will I Make?

The average hourly charges of any acupuncturist are Rs. 180/-. However, this depends on your experience.

4. Naturopathy

Naturopathy is centered on the body’s healing ability, and thus promotes self-cleansing, repair, and healing. Focusing on the immune, hormonal, nervous, and detoxification/elimination systems of the body can achieve this process. Once these systems are in balance, the body can once again achieve homeostasis.

Naturopathy practitioners focus on the patient’s own unique set of symptoms, reactions, and status. Moreover, the treatment protocols are highly personalized. The patient’s biochemistry, biomechanics, and emotional predispositions are harnessed to combat illness.

Naturopaths

A career in Naturopathy offers ample opportunities to the practitioner to earn money as well as reputation. In India, there are few colleges on Naturopathy offering courses at various levels – diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate.

Naturopathy is often practiced in combination with other forms of alternative medicines such as Reiki, homeopathy, acupuncture, etc. You could become a naturopath and enjoy the mix of alternative medicines. Naturopaths insist people do exercise, quit smoking, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, practice good nutrition, etc.

How Much Will I Make?

Naturopaths generally earn more in their ventures or clinics. Some naturopaths are also absorbed in private and government hospitals, depending upon the strength.

5. Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an alternative form of medicine that uses the principle of ‘Like can cure Like’ to heal diseases. The term Homeopathy has been derived from two Greek words ’Homeo’ and ’Pathos’. They mean ‘similar’ and ‘suffering or treatment by the same’, respectively. A German scientist Hahnemann in 1806 demonstrated this natural method of therapy.

Homeopathy aims to provide quick and gentle cures and is especially effective in dealing with chronic and acute illnesses. Remedies are usually powerful but diluted, and thus, entirely free of harmful side effects. Such treatment may generally continue over a few months or even years. Homeopathy uses minute doses of natural remedies to stimulate the body’s natural healing energy. In such a way, it helps the patient to regain health.

The remedies are made from natural substances such as plants, minerals, and animal sources. They are highly diluted to make even poisonous substances safe and potentized to enhance their energy.

Homeopath

During your appointment, a homeopath will ask several questions about your mental, emotional, and physical health. He’ll prescribe the remedy that best matches all of your symptoms. Then he’ll tailor the treatment for you.

A graduate of homeopathy can find employment opportunities in both the private and public sectors. They can get placed in government or private hospitals, NGOs, research institutes, educational institutions, and so on. Moreover, one can also start his/her clinic for private practice.

How Much Will I Make?

You could become Homeopath as private sector hospitals and nursing homes offer lucrative openings with excellent pay-packages.

How to do a PhD in Alternative Medicine

Obtaining a PhD puts you at the top of your academic and professional game. With a doctorate degree, you may open the doors for career-making opportunities to abound.

Getting a PhD in such an evolving industry can create a prospective career opportunity. With the natural health market on the rise, your skills are likely to be in very high demand.

With a PhD degree, you can excel as an expert in sectors such as health science, education, research, and clinical care. Being an expert, you may choose to open your clinic and treat patients through healing treatments. You may work on scientific studies, supplement development, or clinical research. Careers in hospitals, clinics, health centers, and therapeutic institutions may open up for you. Perhaps you will teach the future generation of alternative medicine mavens.

There is no doubt that the careers in alternative medicine are wide and you can pursue with more confidence. But all you must be worried about is how and where to pursue your higher studies in alternative medicine. Here are some insights as to where you can do your PhD in Alternative Medicine India.

ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ’s School of Research offers research programs in various fields. The programs provide a platform that enables research scholars to pursue their studies using our advanced Blended Learning System. It enables the students to study at their flexible timings. The special methodology implemented by ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ is . It is a uniquely designed teaching-learning methodology. Block-based learning focuses on more immersed learning.

This helps students pursue their PhD in Alternative Medicine without much interruption even in your busy schedule. As there are a lot of job opportunities for alternative medicine degree holders, there is no doubt that you can have a profitable career in this sector.

The post Charting New Horizons: Exciting Careers in Alternative Medicine appeared first on ºÚÁÏ°Ù¿Æ.