Eastern medicine doctor

Eastern medicine doctor

Duties and Responsibilities:

The person who chooses a career in alternative medicine will learn to treat and prevent illnesses through methods not normally used by the traditional Western healthcare establishment. These methods include the use of herbal and homeopathic medicines as well as dietary supplements. Other methods of treatment used by practitioners of alternative medicine include holistic medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology and new age healing. An alternative medicine practitioner works to promote health and well-being by treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. Those who pursue an alternative medicine career may have the opportunity to help patients suffering from a wide range of ailments, from cancer to back pain, migraines and arthritis. They often work from their own private practice or, less commonly, in hospitals, clinics and other healing centers. 

Salary:

$30,000 - $70,000

Education:

Students can prepare for an alternative medicine career as an herbalist, for example, in a Bachelor of Science program that provides courses in science and herbal science. Some Master of Science programs combine studies of traditional Western medicine and non-traditional Eastern medicine in preparing one for a career in holistic medicine. Areas of study in an alternative medicine doctoral program include acupuncture, oriental medicine and homeopathy. Students in a doctoral program, such as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D. or NMD) program, gain the opportunity to improve their holistic skills and assist patients in private practices.