Career Choices in Alternative Medicine - Research Paper Example

Career Choices in Alternative Medicine OUTLINE: Introduction Results Suitability Profile Duties and Responsibilities Entry Level Requirements Salary Information Employment Outlook Conclusion Works Cited INTRODUCTION The medical field has over time expanded, to address the increasing variety of needs of the society. Mainstream traditional practice medicine was met with criticism from some societal spheres. Some religions for instance, discredited medicine on the basis that it involves too many chemicals. This led to the introduction, and development of alternative medicine. Like every other career-line, alternative medicine is defined by the typical duties it entails. There is also the education that qualifies one for a career in alternative medicine. This will determine how salaries vary. As time passes by, the outlook of every job changes as the market dynamics, and needs get redefined. Some have a better outlook than others and this is dependent upon the functionality of the career in the ever-changing world. The intention of this paper is to explain the career opportunities that are available in alternative medicine. Definition Alternative medicine involves the prevention and treatment of illnesses through methods other than the traditional western ways (Malhotra). A medic dealing in alternative medicine is different from those in mainstream medicine in one way; in alternative medicine the person is addressed as a whole, while in western medical practices, only the symptoms are treated. Depending on what the field specializes in, the practitioners of a particular field may need different types of education. Alternative medicine consists of medical practices that originate mostly from the East. It is a system of medicine that involves treating of cause of illness rather than the symptoms that reveal themselves, by use of natural, non-toxic methods. It is traditional medicine from India, China, Japan, and other countries mainly from Asia. It is deemed to be over 5000 years old with practices proven effective over generations. They are significantly older than modern medicine which is 150 years old (Natural Health Careers – Complementary & Alternative Medicine). Until recently, though, alternative medicine was viewed as obscure and encompassed in mysticism. Their importance has, however, had to be recognized since the means involved in alternative medicine have been able to cure chronic illnesses. The ways that are widely used in alternative medicine are naturopathy, homeopathy, and ayurveda. In addition to these methods, there are also those methods whose use is increasing in the medical field. They include yoga, reiki, and chiropracty. Then there are those methods which are rarely used, and these are methods such as Tibetan medicine, unani, and siddha. It is imperative that these practices be used alongside conventional western medicine. This being the case, alternative medicine can now be referred to as integrative or complementary medicine (Seitzer). RESULTS “Suitability” Profile Most of these practices involved in alternative medicine have their origin in the Eastern communities. Knowledge of any of the languages of the Eastern countries is important. Knowledge in the traditional practices and beliefs of Eastern Ancient civilizations is also helpful since it forms the basis if the different practice methods. To increase the suitability of a person in pursuing a career in alternative medicine, a person needs to have the appreciation of methods of treating ailments, other than conventional Western medicine. Duties and responsibilities Ayurveda in not so strict terms translates to “the science of life.” Practiced in India for 5000 years, this method insists that to prevent and treat diseases, body, mind, and spirit all need to be used. It includes diets, and the used of herbal remedies. Naturopathy involves numerous practices such as massage therapy, use of herbal medicine, acupuncture, exercise, dietary modifications, and minor surgery (Malhotra). This line of alternative medicine is based on the belief that the body possesses it own healing powers. It incorporates regimens such as use of mud packs, cold packs, hydrotherapy, and baths of different kinds. Homeopathy is a means of treatment that consists of the use of medicinal substances in highly diluted quantities. These medicinal substances, when used in doses that are higher, and/or more concentrated, cause the symptoms they are meant to treat. Chiropracty is a non-invasive non-surgical method that is used for the management of chronic disorders, ortho-neuro-skeletal disorders, and problems involving the spine. It addresses these conditions by circumventing surgery. Among these three methods that have been accepted into the modern world, homeopathy is the most accepted. It consists of intrinsic and holistic values for treatment of ailments, and it is based on the treatment of like with like (Malhotra). Reiki is a method that attempts to increase the energy reservoirs of the seven chakras that constitute the human being. It is based on the belief that humans possess energy that they are born with. This energy is depleted as human go about their daily lives, leading to disease. By restoring energy levels, wellness is attained. Yoga has in the past century been incorporated to modern medicine. This ancient Indian medical practice involves body/mind practices that promote well-being, positive health, and help cure some medical conditions. It entails meditation, deep breathing, and postural exercises. Tibetan medicine is established on the theory that there are three energy kinds in the body; wind flame, and bile. When these energies are not balanced in any organ, illness is resultant. To help restore balance, this mode of treatment uses pills made of herbs, and other natural remedies. This medication is prescribed according to the calendar (Malhotra). Unani is a mode of treatment that originated from Greece, and is based on the “humoral theory.” This is a theory that indicates that various bodily fluids produce varying temperaments in a human being. It uses animal products, minerals, and plants, as curative agents. These agents used are aimed at re-establishing the original humoral constitution of the body. There is also siddha, which bears a doctrinal semblance to Ayurveda. It believes that the body is made up of three body fluids, seven tissues, and waste products. If there is an imbalance in these constituents, then disease is resultant. Modes of treatment are aimed at restoring balance among these components. Entry Level Requirements Like many other courses in traditional medicine, taking a course in any area of alternative medicine requires a minimum of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The least common of these methods, however, that is, Unani, Siddha, and Tibetan medicine, students who majored in arts and history can apply. Knowledge in Urdu/Arabic is mandatory for those persons who envision studying Unani. In the same way, knowledge of Tamil is needed for any person aiming at following the line of Siddha. For one to qualify to pursue a course in Ayurveda, one is required to be well versed in Hindi/Sanskrit (Malhotra). Courses are offered in both online, and on-campus learning modes. Salary Information The financial rewards experienced in this field of practice, are dependent on the skills that one possesses. Careers in alternative medicine stand the chance of being highly rewarding since it is majorly based on private practice. The average weekly earnings in the United States came to about $498. This is at a rate of $17.27 hourly; this is with the working hours averaging at 28.8 per week (Seitzer). Below is a table indicating selected careers in alternative medicine, and the states where practitioners are highest paid. These results are according to a continuing survey by SalaryExpert. This is an institution that considers all the careers, and their average wages, and/or salaries in the USA. Career option Highest paying city and state Average wages Chiropractor Charlotte, NC $195,000.00 Physical Therapist Dallas, TX $90,000.00 Yoga Instructor Houston, TX $70,000.00 Naturpopathic Physician New York-Manhattan, NY $72,000.00 Employment Outlook Careers in alternative medicine are beginning to gain acceptance in the community at large. Success in this field, like any other, depends on the job scenario, and other factors that affect job outlook. Chiropracty is becoming highly acclaimed especially in the USA, Germany, Australia, and the UK. This is attributed to its being cost effective, and calls for reduces recovery time as compared to invasive surgical methods. Homeopathy is also finding increased popularity in the Western world. It is also cost effective, easy to administer, and lacks side effects. These are aspects that every individual desires when they seek treatment for illnesses thy may have. As a result these methods are being favored by most people who comprise customer-base (Natural Health Careers – Complementary & Alternative Medicine). Most of the practices in alternative medicine are carried out in private practice. Ayuverdic, and homeopathic practitioners can, however, find employment under the CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme). There are government hospitals, municipal hospitals, and dispensaries countrywide that offer employment opportunities for persons who have pursued careers in alternative medicine. A person can also be hired as a consultant in pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions that deal with the respective fields. Career opportunities also arise in educational institutions that major in teaching, and training learners on the involved practices of alternative medicine (Seitzer). Careers in this field are recession-proof since people will seek wellness regardless of the economic times. It is more favored by individuals too, since it is more cost effective as compared to allopathic medicine. CONCLUSION Careers in alternative medicine are looking promising. These careers are gaining popularity since patients desire to learn of natural treatments, and move away from prescription drugs. Allopathic medicine, however, still presents considerable competition for the available opportunities in the job market. In order to succeed in a career in alternative medicine, patience and determination is required. These are essential if one is to curve a niche for themselves. Basis if success is in a practitioner showing results in their field of practice. Acceptance of alternative medicine methods in the modern world is evidenced by the courses on offer in institutions of higher learning. Courses are offered starting from certificate level, to diploma, and degree level. Some, like Yoga and Naturopathy, advance up to Ph.D level of training. Teacher training programmes have also been established in some institutions, to train teachers who will teach on these alternative methods in the medical field. From the graph below, acceptance levels of alternative medicine in the United States can be assessed. The graph is based on findings released by the NCCAM. It relates the extent of use of complementary and alternative medicine by Americans in 2007 according to age. Works Cited Malhotra, Pervin. Alternative Medicine. 2011. 15 November 2011 . Natural Health Careers – Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2011. 16 November 2011 . Salary Expert. November 2011. 17 November 2011 . Seitzer, Michelle. Alternative Medicine Careers. 15 November 2011 . The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States. December 2008. 17 November 2011 . Read More