Alternative Medicine Courses

Introduction:
Many medical practitioners resort to unconventional modes of treatment while healing wounds or treating diseases. The practices such as homeopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy, naturopathy or faith healing come under the broad category of alternative medicine. Certain practices of alternative medicine have been absorbed into the conventional practices and are known as complementary medicine, e.g. Acupuncture. Today, there a number of institutes that offers Alternative medicine courses.

India is a place where many alternative system of healthcare such as Ayurveda, Sidhha, and Unani had its origin. Legal recognition for a particular kind of alternative medicine varies from place to place, though in India the above mentioned practices along with homeopathy are recognized. However, naturopathy is in the process of being recognized as it is being taught in many universities.

Qualifications: There are several institutions across the country which provides courses in alternative medicines. There are mainly four kinds of courses offered and the requirements for those courses are given below:

The diploma courses in alternative medicine are of two years duration. It requires a candidate to have passed class X.

The courses of Bachelor Certificate in Alternative Medicines have is of two years duration and require the candidate to have passed class XII.

The Post Graduate degree Course is of 1 year duration and requires the candidate to be a M.B.B.S., B.H.M.S., D.M.S., D.H.M.S. or Medical Graduate from a recognized universities.

A Ph.D degree on alternative medicines can also be pursued once the post -graduation is completed.

Benefits: Allopathic medicines and treatments though reigning supreme still now, has a fair share of its disadvantages, whereas Alternative Medicines have no proven side effects.


This kind of treatment aims towards achieving a higher standard of health and concentrates on the emotional and psychological health of a patient besides his physical condition. This is making more and more people switch over to alternative medicines. It is thus beneficial for students of alternative medicines to pursue the courses in this field of study seriously.

Scope in India: India, being the birthplace of several alternative medicinal practices, provides huge scope for students. A separate national policy has been formed by the government keeping in mind the potential of this field of study. Both central and state governments and NGOs employ bachelor and PG degree holders at different levels. Pharmaceutical companies such as Dabur, Hamdard, Himalaya employ these professionals. With the growth in this industry there is an increasing scope of enjoying a successful career in this field.

Scope Abroad: The growing popularity of alternative medicine is not restricted to India only. Both European as well as American countries are shifting towards the holistic treatments offered by alternative medicines. The craze for Yoga and Ayurveda have increased manifold in the past decade. This is a good sign for practitioners as the scope of earning is more in the western countries. Even countries like Uruguay, Malayasia and others are looking for professionals in this field of alternative medicine. Thus, the prospect abroad for those pursuing a career in alternative medicine is quite promising.