The increasing demand for competence in the field of nutrition as a health maintenance tool has led to the development of this certification course at IPSB.  The increased recognition of the usage of herbs in the treatment of a variety of ailments and conditions prompted the school to develop this introductory nutrition certification training utilizing herbal knowledge from both the Western and Eastern cultural heritages.

The Holistic Nutrition course of study includes classes focusing on nutritional problems and Eastern and Western methods of treatment. This path will prepare massage therapists to be able to make suggestions in a clinical setting with techniques specific for treatment of diet, chronic pain, indigestion, and other types of nutritional problems that might not be remedied by allopathic medicine.

This approach is appropriate for working closely with the Western or Eastern medical model and will provide the therapist with a clear understanding of nutritional terminology and the ability to interact with other professionals. This career path prepares the therapist interested in developing methods for working with clients and their nutritional needs.

Our goal is to provide students, in a reasonable amount of time, the skills they will need to provide competent advice for their clients in the realms of common nutritional and herbal remedies. We seek to foster pride and competence in our graduates. We seek to provide our students with the knowledge that allows them to promote a natural and safe approach to the maintenance of health and harmony to their families and clients.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

150 Clock Hours 

Prerequisites: Students must meet all general admission requirements. In addition, students are recommended to complete the Essentials of Oriental Theories or Asian Healing Arts II class.

Courses must be taken in the order indicated.

Each course taken will count toward only one Specialization.

150 Hour Certificate:

Herbology - Western

Herbal Applications - Eastern

Nutrition – Western

Nutrition - Eastern

Nutrition - Integrated Diet & Herbs

Nutritional Support for Common Ailments

Students will acquire a foundational knowledge of Western and Eastern nutrition and herbs and learn basic methods to support common ailments.  These courses provide students with fundamental information required for understanding and evaluating foods, diet and herbs in both Eastern and Western methods of treatment.  The Western scientific approach to the essential biochemistry of foods is examined using three established primary categories of foods.  In addition, Asian approaches to food, diet and nutrition are introduced. This approach requires the student to have a firm understanding of the traditional Oriental Medical paradigm which clearly recognizes the role that food and nutrition play in the practice of Asian healing arts.

Major areas of consideration include: pre- and post-natal issues, childhood and adolescent needs, fasting and rejuvenation utilizing foods.  Nutrition evaluation and how to work with the individuals to enhance understanding and client compliance will also be examined. The main categories of herbs will be taught and the primary herbs in each category will be studied.  Students will learn how herbal preparations are made and which remedies are appropriate for some common human maladies.

Therapists will have an understanding of nutritional terminology that enhances their ability to interact with other professionals and discuss the contraindications of specific nutritional approaches and any legal issues surrounding this field of specialization.  Upon satisfactory completion of this certificate training, graduates will find their holistic health care skills enhanced for job opportunities in Nursing facilities, Medical offices, Holistic Health Centers, Health Clubs, or Acupuncturist Offices.