Category: Integrative Health

The Fascinating World of Mushrooms: Nature’s Fungi Marvels

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Mushrooms, often referred to as fungi, belong to the mold, yeast family, and inhabit a unique realm in the natural world. These enigmatic organisms live in symbiosis with other species and play a crucial role in the decay of organic matter. However, what sets them apart is their remarkable ability to thrive without chlorophyll, the green pigment that allows plants to harness energy from sunlight. Instead, mushrooms derive their sustenance from various substances and other living organisms. 

One striking characteristic of mushrooms is their high-water content, comprising 80-90% of their composition. They have a thin outer layer known as the cuticle, and cell walls are reinforced by chitin—a complex carbohydrate amine complex found in insects and crustaceans’ exoskeletons. This stiff fiber, chitin, forms an indigestible barrier for humans, yet it contains immune-stimulating compounds called beta-glucans, a specific type of polysaccharide. Mushrooms are higher in protein and vitamin B12 than other living plants. 

Hot-water extraction remains the only proven method to break down the chitinous cell walls and extract these bioactive polysaccharides intact. The complexity of these polysaccharides makes synthetic reproduction challenging. Beta-glucan molecules stimulate macrophage activity, bolstering the body’s immune response. 

Mushrooms exhibit diverse types of relationships with their surroundings. Some, like boletes and truffles, engage in symbiotic partnerships, while others, such as corn smut or huitlacoche, follow a parasitic lifestyle. Most edible mushrooms, however, thrive on the decaying remains of dead plants. 

Cordyceps sinensis is a parasitic fungus found in high-altitude regions of China, Tibet, and Nepal. It’s known as the “winter worm,” “summer grass,” and “caterpillar mushroom” in China. This rare and expensive fungus grows on the caterpillar larvae of moths, consuming the host. 

The constituents of Cordyceps sinensis include D-mannitol, polysaccharides, amino acids (including essential ones), mycoses, ergosterol, sterols, palmitic acid, cordycepin, and micronutrients. The fruiting body (fungus) and the worm (caterpillar) are used together to harness its benefits. 

Medicinal Properties of Mushrooms

Certain mushrooms hold medicinal value. Cordyceps sinensis, Maitake, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) are notable examples. Cordyceps sinensis, in particular, has gained recognition for its adaptogenic properties, promoting overall health and aiding in fatigue management, lung and kidney health, athletic performance, and even supporting conventional cancer therapies. 

Its diverse applications include antiaging, fatigue reduction, enhanced sexual function, kidney and liver protection, blood pressure regulation, and potential support in autoimmune diseases, cancer, asthma, and immune system enhancement. It also demonstrates protective effects against hepato- and nephrotoxic drugs, such as chemotherapy and radiation. 

Depending on intended therapeutic effects, dosage recommendations typically range from 1 to 6 grams daily. Cordyceps sinensis has a remarkably safe profile with no known safety concerns. 

Mushrooms for Culinary

Regarding culinary delights, mushrooms offer a wide array of distinctive flavors. They are known for their rich, meaty taste and contain a high content of free amino acids, including glutamic acid, a natural monosodium glutamate (MSG) source. Certain varieties, like the shiitake mushroom, are rich in guanosine monophosphate (GMP), enhancing their meaty flavor. Additionally, mushrooms produce octanol, which contributes to their savory profile. Brown and field mushrooms are more flavorful and are even known to help deter snails and insects. 

Mushrooms offer a delectable array of flavors and textures, each with its unique culinary potential: 

  • Abalone is best enjoyed when cooked. It shines in dishes like stir-fries and hearty stews. 
  • Black trumpet is part of the chanterelle family; it boasts an aromatic, smoky, cheese-like flavor, making it a fantastic addition to rice dishes. 
  • Chanterelle with its golden hue and delicately fruity, apricot-like flavor, the chanterelle delivers a chewy, meaty texture. It thrives when sautéed or braised, enhancing pasta, sauces, and soups. 
  • Cremini are originally from Italy, these brown mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are rich in flavor and possess a meaty texture, thanks to their lower moisture content. 
  • Enoki are mild-flavored and white-creamy, originate from the enoki tree in Japan. They bring a crisp-tender freshness to salads and add a delightful twist to various dishes. 
  • Lobster are a fascinating fungus living on other mushrooms (Russula and Lactarius genera), making them palatable. They introduce vibrant colors and a meaty texture to your dishes. 
  • Morels are found in yellow, brown, and black varieties and collected in spring, morels provide a deep earthy and smoky flavor with a satisfyingly chewy texture. They work wonders in creamy pasta, rice, or alongside fish and poultry. 
  • Porcini are known as the king of boletes, porcini mushrooms are woodland treasures collected in late summer or fall. Light brown in color, they boast rich, meaty, nutty flavors, lacking gills but featuring a spongy layer. 
  • Portobello embark on a flavorful journey with these dark brown Italian mushrooms, ranging from 3 to 8 inches in diameter. They are best enjoyed marinated and grilled when their gills are fully exposed, offering a flavorful, meaty texture. 

Storing mushrooms requires care. Keeping them in a paper bag in the fridge is best to extend their freshness. At room temperature, mushrooms can lose up to 5% of their energy reserves within four days. Refrigeration reduces their metabolic processes, but they should be used soon after purchase. While some recommend washing, simply wiping them down suffices. If washed, they should be cooked immediately. 

In conclusion, mushrooms are a fascinating corner of the natural world, offering distinctive flavors and potent medicinal properties. Their bioactive polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, make them valuable for enhancing immune function and overall health. So, remember the remarkable world hidden within these fungi marvels next time you savor a delicious mushroom dish. 

With the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Culinary Health and Healing program, which focuses on the developing field of culinary/health medicine, learn more about the role of culinary to promote healthy diets, celebrate global cuisine, and create multicultural-specific meal plans. Additionally, it combines the fields of nutrition and cooking, preparing students with the evidence-based principles and practices of choosing and preparing whole foods as a foundation for health and wellness. 

 

References: 

Yance, D. (2013). Adaptogens in medical herbalism. Healing Arts Press https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27408987/ 

Hirsch, K. R., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Roelofs, E. J., Trexler, E. T., & Mock, M. G. (2017). Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. Journal of dietary supplements, 14(1), 42–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386 naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com 

The Value of Health and Wellness Coaching During a Time of Loss

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Dr. Duston Morris, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Health and Wellness Coaching at Maryland University of Integrative Health, explains the role of coaching during a time of loss. He discusses how coaches can help clients deal with loss and grief, begin the healing process, and learn how to fully grieve so they can positively manage loss in their lives. 

How can a Health and Wellness Coach be supportive during a time of loss? 

Loss comes in all different forms. It can present feelings like sadness and helplessness. A Health and Wellness Coach can provide support during times of loss by helping clients realize that although we can’t control loss, we can learn how to fully grieve our loss and embrace bereavement as part of a healthy lifestyle. Exploring personal feelings related to loss and how those feelings are part of the healing process is something Health and Wellness Coaches can explore with clients, providing them with the support they need and deserve.   

For a Health and Wellness Coach, which scenarios constitute a loss? 

Many scenarios constitute a loss. It can be the loss of a loved one, the loss of a friendship, or a job. Typically, loss produces feelings like sadness, helplessness, loneliness, doubt, worry, and even confusion. Not processing loss and working through our feelings regarding loss can impact many different aspects of health and wellness. Health and Wellness Coaches recognize how loss can negatively influence the different dimensions of health and wellness. Helping clients recognize this process is one of the first steps toward healing.   

How can Health and Wellness Coaching facilitate the process of grief? 

Health and Wellness Coaches help facilitate the process of grief by offering their clients a safe and supportive space to share their thoughts and feelings openly. Our society teaches us that showing feelings like those associated with loss is a sign of weakness when being able to appreciate and appropriately express those feelings is a sign of strength and growth. Health and Wellness Coaches are supportive professionals that work alongside their clients to help them talk about their loss, and how to positively manage their loss by embracing their feelings and recognizing that as a healthy and appropriate process.  

Is there an average length of time a Health and Wellness Coach is most supportive in processing grief? 

There is no “normal” amount of time it takes to grieve. This is different for each person. Health and Wellness Coaches can be there as long as needed. The length of time necessary to deal with loss and grief effectively is determined by the client and based on conversations between the client and their Health and Wellness Coach during their coaching sessions.     

Does a Health and Wellness Coach use special techniques in the grieving process? 

Health and Wellness Coaches are trained to use many different coaching skills and techniques. However, when dealing with loss, the best things the coach offers are genuine compassion, empathy, and reflection. Loss is hard. Loss hurts. Most people just need someone who listens, understands, and provides a safe space to share all feelings without judgment. This is part of the healing presence that every MUIH Health and Wellness Coach is trained to practice. 

Integrative health professionals from MUIH can be found all around the world. To find a health and wellness coach within MUIH’s community resources, you can find a practitioner.  

To become a health and wellness coach, explore the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching program, which prepares students with foundational skills and expertise to help clients clarify and implement health and wellness goals and sustain life-changing behaviors. 

And learn about the Master of Arts in Health and Wellness Coaching program, which builds upon foundational coaching skills through advanced coaching, group coaching, professional and business development, and research literacy skills that support contemporary coaching practice. 

What is Ghee?

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Let’s start with the source. If you want to make ghee you want to source organic butter from cows raised on “natural pasturage” preferable from Jersey or Guernsey cows, is a stable fat made from cream with a wide range of short, medium, and odd chain fatty acids that have anti-tumor effects as well as typical saturated (40-60%), monounsaturated and some polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is solid at room temperature butter contains fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D and E. Vitamin A and E have strong antioxidant properties that protect the health of the thyroid and adrenals glands that maintain the proper function of the heart and cardiovascular system.  Butter has short and medium-chain fatty acids (15%) and conjugated linoleic Acid (CLA) which has strong anti-cancer properties. It is rich in selenium, a vital antioxidant. Butterfat contains glycosphingolipids, which is the fatty acid that protects against gastro-intestinal infection, especially in the young and the elderly. This makes butter an excellent source for treating candida overgrowth. Another important natural component in butter is Lecithin, which helps assimilate and metabolize cholesterol and other fat constituents.  All these properties are only in the fat part of the milk. Butter and cream contain little lactose or casein and are usually well-tolerated even by those who are sensitive to dairy. 

Ghee is especially well-tolerated by most because the milk solids are removed. In traditional Indian medicine, ghee is considered the most satvic, or health-promoting fat available. Although you can purchase organic or hormone-free ghee, making it yourself is fun and easy. It takes only about 15 minutes from start to finish making it. As the ghee forms, the milk solids stick to the bottom of the pot, leaving only the pure stable fat, suitable for high heat sautéing. Check frequently after the gurgling stops. It’s a sign that the water has evaporated out and that the milk solids are beginning to brown. Because it is so rich in antioxidants and lacking in milk solids, ghee does not have to be refrigerated, which makes it great for travel and for use in herbal medicines. 

A few spices sautéed in ghee and added right before your dish is finished lends the most delicious flavoring. 

Butter is 80% fat and 20% water and milk solids; ghee is 99.9% fat.  

Making Ghee 

Makes 1 1/2 cups 

1pound unsalted butter, preferably organic grass-fed pastured cows 

In a small saucepan, gradually melt the butter over medium low heat until it is melted completely, about 5 minutes. The butter will start to gurgle as the water evaporates. The top will cover with foam. Simmer uncovered on low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the milk solids start to brown on the bottom of the pot. Check after 10 minutes and frequently after that by pushing aside the foam and tilting the pan to see if the solids have browned. As soon as the solids turn brown turn off the heat and let the residue settle to the bottom. Pour the liquid through a double layer of cheesecloth into a heat-resistant container to catch any residue; discard the solids. 

Steps to Getting Your Ayurveda Certification Online

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Developed over 3,000 years ago in India, Ayurveda is among the world’s oldest forms of healing. The belief system behind Ayurveda is holistic and straightforward: To achieve and maintain wellness, one must first balance the mind, body, and spirit. An Ayurvedic wellness practitioner does not seek to treat any condition, but rather to support overall health through a combination of mental health, herbal medicine, yoga, nutrition, and personal transformation. Interesting in getting your ayurveda certification online?

In the United States and other western countries, Ayurveda is classified as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Like acupuncture and massage therapy, Ayurveda is gaining acceptance as healthcare institutions continue researching its efficacy as a form of preventative medicine. If you’re passionate about Ayurveda and interested in practicing it, you should consider ayurveda certification online and follow these steps. 

#1 Learn About Ayurveda Certification Online

Although there is a National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA), there are no licensing requirements in the United States in order to practice Ayurvedic medicine. However, you may need a business license if you plan to start your own practice. If you wish to work under another practice, like an integrative healthcare clinic, you may need to gain some experience as an apprentice before you can start seeing patients of your own. 

#2 Choose Your Degree Program

You can choose to earn a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Ayurvedic Wellness Practices to learn a solid foundation in modern Ayurvedic practices. You can also choose to start your learning in a short-term training program through our Professional and Continuing Education courses, or you can pursue your Bachelor of Science in Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery from one of the specialty Ayurveda schools in India. Most western students choose one of the former options and, upon successful completion, you’ll earn a certificate and have a solid foundation for becoming an Ayurvedic wellness practitioner.

The MUIH Ayurvedic Wellness Practices program is rooted in the traditional system, but incorporates a progressive scientific perspective and clinical study to explain how Ayurveda can improve a patient’s lifestyle and wellness through nutrition, yoga, the mind-body system, and other techniques. By the end of the program, you will be prepared to help patients achieve and maintain functional health and apply Ayurvedic principles to enhance their wellbeing.  

At MUIH, you can obtain your post-baccalaureate certificate through a completely online degree program, which offers convenience no matter where you are in the world. The program starts in the fall and lasts two trimesters.

#3 Plan Your Career Path in Ayurveda

As you begin on the path to earning your certificate as an Ayurvedic professional, you need to spend time planning your career path. With a certificate, you can choose to start your own practice, join an existing practice, work in the context of modern medicine at a hospital, become part of an integrative healthcare clinic or use the knowledge in conjunction with your other healthcare services.

At a clinic, you’ll work alongside other CAM practitioners (like massage therapists and acupuncturists) to offer complementary services to patients. The great thing about an integrative healthcare clinic is that it allows you to share expenses and patients with other practitioners, which creates a collaborative, supportive work environment. 

If you plan to open your own practice, you’ll want to look into local licensing requirements for owning a business and study up on business law and tax reporting requirements. Most Ayurvedic practitioners who plan to run their own clinic will pursue some form of business course or education to help prepare them for the administrative side of healthcare. 

Ready to Get Started? 

Aside from a clinical setting, you can pursue a career as an ayurvedic wellness counselor, instructor, or researcher once you obtain your Ayurveda certification online. In truth, the possibilities are endless. Some students even pursue other certificates or degrees in tandem, allowing them to offer multiple holistic services to patients.

If you’re interested, the Maryland University of Integrated Health has multiple programs to choose from. So, if you want to take the next step and earn your online ayurveda degree, consider the MUIH Ayurveda Certificate. In just six months, you can get on the path to a life-changing career. 

FAQs

Is learning ayurveda online effective?

Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to healing by focusing on the mind, body, and spirit. Because of this unique approach, Ayurvedic practices can be easily taught via online instruction. A combination of textbook learning, videos, live seminars, and illustrations allows students to effectively learn the principles of traditional Ayurveda from the convenience of their home. 

How to study ayurvedic medicine

Ayurvedic medicine is best studied through a structured training program, like the MUIH post-baccalaureate certificate program. With an experienced instructor and robust lesson plan, students will learn integral details from traditional Ayurvedic medicine alongside the progressive scientific understanding of key principles and techniques. 

How to become a certified ayurvedic practitioner

While there is no certification or licensing requirements to become an ayurvedic practitioner, graduates of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Ayurvedic Wellness Practices program are eligible for certification as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant with the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America (AAPNA). 

How Do I Get into a Career in Ayurveda?

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Holistic medicine is increasing in popularity, making it ideal for venturing into a new career opportunity. Some therapies like Ayurveda are among the most ancient of treatments and help people with a range of problems across the globe. But where do you start, and how do you study for a career in Ayurveda? Here’s how to begin the journey.

Research the Subject

If you thought Ayurveda was a treatment in a beauty salon, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Ayurvedic medicine is thousands of years old and entrenched in history and culture. It’s essentially a science of its own. If you aspire to work in Ayurveda careers, start researching the subject to know what is involved. In particular, start looking into the training required and how you can get qualified.

Become a Qualified Practitioner

If you want to get into the field of Ayurveda, it is important to train as a practitioner and get a recognized qualification. Furthermore, it is essential to make sure your training and qualification are recognized professionally, especially if you want to develop your career in Ayurveda. Investing time in an education program for a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate will not only give you the qualifications you need but will help you network with others connected to the specialty. Researching courses and degrees is vital if you are looking at becoming an ayurvedic practitioner. Graduates of the program are eligible for certification as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant with the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America (AAPNA).

Use Ayurveda in Your Life

If you want to get into the field of Ayurveda, one of the best ways to learn and develop is to embed the Ayurvedic lifestyle into your everyday life. There are nutritional guidelines, for example, so practicing the dietary traditions will help you develop and reflect on supporting clients in your career. Your health will also get the benefit of using Ayurvedic medicine nutritionally. Do also look for education programs that include modules in nutrition so you can grow your portfolio as you develop your career in Ayurveda.

Don’t Forget Your Existing Experience.

Some people bring experience from an existing career pathway to Ayurveda. All this life experience helps build holistic careers and businesses in the ayurvedic industry. For example, if you have worked in conventional healthcare, you’ll understand illnesses and have good communication skills. You can work in integrated health with holistic physicians and combine specialties too. Working in administration will have equipped you to write business plans and keep records in good shape. Wherever you have worked before, there will be elements of the work that are transferable to the field of Ayurveda.

Write a Business Plan for a Career in Ayurveda

If you plan to develop a career in Ayurvedic principles, write a plan so you can see the steps you need to take to get there. You need to include financial details to work out course fees, how much you need to save, where your clients will come from, advertising plans, and where to practice. Once you have a plan, you can map your progress, and it will focus your attention on building your career as an Ayurveda practitioner and business success.

Network with Others

Networking is vital when starting a new career, especially with a specialty like Ayurveda. When you start meeting others, you can learn from their experiences and share skills. For example, by reaching out to existing practitioners, you could find someone willing to allow you to get some practical experience. As you develop your career, there are opportunities for business partnerships, diversifying, and working in niche areas. Professional online forums with ayurvedic practitioners are another example of networking and learning. Networking with others helps you progress in your chosen field and enables you to ask yourself is Ayurveda a promising career.

Remember to Learn Continually

With Ayurvedic education, your learning opportunities don’t stop once you have finished studying for your qualifications. There is always something new to learn, such as expanding your specialty to integrate ayurvedic nutrition into everyday lifestyle habits or teaching. Working with massage therapists is another opportunity. Look for conferences and seminars to learn new ways of working and update your skills. Again, there is always something new to learn as you progress with Ayurvedic health. MUIH has a fantastic resource for Professional and Continuing Education. 

Stepping into the world of Ayurveda is an exciting journey and one that will help many other people in addition to your career development. Getting a credible qualification is vital to work professionally and grow your career creatively. Take that first step by reaching out to us today to discuss complementary and alternative medicine and our Ayurveda program.

Why Health Literacy is Important

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why health literacy is important

Introduction

Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) Department Chair of Health and Wellness Coaching, Duston Morris, recently published research on health literacy education in Speech Language Pathology (SLP) programs. Dr. Duston Morris is a certified Health Education Specialist and Health Coach. He has been practicing and teaching in community health, public health, health and wellness, fitness and recreation for more than 25 years, and his research agenda explores the relationship between exercise, physical activity and other healthy lifestyle characteristics, the benefits of active infrastructure, and interprofessional education for healthcare students. Download the full publication here.

The Study

This study was part of a larger study that explored how SLP leaders (i.e., program administrators and faculty) implement health literacy education in SLP training programs. Health literacy skills are a vital aspect of an individual’s quality of life and well-being and low health literacy is related to low life expectancy and higher prevalence of disease and illness.

The Outcome

Historically, healthcare providers have overlooked the health literacy skills of their clients. Findings from the study reported that more than half (56%) of SLP leaders implemented HLE within their SLP programs. However, only 4% always teach students why health literacy is important and 75% never instruct students to encourage clients to ask questions. Although HLE occurred in SLP programs, use of HLE varied greatly across different programs. This research points to the importance of incorporating health education in healthcare training programs. Health and Wellness coaching programs should review their training protocol to ensure that students learn how to improve their own health literacy and are able to effectively assist their clients with health literacy education.

Study Health and Wellness Coaching at MUIH

Interested in learning more about studying Health and Wellness Coaching to help clients better implement health in their education programs? Visit our Health and Wellness Coaching Academic Programs to learn more about growing your future as a coach. As a student, you’ll learn the evidence-based approach and set of skills that empowers individuals to tap into their own inner source of motivation to restore and preserve health and well-being. Graduates are prepared for credentialing by the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

Is a Career in Integrative Health Right For You? Here’s Why You May Want to Consider

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Integrative health is an exciting and expanding field of health and wellness that utilizes a holistic approach to patient care, personal empowerment, well-being, and community health. And while many integrative healthcare practices rely on  ancient global philosophies, we know that integrative health is increasingly found in mainstream environments, including hospitals,  other comprehensive healthcare systems, companies, non-profit and community-based organizations, and government agencies.

An integrative health career can be a great way to serve others while also honoring your own commitment to human and even planetary wellness. Keep reading to learn more about careers in integrative health and whether this track is right for you.

What is Integrative Health?

Integrative health is commonly defined as the coordinated use of multiple health approaches in health care, and it also describes a holistic perspective of what it is to be healthy. At MUIH, we promote integrative health as a holistic approach to health and well-being. We consider the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual domains of health and wellness. We also consider a range of contributing factors including the environment, personal behaviors, and genetics. Our educational and clinical practices are grounded in a whole-person and relationship-centered perspective that supports collaboration between the patient and the healthcare team. We aim to empower individuals to become informed, take personal responsibility, tap into their inner resilience, and choose the best options for themselves. We use approaches that are evidence-informed and tailored to each individual.

Some of the  growing careers in integrative health and wellness available today include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Ayurvedic wellness
  • Health and wellness coaching
  • Health promotion
  • Herbal medicine
  • Yoga therapy
  • Nutrition
  • Corporate and workplace wellness
  • Cannabis science

Like other leaders in the integrative health field, we at MUIH believe that integrative health is not meant to be utilized in a vacuum. Likewise, integrative services are not mutually exclusive to more conventional medical approaches. Both integrative health and conventional medicine can work wonderfully together in order to enhance patient care, community well-being, and quality of life.

Who Should Work in Integrative Health?

Integrative health is a growing field, and the demand for integrative healthcare providers is expanding rapidly. And because there are so many ways to practice integrative health—and so many opportunities to serve patients, clients, and communities —this field is open to anyone who has a genuine interest in health and wellness.

If you have a natural interest in holistic practices, love working with others, and enjoy helping people develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between their mind, body, spirit, and lifestyle, then a career in integrative health is an excellent option for you—either as a way to augment your current healthcare career or as a way to pivot into a brand new profession!

Things to Consider When Pursuing a Career in Integrative Health

The career outlook for integrative health practitioners is promising. But first, it’s important to make sure you feel confident that it’s the right choice for you.

Before investing in a career in integrative health, be sure to consider questions such as:

  • What area of study do I want to practice in?
  • Why do I want to pursue a career in integrative health?
  • What career opportunities exist for me in my chosen area of study?
  • What kind of population or populations would I love to serve?
  • Where do I see myself practicing?
  • How much money and time am I willing and able to invest in my education?
  • Which program is the best fit option for me?
  • Do I already have any of the prerequisites or prior experiences needed for acceptance into an accredited graduate program?
  • What does work/life balance mean to me, and how can my career in integrative health honor that?

Choose an Area of Study

The first thing to consider is choosing an area of study. Integrative health is an all-encompassing term that includes acupuncture, Ayurvedic wellness, health and wellness coaching, health promotion, herbal medicine, nutrition, cannabis science, yoga therapy, and more. You truly have so many options! In many cases, integrative health practitioners are even able to incorporate two or more specialties into their professional practice. This holistic and comprehensive approach helps them serve their patients, clients, and communities even more effectively.

MUIH offers a diverse array of integrative health programs to choose from and help you hone your skills and narrow down your career focus.

Choose the Right Program

Once you’ve chosen an area of study to pursue, it is important to research different colleges and universities and programs and find your best fit. Here are a few questions to consider as you research and narrow down your program options:

  • What sort of accreditations does the institution offer?
  • What prerequisites are required prior to acceptance?
  • What are the anticipated program fees and schedules?
  • Does the institution have any collaborative relationships with other healthcare systems, hospitals, or institutions?
  • Does the institution provide any guidance or assistance when it comes to post-graduate employment opportunities?

Talking to existing and former students is a great way to get real-time insights into the quality of the institution, faculty, and programs. 

Conclusion

Integrative health is an expanding field of health and wellness that offers providers and patients, clients, and communities a growing number of exciting opportunities. If you’re interested in exploring graduate studies toward a career as an integrative health professional, contact Maryland University of Integrative Health today to learn more about our classes and programs.

Integrative Health Programs at MUIH

Learn more about our degrees in Integrative Health. These programs provide foundational knowledge of a range of integrative health approaches, the evidence-informed efficacy of such practices, and how complementary health approaches can be integrated with conventional medical approaches. They are designed for health care and related professionals who wish to gain a foundational understanding of the field or incorporate it into their organization. Talk to our Career Services Center to determine how you can pursue your career goals!

What Can You Do With a Degree in Integrative Health

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integrative health degree

What Can I Do With an Integrative Health Science Degree

Integrative Health has been a trending topic in recent years and for good reason. As people across America become more health conscious, their preferences for health care have changed. Patients are asking for more holistic and preventative options in contrast to conventional medicine. And healthcare practitioners are beginning to switch over to integrative health options to use with conventional methods. An Integrative Health degree is becoming more prevalent in these recent years.

If you are interested in a career in integrative health, then you’re in luck. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029. With stats like that, there are plenty of career opportunities for those interested in integrative health.

What is an Integrative Health Degree

Before we jump into the benefits of a degree in integrative health, some readers may be wondering, “what does integrative health mean?”

Integrative health approaches are typically defined as the coordinated use of conventional and complementary therapies. The term integrative implies that the various approaches are not just used in parallel to one another, but are employed in an organized fashion to optimize the benefits for clients/patients. It is a holistic approach to health care that encompasses all aspects of an individual. It finds the root cause of an illness. Practitioners in integrative health will utilize healing-oriented approaches, such as herbal remedies, and assess the whole person, including their diet, lifestyle, and mental health.

There are many career paths in which an integrative health practitioner may specialize in, including but not limited to functional nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and yoga therapy. Keep reading to find out more about career opportunities in integrative health.

Alternative Health and Holistic Careers

For those interested in alternative health or holistic career paths, there are lots of avenues to choose from. In fact, the different career opportunities may be a little overwhelming. For those prospective students who are a bit newer to the idea of pursuing a career in integrative health, you may be asking, “what can I do with a degree in integrative health?” The fact of the matter is, integrative health is an all-encompassing term to describe many different careers and job functions.

Here are some specific roles that fall under the description of integrative health:

  • Non-Pharmaceutical Pain Management
    • Non-pharmaceutical pain management is the management of pain without medication. Integrative health practitioners who specialize in pain management help patients cope with pain through therapeutic practices.
  • An emphasis on nutrition in healthcare
    • Nutrition is often overlooked in conventional medicine. Functional nutrition is a fulfilling field, helping patients and clients live healthier lives through proper nutrition and supplementation.
  • Natural remedies for mental and cognitive health
    • Herbalists and other integrative health practitioners can help improve the mental and cognitive well beings of their patients through natural remedies. As mental health awareness continues to rise, so has the demand for natural remedies.

Integrative Health Trends

As we mentioned before, there are many areas of specialty in integrative health.

Here is a list of some popular career opportunities one can pursue with a degree in integrative health:

  • Nutritionists
    • Nutritionists focus on the patient instead of the disease. Nutritionists optimize their patients’ health by creating personalized meal and supplementation plans based on a patients genetics, lab results, and lifestyle among other things.
  • Corporate/Workplace Wellness
    • Practitioners who work in corporate wellness design and manage workplace wellness programs for the benefit of company employees. They help promote healthy habits in the workplace and can even help businesses save on corporate health insurance.
  • Cannabis Science
    • There are a variety of career opportunities in cannabis science. You can specialize in cannabis therapeutics, dispensary operations, and formulating cannabis products. The cannabis industry continues to grow as more states legalize cannabis use.
  • Yoga Therapy
    • Yoga Therapy is a rapidly growing practice that is being adopted in hospitals, private clinics, and other health care organizations. Yoga therapists can work 1-on-1 with patients, help with mobility, mental health, and conduct research to further the field of yoga therapy.
  • Coaching
    • Health and wellness coaching has been dubbed “the new fitness career”. Health coaching takes a holistic approach to a person’s wellness. Health coaches blend fitness training, meal planning, and counseling into a personalized service for each individual. Health coaches can be seen as a healthy lifestyle consultant.

How Can MUIH Help You Achieve Your Career Goals?

If you’re looking to jumpstart your career in integrative health, then consider earning a degree or certificate from the Maryland University of Integrative Health. We offer 11 comprehensive areas of study led by qualified faculty. Our accredited programs can help you take the next step into a fulfilling career in integrative health.

Programs we offer:

If you would like to learn more about the degree programs offered at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, please reach out to our admissions team at and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

MUIH Faculty Tips: Keep Your Immune System Strong This Winter

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We’ve got a few more weeks left of winter – wouldn’t it be great to stay strong and healthy during this time? We asked several faculty members from our yoga, nutrition, herbal medicine, health and wellness coaching, and acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs to answer this question: What are some of the top tips you’d give a client to help them maintain a strong immune system during this time of year?

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