Washington Institute of Natural Medicine
 
 

Natural Health Care Classes

CLASS DEFINITION

Classes can be taken on-location or through on-line/distance learning.

Acupressure

Oriental Acupressure is a natural healing modality in which light to moderate pressure is applied to acupuncture points with the thumb, fingertips, palms, forearms and elbows. Acupressure helps balance the energies along the Oriental meridian systems.

Level 1: Contact Hours: 8
Practice Hours: 10
Homework Hours: 2

Level 2: Contact Hours: 8
Practice Hours: 10
Homework Hours: 2

Level 3: Clinical Practice.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy Level I

Essential oils have been used for hundreds of years for ritual, perfume and therapeutic purposes. In this two-day class we will cover the history, philosophy, benefits, therapeutic use and body system affinity of 30 essential oils. Information on safety, how to choose a source for essential oils and application techniques is also included. 10 hours in class and 10 hours of home study.
Contact Hours: 10
Home Study Hours: 10
Continuing Education Units: 20

Aromatherapy Level II
Vitaflex/Raindrop Technique

Dr. Gary Young learned about energy healing through the stories of the Lakota Indian elders. From these stories and essential oil studies, he developed a wonderful healing technique using therapeutic essential oils. In this two-day class you will learn about the essential oils he uses, the benefits and safety of these essential oils. The second day is a full day of hands-on work where you will learn the Vitaflex technique developed by Dr. Young and the application techniques in Raindrop Therapy. (This course, a written exam and 5 documented client cases is required for students preparing for a Raindrop Certification exam through the American Naturopathic and Holistic Association).
Contact Hours: 10
Home Study Hours: 5
Practical Sessions: 5

Aromatherapy Level III
Emotional and Spiritual Balance

Therapeutic essential oils are concentrated essences of medicinal plants which can affect the human body, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In this two-day class you will learn some of the historical uses and hands-on application of essential oils for emotional and spiritual balance. The second day is a full day of hands-on work.
Contact Hours: 8
Home Study Hours: 5
Practical Sessions: 5

Case Work: 10 client treatment sessions required to complete the Aromatherapy program

Body Wrap Training

Learn the Body Wrap process, diet and sanitation process in this three-day class. Thirty practice hours are recommended in the proper development of the technique.
Contact Hours: 12
Practice Hours: 30

Chinese Medicinal Herbs, Level 1 and 2

Learn the principles and promises of Chinese Herbal Medicine. Qi and the four vital bodily humors, yin and yang, the five elements, meridians and causes of disease in relation to the most widely used Chinese herbs will be discussed.
Contact Hours: 10

Feng Shui Level 1

Learn the way to use a bagua to create balance and harmony in any space. Understand how chi flows and how it affects you and your surroundings. Learn how clutter affects health and energy flow.

Level 1: Contact Hours: 8
Practice Hours/Case Study: 5
Homework Hours: 2

Feng Shui Level 2

Learn to personalize feng shui by using charting system. Learn how to use feng shui to promote health and prevent problematic areas in life.

Level 2: Contact Hours: 8
Practice Hours/Case Study: 5
Homework Hours: 2

Foods for Health

The Foods for Health class teaches the student the health benefits to foods when assisting clients in promoting optimum health.
Contact Hours: 10
Homework: 6

 

Herbology (Medicinal), Level 1 and 2

Single remedy herbal treatments are presented in these beginning level classes. Learn how to treat common ailments. The class will discuss herbal history, constituents of herbs, and treatment of many common ailments.

Topics Covered:

 

  • History and Traditions
  • Properties of Herbs
  • Immune System
  • Respiratory System
  • Phytochemicals
  • Reproductive System
  • Endocrine System
  • Ear, Eyes, Nose, Throat
  • Muscle and Skeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Circulatory System and Heart
  • Herbal Precautions
  • Urinary System and Prostate
  • Digestive System
  • Care of Skin

Contact Hours: 10 per level
Homework Hours: 6 per level

Herbology (Medicinal), Level 3 and 4

Advanced herbal pharmacology, the making of herbal tonics, and advanced herbal care of chronic health conditions will be presented in this class. Become aquainted with the natural substances in plants that influence healing.

Topics Include:

  • The Body Mind Connection
  • Properties of Herbs
  • Function of Herbs
  • Stages of Disease
  • Herbal Evaluation
  • Remedy Testing
  • Herbal Constitutional Exam
  • Creating Your Own Formulas

Contact Hours: 10 per level
Homework Hours: 6 per level

Holistic Health Care

These Holistic Health Care classes are a broad overview of Natural Medicines and therapies.

This program is designed to prepare the student in the following skills:

Analysis:

  • Traditional Chinese Observations
  • Iridology
  • Japanese Hara Study

Natural Treatment:

  • Herbal Medicine
  • Food as Medicine
  • Homeopathy
  • Supplements
  • Essential oils


The program also includes the study of ailments, which helps the student understand symptoms and how to use holistic methods of treatment.
The student must complete seven levels. Each level is an independent module; therefore, the student may take them out of sequence except for Level VII (clinical).

Level 1: Anatomy and Physiology, and Medical Terminology.
This level familiarizes the student with each system of the human physiology and introduces the world of medical terminology. This level will help the student understand the client’s description of symptoms and understand physician’s diagnosis.
Contact Hours: 10
Homework Hours: 6

Level 2: Aromatherapy and Herbal Medicine
The student will learn how to use essential oils and herbal remedies safely.
Ailments of the Digestive system, Circulatory system and Respiratory system will be discussed.
Contact Hours: 10
Homework Hours: 6

Level 3: Energy Medicine and Homeopathy
The student will learn how to use the electromagnetic power of the body, and how to use Homeopathic remedies for acute and chronic ailments. Ailments of the Nervous system, Reproductive system and Urinary system will be discussed.
Contact Hours: 10
Homework Hours: 6

Level 4: Iridology and Japanese Hara Analysis
The student will learn the analysis of the iris and how it relates to the human anatomy. The Hara Analysis is a tool used to determine the present status of each energy center. Ailments related to the Immune system will be discussed.
Contact Hours: 10
Homework Hours: 6

Level 5: Traditional Chinese Medicine
The student will learn the philosophy and principles of TCM and will also learn the 12 major Meridians and their symptoms when out of balance.
Contact Hours: 10
Homework Hours: 6

Level 6: TCM Observations – Tongue & Pulse Analysis
The student will learn how to interpret the appearance of the tongue in relation to various organs and how to feel for the pulse to determine the status of the client’s health.
Contact Hours: 10
Homework Hours: 6

Level 7: Treatment of Ailments – Clinical Rotation - 10 cases
The student will interview the client, perform observations, test remedies and make recommendations.

After completion of this program a student can sit for a Holistic Health Care Certification exam with the American Naturopathic and Holistic Association. This course is a pre-requisite for our Naturopathy program, which is approved by the State of Maryland.

Holistic Laboratory Technology

Prerequisite/Required Course Certifications:

  • Holistic Health Care Levels I to VII
  • Holistic Nutrition Levels I to IV
  • Holistic Laboratory Technology Level I
  • Holistic Laboratory Technology Level II
  • Written exam

Level 1: This course will teach the proper procedures of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) waived laboratory tests approved by the Federal Government.

Upon completion of this course the practitioner will be able to use test kits to determine the presence of various substances in the client’s system, such as glucose, cholesterol, ph balance, protein, leukocytes and ketones.

The student will learn how to interpret the results of the test and learn the various remedies and food to recommend in order to assist the client back to a balanced and healthy system.

Level II: This course is an advanced level of laboratory testing that will teach the proper procedures of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) waived laboratory tests approved by the Federal Government. Under the CLIA certificate of Waiver the Lab technician is permitted to collect specimens that can be sent out to laboratories for advanced specialty testing. The course will also include the proper collection of these specimens and information about tests that can be sent out.

The following tests will be covered:

  • Saliva tests for hormones
  • Urine tests for hormones
  • Additional approaches to urine and saliva pH testing and analysis
  • Liver clearance functional testing

Holistic Nutrition

This course was designed as a prep course for students who choose to take a certification exam through the American Naturopathic and Holistic Association and the national exam given by the American Association of Nutritional Consultants. All four levels, homework assignments, and reading must be completed prior to sitting for the exam.

Level 1: The Human Body & Introduction to Nutrition

8 Class Hours plus homework along with reading requirements
This class provides a comprehensive overview of the human body. Learn the bio-chemical needs of the human systems. This level gives you the foundation and principles of nutrition and how it is applied.
Contact Hours: 8
Homework: 4

Level 2: Nutrition and Supplements

8 Class Hours plus homework along with reading requirements
This level covers the macronutrients, micronutrients, enzymes, and hormones required by the human body as well as the role of nutritional supplements needed for optimum health. It covers the dietary guidelines and supplementation recommendations for various health needs.
Contact Hours: 8
Homework: 4

Level 3: Nutrition, Health and Healing

8 Class Hours plus homework along with reading requirements
This class integrates the information from the first two levels and presents the application of holistic nutrition for supporting health and healing. Students learn how to plan diet and supplement programs based on case studies. The class also covers different types of diets and approaches based on holistic nutritional principles.
Contact Hours: 8
Homework: 4

Level 4: Diet & Nutrition – Clinical Case Studies

8 Hours (2 days)
This level prepares students to work with clients. There are preparation made by each student; designing of an intake form, interview questions, and nutrition plans. The students, along with the instructor meet clients and develop a plan based on the interview. The student will conduct a follow up with the client to present their plan with the instructor.
Contact Hours: 4
Homework: 4

Integrated Homeopathy Program

Level I : Homeopathic Principles and Philosophy

The student will learn the history, theories and principles of homeopathy as discussed by Samuel Hahnemann in his book “Organon of the Medical Art”.

 

Level II: Taking a Case

Interviewing the client is the most important aspect of helping the client and determining the best remedies to recommend. The student will learn how to ask for descriptions of symptoms. Learn how all senses can be useful in determining the remedy.

 

Level III: Repertory Study and Materia Medica

Using a Repertory is the next step to finding the appropriate remedy. The student will learn to prioritize symptoms and find them in a Repertory. This book has an index of symptoms structured around body systems and the mind. Descriptions of each remedy can be found in a Materia Medica. This book is necessary to determine the symptom picture of each remedy. The symptoms described by the client must be similar to the symptom picture of the recommended remedy.

 

Level IV: Iridology and Japanese Hara Analysis

The student will learn the analysis of the iris and how it relates to the human anatomy. The Hara Analysis is a tool used to determine the present status of each energy center. Ailments related to the Immune system will be discussed.

 

Level V: Traditional Chinese Medicine

The student will learn the philosophy and principles of TCM and will also learn the 12 major Meridians and their symptoms when out of balance.

 

Level VI: TCM Observations – Tongue & Pulse Analysis

The student will learn how to interpret the appearance of the tongue in relation to various organs and how to feel for the pulse to determine the status of the client’s health.

 

Level VII: Case Studies- Acute & Chronic Conditions and Clinical – 10 cases

The student will work with ten clients along with a Naturopath, and be able to participate in analysis and observe the dynamics of working with a client. Each homeopathic interview is unique, the student will understand how to deal with a potentially complex situation. Cases of acute & chronic conditions will be discussed and homeopathic remedies for each condition will be analyzed. The student will use the Repertory and Materia Medica.

Magnetic Therapy

The use of magnets to balance human energies will be presented in this class. Lecture material will include the Oriental meridian systems and how to apply the magnets to these meridians and their acupoints. Also learn about history, appropriate strengths, north and south polarity, length of treatment, low energy detection, and magnetic application.

Magnetic Therapy I - History, theory, studies, and symptom treatment.
Contact Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 5

Magnetic Therapy II - The polarity of metals and a one hour magnetic session.
Contact Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 5

Magnetic Therapy III - Advanced magnetic application.
Contact Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 5

Mind Body Medicine

The history behind relaxation therapy and the beginning techniques used in visualization in the reduction stress, depression, and phobias will be presented in the course. The class will include lecture and practical experience. Visualization techniques, relaxation therapy, and eye focusing techniques are introduced in this class. These techniques promote relaxation, assist in phobias, and stimulate a positive thought process. It does not replace the care of a medical doctor.
Contact Hours: 10
Practice Hours: 6

Holistic Health/Naturopathy

Certificate Program Approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission

Prerequisite/Required Course Certifications:

  • Anatomy and Physiology (Holistic Nutrition I)
  • Beginning Holistic Care
  • Intermediate Holistic Care
  • Advanced Holistic Care
  • Holistic Treatment of Disease
  • Homeopathy I
  • Homeopathy II
  • Herbology I
  • Herbology II
  • Acupressure
  • Foods for Health (Holistic Nutrition 2)
  • Supplements for Health (Holistic Nutrition 3)
  • Mind, Body Medicine (Visualization)
  • Philosophy of Naturopathy

The Washington Institute of Natural Medicine offers a broad overview of natural remedies and therapies within its program. This program offers a hands-on component that will augment the classroom experience gained at other institutions.

The 1000 hours of supervised clinical training is a part time program that is completed in approximately 36 months. An accelerated 24-month program can also be selected.

The program will cover the following core components based upon the needs of the clients in the clinical setting.

  • Client Consultation Procedures: case taking, client intake, interview, and history taking.
  • Treatment of common ailments and diseases through: homeopathy, herbology, acupressure, energy work, guided imagery, and aromatherapy.
  • Anatomy and physiology review as related to each case.
  • Bio-energy field evaluation – the assessment of electro-magnetic energy produced by the client.
  • Iridology practice – the study of the iris.
  • pH testing - for diet assessment.
  • Oriental observation of the: tongue, skin, and pulse – the study of oriental energy (chi) produced by the client.

As required by Maryland:
This course, independently, does not lead to employment. Prior certifications in natural health care are required prior to admission.

Naturopathic Philosophy

The objective of this course is to exposes the students to the theories, ideas and principles of Naturopathy as utilized in the practice of Naturopathic Medicine. At the conclusion of this course the student will be able to iterate the basic fundamentals of naturopathic philosophy, answer the “naturopathic question”, and utilize naturopathic philosophy in their life as a guide.

This course of instruction covers the following:

  • Development of Naturopathic philosophy
  • Catechism of Natural Medicine
  • The Naturopathic Question
  • Underlying theories of practice and evaluation
  • Scope of Practice
  • Basic idea of Naturopathic ethics

Course Texts:

  • Philosophy of Natural Therapeutics, Lindlahr

Contact hours: 6


Reflexology

Learn about reflexology and how to use acupressure techniques in the hands and feet. Learn how to stimulate and balance organ systems by learning the mapping of the feet and hands.

Qualify and test for the American Reflexology Certification Board,
the highest standard of credentials in reflexology recognized through out the United States.

Level I - Introduction to Reflexology

This two-day course includes four hours on reflexology theory, history, zone therapy, meridians, map of reflexes and foot and hand structure. Four hours of hands-on to learn reflexology grip and techniques. One hour on business ethics and standards. Twenty hours of unsupervised documented practical sessions and three hours of homework.
Certification Exam by ANHA* requires Level I, written exam and twenty hours of documented sessions.
Contact Hours: 7
Practice Hours: 20

Level II Reflexology and Aromatherapy

This two-day course includes four hours of reflexology theory, history, zones, meridians, relaxation response, and body systems related to reflexology. Introduction to aromatherapy, its benefits, safety guidelines and practical applications will be discussed. Four hours of practical sessions including the application of essential oils on reflex points. One hour on business standards, local/state laws and ordinances pertaining to the practice of reflexology. Three hours of homework.
Contact Hours: 7
Practice Hours: 20

Level III Reflexology and Hot Stones

This two-day course includes four hours of body systems as related to reflexology, leg and foot structure, hands-on palpations, and map of reflexes as they are anatomically reflected on the feet. Practical use of hot stones for reflexology is discussed and practical sessions for four hours. One hour of business standards and ethics pertaining to the practice of reflexology. Three hours of homework.
Contact Hours: 7
Practice Hours: 20

*American Naturopathic and Holistic Association is a peer reviewed organization for professional health care practitioners and natural health care training institutions. The association awards certificate of recognition for education and accomplishments.

The American Reflexology Certification Board is a non-profit corporation, an independent testing agency whose primary purpose is to certify the competency of those Reflexologist who practice on a professional level and wish to be recognized as meeting national standards. Certification by ARCB distinguishes the professional; setting apart and bringing credibility to the practitioner committed to excellence.

Supplements for Health

The Supplements class presents the benefits to various vitamins, supplements and minerals. These supplements aid in the natural healing.
Contact Hours: 10
Homework: 6

Touch Therapy/Reiki

Level 1: Learn about hands-on healing and caring for those with a variety of disorders through touch. Become aquainted with the history of healing, Reiki, subo points and how you can use this knowledge to care for others. This class will instruct students in the full treatment process. They will learn how to give a complete touch therapy session.
Contact Hours: 4
Practice Hours: 5

Level 2: A variety of styles of energy healing techniques will be presented in this class. Learn about sending energy through the Chinese meridian systems.
Contact Hours: 4
Practice Hours: 5

Level 3: Additional healing techniques and instructor training will be presented in this class. Students will receive further training in the healing arts.
Contact Hours: 4
Practice Hours: 5

Continuing Education Certificates of Completion offered in Maryland

Approved by the State of Maryland Higher Education Commission
For Continuing Education

District of Columbia classes are taught as Coaching Services/Prep Classes, Continuing Education, and Personal Growth and Development Programs
Educational and Employment Services Licensed, Washington, D.C.

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