Be a Futurist

by Ana Palles

We hear a lot in the news about jobs that are going away for a number reasons, maybe because of technology, or because labor is cheaper overseas. But instead of lamenting that things are the way they are, think of it as an opportunity. This is a perfect time to peer into the future and see where we are going next.

Be a futurist.

There are a lot of areas that are growing and Health care is an area with major changes. As our population expands, so does our need for health care workers. What is different is the evolution in the health care model. More and more hospitals are moving towards an integrative approach.

The past ten years have seen explosive growth in the integrative care field, fueled both by patient demand, and successful research studies. As health care providers move deeper into the area of energy therapies, wellness and patient empowerment, new fields and new job opportunities are already appearing. With it comes the race to train this new workforce. If you are in the market for reinventing your career options, you might want to check these out.

Integrative Health Coach

There are a number of leading medical institutions around the country who have launched innovative new training programs. Among them are Scripps in California, Columbia-Presbyterian in New York and Duke Integrative Medicine in North Carolina.

One such program is the Integrative Health Coach Professional Training Program offered by Duke Medical. The Integrative Health Coach is a growing new field of expertise and job opportunities range from private practice to Human Resource departments, medical centers and insurance groups. The Integrative Health Coach assists individuals with lifestyle and behavior changes, incorporating various healing options which empower and support minimized adverse impact from chronic conditions, such as cancer, kidney disease, and diabetes.

Not only does the coach need to know medical protocols, they need to understand what options can be incorporated to really change the person's lifestyle. Things like yoga, acupuncture, nutrition, reflexology, meditation can offer significant improvements in the person's quality of life and health. The coach offers a big picture, holistic view for healing and wellness.

Body-Mind-Spirit Practitioners

As coaches recommend integrative care options, trained practitioners are needed to provide services. Integrative care blends traditional western medical care with complementary care options. We're already seeing Western doctors and nurses training in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I know an OB-GYN that is trained in Jin Shin Jyutsu which is very helpful in balancing the body's energy field and eliminating stress.

But you don't need a medical background to learn an energy therapy. There are various training programs that are open to non-medical professionals.

Healing Touch (Healing Touch Program and Healing Touch International) founded by Janet Mentgen offers a thorough, well structured curriculum in Healing Touch, an energy therapy modality. Healing Touch is an accredited program endorsed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Barbara Brennan, a pioneer in energy therapy, offers a Bachelor of Science in Brennan Healing Science, a hands on healing modality. The Brennan program is comprehensive and well structured with in depth holistic training, anatomy and physiology.

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is a powerful hands on therapy designed to activate the body's lymphatic system through a system of manual stimulation. This helps the lymphatic system detoxify the body, stimulating the immune and nervous systems. Anyone familiar with conditions that impact the lymph glands, such as various types of cancer, understands the importance of a healthy, well functioning lymphatic system.

Reiki, a Japanese energy healing modality that promotes stress reduction and relaxation, may be learned in a few short weekends. Reiki is an effective hands on technique that supports the body's healing and regeneration. Some hospitals offer Reiki treatments in cancer infusion rooms to assist the person with the chemotherapy side effects and stress.

Guided Imagery, pioneered by Belleruth Naparstek for use by the Department of Defense for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, is a powerful therapy with a growing body of research behind it. Some psychotherapists are integrating Guided imagery into the traditional mental health protocols with excellent results. The goal for many is reducing the need for medication and supporting the person in permanent healing.

Lastly, growth in energy therapy usage has a related growth in the need for further scientific studies. The field of energy medicine is new, and understanding why it works is key to the next step in the journey. Organizations such as HeartMath is part of the wave of new researchers weaving bio-field and quantum physics.

The times they are a changing, and like a diaphanous gossamer gown, the future floats in front of us offering tantalizing peeks. If you feel a personal change is coming, challenge yourself to peer ahead and explore a future career.