 | VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 1 |
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Celebrating Learning:
New Programs for Our 25th Anniversary
In 1980, we enrolled our first students in the only program we offered—naturopathy. Since that time, our programs have grown and evolved, as have the naturopathic professions. Today, our focus is on traditional naturopathy and its tenets form the heart of the CCNH philosophy. In celebration of our 25th year as a college of natural health, we are introducing two exciting new programs—the Doctor of Philosophy in Traditional Naturopathy and the Master of Arts in Holistic Wellness, both of which offer the opportunity to explore different facets of maintaining health naturally.
Students who work toward the PhD will focus on six primary elements that are necessary for the body to remain healthy. In the dissertation process, they will also have the opportunity to accomplish groundbreaking research in the field of traditional naturopathy. Those enrolling in the MAHW program will explore aspects of wellness that concern the body, mind, and spirit before completing a major project in which they design personal wellness programs.
What Is Traditional Naturopathy?
Traditional naturopathy is a philosophy of life and an approach to living a lifestyle as close to nature as possible. This is founded on the use of specific natural elements that include:
- eating an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs and other food products derived from natural sources only.
- drinking pure, clean water.
- breathing fresh, clean air.
- enjoying the warmth of sunlight.
- exercising the body regularly in natural ways.
- resting when we need it.
The philosophy is not new, but it is enjoying a resurgence of interest. Many people who have encountered health problems and found no lasting solutions from traditional Western medicine turn to this approach in an effort to improve their current health status. Programs offered at Clayton College address the needs of individuals who simply wish to live healthier lifestyles as well as those who plan to help others by working in professions such as health consulting, nutrition consulting, or wellness coaching.
The new PhD program examines traditional naturopathy from an academic point of view, focusing on the primary elements rather than specific modalities. In the required courses, students will find an in-depth exploration of the principles that uphold traditional naturopathy. Those who wish to do so may include practice- related courses and the consulting practicum as three of their electives, thereby incorporating these valuable skill-building lessons into their programs.
New to the CCNH curriculum are TN 641 Foods and Eating; TN 643 Sunlight, Air, and Water; TN 645 Rest and Exercise; and TN 647 Toxicity and Detoxi- fication. Although we offer a number of courses on nutrition and detoxification, the new ones look at these familiar subjects from fresh viewpoints. In addition, the topics of sunlight, air, water, and rest have never before been examined so specifically in the CCNH curriculum.
Many students have asked for the opportunity to take more science-related courses. However, we also realize the importance of herbs as an element of traditional naturopathy, even though they are considered as foods. To address both of these needs, this PhD program requires that students choose as one of their electives either a science or an herbology course.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the PhD in Traditional Naturopathy program is the opportunity for every student to contribute to the advancement of this profession. In any dissertation process, the student seeks to research and write about an original topic, to offer something new and valuable to his or her field of study. Very little research has been accomplished in traditional naturopathy because, until now, naturopathic education has primarily focused on modalities and practice. The Clayton College PhD in Traditional Naturopathy program, with its dissertation requirement, expects that each student will explore and document an aspect of traditional naturopathy, thus adding to the world’s body of knowledge about this vital field. CCNH offers courses as well as faculty support aimed at helping students accomplish this goal.
Holistic Wellness
| The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” —Thomas A. Edison |
Wellness—that is, relying on appropriate lifestyle habits to stay physically and mentally healthy— has gained prominence in recent years. Today, large companies often incorporate wellness initiatives into their business plans. In addition, many health consultants who focus on wellness refer to themselves as “lifestyle coaches.” CCNH has addressed the need for this education with the Master of Arts in Holistic Wellness program. Now spirit, as well as body and mind, are represented in a wellness curriculum.
Students in the MAHW program explore human development from a holistic viewpoint. In addition, they learn about psychospiritual health, subtle energy techniques, and the importance of belief in maintaining wellness. They look at the health effects of poor nutrition as well as the preventive aspects of eating well, and they study anatomy and physiology before completing three electives. Finally, students look independently at the elements of traditional naturopathy, incorporating them into the personal wellness program that they design in their final projects.
We at CCNH are pleased and excited to offer both new programs as avenues for helping students gain greater insight into improving and maintaining their own health, as well as that of their families and clients. Whether it is by bringing greater awareness of traditional naturopathy to the wellness community, or by providing the world with innovative research about an aspect of traditional naturopathy, students in these programs will have the opportunity to help the profession grow and move forward into the 21st century.
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