Herbalist Savayda Jarone says anyone interested in natural healing needs to have a deep passion for the undertaking because it is not a lucrative career. (TIM KROCHAK / Staff)

SAVAYDA JARONE's life changed 14 years ago when she stepped into a herbal apothecary in London.

"It was a life-altering moment, the Halifax herbalist said in a recent interview. "here was instant recognition of the value of these medicines and therapies for healing."

Ms. Jarone pursued the practice in England for a while, moved to Vancouver, where she spent four years, and three years ago moved to Halifax. where she set up her business on North Street. She said she has a growing clientele but admits it has been a bit of a struggle to gain acceptance in the Maritimes, "where we are a bit further behind the rest of the country in embracing alternative (health-care) options."

She said anyone interested in natural healing needs to have a deep passion for the undertaking because it is not a lucrative career. It's great to love the plants and understand their healing properties, she said, but good social skills are required because it takes a lot of time to deal with patients and build up a practice - and there are no nine-to-five days.

Most successful people in the field are good listeners who not only practise holistic medicines, but also live a holistic lifestyle. If you don't live the life, Ms. Jarone said, over the long term the possibility of career burnout is strong.

Does a career in natural healing sound appealing? Read on for more information.

Practitioners of natural healing provide alternative forms of health care to patients.

For example, acupuncturists diagnose diseases, injuries and disorders, and provide treatment through the insertion of needles or through laser or electric stimulation. Homeopaths diagnose illnesses and treat them by using homeopathic remedies and recommending lifestyle changes. Midwives provide care and advice to women during pregnancy, labour and the post-natal period. Herbalists have extensive knowledge on the preparation and use of natural plant-based remedies and supplements for improved health and well-being. Reflexologists apply pressure to reflex points on the feet, hands and ears to promote relaxation, improve circulation and promote healing. Shiatsu therapists practice a gentle massage using acupuncture points for the same purpose.

Skills
Compassion, sensitivity and a desire to help people are important. Maturity and good judgement are essential. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are important. You should be able to inspire confidence and put people at ease, be observant and notice a clientà symptoms and response to treatment. It is important to understand and practise professional ethics.

Employment Requirements
Acupuncturists require completion of a training program in acupuncture and may also require some university courses in science or training in a related health-care discipline. Acupuncturists in Alberta, Quebec or British Columbia require certification by a provincial regulatory body in order to practise.

Currently, midwives may only practise in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec and Alberta. Training may be acquired through a university degree in midwifery or an acceptable equivalent and a period of supervised practical training.

Homeopaths, reflexologists, herbalists, and shiatsu therapists require completion of an appropriate training program, usually three to four years, as well as a period of supervised practical training. These professions are self-regulated, so there are no certification requirements to practise. It is advised that you contact the appropriate professional association for recommendations on a training program.

Work Prospects
Demand for practitioners of natural healing is affected by the growing interest in natural alternatives to traditional western medical practice. People are more willing to try combinations of conventional medicine and alternative methods to achieve physical and mental health. The increasing health-care needs of Nova Scotia's aging population will also spur demand for practitioners of natural healing.

In many provinces across Canada, midwifery is becoming a regulated profession; Nova Scotia is reviewing recommendations set forth by a primary-care working group on the subject. The introduction of midwifery into the publicly funded health-care system would greatly increase demand for this occupation.

A trend toward the establishment of regulatory bodies and licensing procedures for practitioners in natural healing will increase the accessibility of these services in hospitals and clinics. This trend is trend obvious in the United States, where conventional physicians are increasingly referring patients for acupuncture.

This is a very small occupational group in Nova Scotia, so despite anticipated job growth for alternative medical services, the number of openings for each of the sub-groups will remain small because of the size of the sub-groups.

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