Holistic Health Approaches

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Course name: Holistic Health Approaches
Course code: 1050
Total contact hours: 60 hours
Pre-requisite: Must be a Health Sciences student

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will introduce basic concepts of alternative medicine. Also this course will explore, and evaluate alternatives approaches and philosophies to personal health and wellness. Some of the topics included are: Homeopathy, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Acupuncture, Herbal and Nutritional Therapies, Massage, Chiropractic, Electromagnetic Therapy, Breathing Exercise and others.

OBJECTIVE
To prepare or acquaint the student with the various types of alternative/complementary practices so it will be able to have a better overview and evaluate their efficacy. Plus the student can have beside the health concepts in Western Medicine.
Learning Outcome and Objectives:
? Students will be able to describe the importance of health and wellness in their lives.
? Students will be aware of the importance of changing behaviors that encourage better standers of well being.
? Students will be able to share and give practical examples in their own lives and recognize the true values that take place in wellbeing.

CONTENTS
Work Schedule
Part I
Activity Special Work
Lesson 1
- Course introduction
- Brief History of Alternative Medicine in Costa Rica
- Speech topics ?
- Assignments
Lesson 2
- Introduction to TCM
- Acupuncture Theory
Basic Diagnosis Format Reading Assignment
Part II
Activity Special Work
Lesson 3 - Practical Presentation
- Observation
- Palpation
- Group activity
Lesson 4 - Pulse - Demo and practice
Part III
Lesson 5 - Ear acupuncture
Detoxification
Lecture and Demo-
Lesson 6 - Acupuncture points.
Prevention
- Lecture/discussion
Visit to an acupuncture center
Part IV
Lesson 7 - Introduction to Homeopathy - Lectures
Lesson 8 - Top Homeopathic remedies - Research
Lesson 9 - Introduction to Chiropractics - Demo and practice
Lesson 10 - Massage Therapy-Basic
Tuina
- Demo and practice
Field Trip Caribbean
Part VI
Lesson 11 - Basic principles of
electromagnetic Therapies
Demo and practice
Lesson 12 - Basic Breathing
- Exercise and focusing
Group Activity
Lesson 13 - General Review
Lesson 14 - Presentations Final Test

METHODOLOGY
We intended to achieve the above objective by a series of theoretical and practical
exercises. Discussions and visits will provide a clearer and realistic approach for
personal and professional development, noticing similarities and differences in the
cultures aspects. Students will visit several places to have a more practical
experience by being in contact with the environment, concrete learning will be
ensured and also a better grasp of the theoretical principles transferred into
practice.

Finally, the course wills intent to integrate an open opportunity to expand more
awareness into the social preventive medicine programs on both levels public and
private, but mainly to help others.

AUDIENCE
This course is structured for International Students attending the Study Abroad
program at Universidad VERITAS.

Electronic devices:
The use of cell phones, smart phones, or other mobile communication devices is disruptive, and is therefore prohibited during class. Please turn all devices OFF and put them away when class begins. Devices may be used ONLY when the professor assigns a specific activity and allows the use of devices for internet search or recording. Those who fail to comply with the rule must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

Evaluation System
60% Practical work
- Discussion and debate active participation 20%
- Presentation 25%
- Participation and discussion in demo-practice 5%
- Homework and reading assignments 10%
30% Written examinations
- Questionnaires 10%
- Final exam 20%
10% Participatory Attendance

Attendance Policy
Students may only have two total absences HOWEVER, if they miss more than one day of class in a given month, they WILL NOT RECIEVE CREDIT for the course.
The professor has the right to expel a student from the classroom should he /she:
1) Be disruptive in the classroom
2) Be under the influence of alcohol.
3) Behave in a disrespectful way
If you tend to be late for class, you will lose 25% of your total grade.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Homeopathy:
Hahnemann, Samuel. The Organ on of Medicine, TR, kenly, 5Naudi A., Pendelton, P., Gollanoz, 1986.
Eberhard Lau bender, Homeopathy and Sport Injuries, Editorial Paidotribo, 1984
Borie, E, Raoul , Manual of Homeopathy ,Corcas Editors Ltda ,2008
http://www.corcaseditores.com
www.sciecemusseum.org.uk
2. Acupuncture:
www.drlockie.co.ck
http://nccam.nih.gov
3. Massage
Padrini, Francesco, The great Book of massage, with essential oils, De Vecchi Editorial, 1997 .
www.ramblemuse.com
4. Chiropractic
www.chiro.org
5. Nutrition
Colbert, Dan, MD, Get Healthy Trough Detox and Fasting, Siloam, a Strang Co, 1999.
Bloomfield, H Harold, MD, Healing Anxiety with Herbs, HarperCollins Publishers Inc , rev 1988 .