There are many types of holistic business practices that can be opened, catering to different illnesses and needs of patients. The variety ranges from retail stores, to therapies performed by licensed professionals. If you are planning to get involved in the holistic medicinal world, it’s important to first familiarize oneself with the different options available and what each type of business could potentially offer.
Guided Imagery and Meditation Practices
There are many “hands free, drugs free” options available for patients through skilled hypnotists, yoga experts, and guided imagery specialists. These techniques have been known to help a variety of patients, from stroke victims to people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, cancer patients are also increasingly turning toward spiritual and mental practices to try and fight their disease. These clinics are operated by licensed professionals in their field.
Ayuverda Clinics
Ayuverda is an increasingly popular ancient Indian practice designed to treat a great variety of diseases through restoring balance to the body. The concept behind Ayuverda is returning prana (life energy) to the body through realigning body, mind and spirit—typically through extensive dietary, mental, and physical changes, and it may include many natural herbs and specialized techniques. Ayuverda may be recommended alongside a more traditional medical regiment prescribed by a doctor. A practice may require special certification, and should only be managed by a highly trained specialist.
Massage
Therapeutic massage remains one of the most common and popular types of holistic health businesses, and it has many powerful health effects such as helping to increase circulation, lowering blood pressure, assisting with sore joints, eliminating tension, and many other effects. Employees typically require formal education and certification from a massage school.
Acupuncture
In many Asian cultures, acupuncture is not even considered alternative medicine, but may be performed at a general hospital as part of a normal series of treatments. The concept behind acupuncture is to insert tiny needles in an attempt to restore the body’s energy flow (qi). However, it’s been known to quite objectively alter the body’s nervous system and create interesting, positive effects on clients who suffer from a wide range of ailments from autoimmune disorders like fibromyalgia, to soreness from injuries and neurological disorders.
Herbal Remedies
A retail herbal business is an increasingly popular choice in the holistic therapy realm, and much of it is the result of a booming interest in medically approved cannabis. Herbs like cannabis have now been proven to assist with chemotherapy patients by increasing appetite, and there are many other potential benefits as well, with new research coming out all the time. In addition to cannabis, a host of other natural herbs are used to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Given the popularity of herbal remedies, some would say it’s the perfect type of business for jumping into the holistic industry. Just keep in mind that cannabis selling requires specific, state by state laws.
In Summary
Holistic therapy is increasing in popularity as more and more people turn toward integrative medicine to nourish the body as well as the mind. Whether it’s a service business or an herbal supplement retail store, there are many options for jumping into this booming industry.
Nathan Henson is a professional blogger that shares information on various health care business topics. He writes for BioTrachTHC, a leading dispensary software company.
