Department of Integrative Health & Exercise Science

Examines both the Western perspective of the structure and function of the organs and systems in the human body and the Eastern perspective that emphasizes the interrelationship of the internal organs to overall health of body, mind, and spirit. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in the program. Students will begin a journal in this course and continue to document their master’s degree experience throughout the program.

Provides the foundation for a discussion of the basic principles and differences between Western (allopathic) and Eastern (traditional) health care. Examines the differences and similarities of the various forms of traditional healing methods and analyzes current health practices and future trends. In this course, students will continue to keep a journal to document their development through the program focusing on their growth experiences in mind-body-spirit and social inter-connectedness. The journal experience will be incorporated in all the courses in the program and integrated into the culminating experience at the end of the program (HH599). Completion of this course is required before enrolling in all other courses in the program.

Explores the philosophical, historical and cultural aspects of traditional healing methods. Examines the basic principles and the ancient art of diagnosis, which were developed in countries such as Japan, China and India. Evaluates basic techniques used in the complementary medical arena. Students will be required to complete a field experience in a health care setting.

Prerequisite(s): HH500 and HH501.

Examines the stress response; holistic approaches to stress management (such as meditation); manual medicine (acupressure, massage); the role of exercise and laughter; effects of stress on sleep; stress and nutrition; and the role of spirituality, including research on prayer and healing.

Prerequisite(s): HH500 and HH501.

Examines the current research in the emerging field of energy medicine. Explores past and current concepts related to the human energy field. Examines the effects of electromagnetic radiation on health. Also emphasizes evaluation and therapeutic strategies employed by energy medicine practitioners.

Practice in basic counseling skills, empathy, listening, communication and evaluation of client issues; basic understanding of psychological disorders from a holistic perspective. Students will practice skills, develop an understanding of their own communication patterns and the capacity for empathy.

Prerequisite(s): HH501.

Basic research design and control techniques with focus on threats to internal validity and interpretation of statistical analysis; critical evaluation of research in the field. This course will include instruction in the use of library databases.

Prerequisite(s): HH501.

Examines the underlying Eastern theories practiced primarily in traditional Chinese medicine. Studies how the Eastern approach to nourishment in many forms complements basic Western medicine.

Examines the philosophy of healthy humor. Explores the science behind the healing properties of laughter with regard to specific disease processes, as well as overall well-being. This course is cross-listed with IH330.

Explores the oldest medical system in history, which teaches that every aspect of our well-being is influenced by the doshas (Ayurvedic body types). Examines the various characteristics of each dosha and explores techniques prescribed for strengthening the mind-body system while eliminating the ama or toxins.

Examines the role of visual imagery and art media, dance, music and movement, and writing as an integral part of the healing process. This course will be a combination of experiential activities and lectures.

Prerequisite(s): HH500 and HH501.

Explores the development of a holistic spirituality as a way to foster a new appreciation of our total humanness. Dimensions of holistic spirituality to be addressed include interrelationship of the body, mind and spirit; body awareness and praying with our bodies; creative prayer experiences; praying contemplatively and effectively; and the healing power of touch.

Prerequisite(s): HH500 and HH501.

Examines the contributions Native Americans have made in the area of natural healing. Explores the historical and philosophical perspective of Native American culture and its beliefs concerning the relationship of humans to the environment and the rest of the animal kingdom. Explores past and present medicine men and women and their impact on their communities. Specific medicinal herbal remedies will be examined.

Examines the history, laws, principles and terminology used in the practice of homeopathy. Identifies the techniques used in case analysis as well as the basic components of constitutional classification.

Topics of interest in the field will be offered on request and according to faculty availability. The topic will be different from semester to semester. This course is cross-listed with IH350.

By inquiring into the effects of human social organization and relationship with natural environment on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, this course will contextualize individual health issues and seek healing responses to imbalances in social, environmental, and personal health. This course is cross-listed with IH380.

This is the capstone course in which students will produce a paper critically reviewing relevant literature and develop an educationally based program or design a research project relevant to their profession or field of interest. In addition the student will evaluate their self-development by reviewing their journal begun in HH501 and continued throughout the program.

Prerequisite(s): 21 core course credits, including HH530.