The GCNM Doctor of Philosophy in Holistic Health program is more than an education—it is a transformation! As a GCNM Doctor of Philosophy prepared Holistic Health Practitioner, you’ll be expertly trained in how to correct body system imbalances using various healing methods, including naturopathy, based on ancient wisdom as well as the latest in scientific research. You will also learn to develop and conduct your own research, and synthesize the doctoral transformation through a written dissertation.

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Course materials in detail

Course Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Holistic Health

Course Duration: 117 Semester Hours

Pre-Requisites: Applicants must have the GCNM Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health Degree; or have completed the Nutritional Consultant and Master Herbalist Certificate Programs, the Holistic Health Practitioner Diploma Program, and hold a Bachelors Degree in a related field; and have the GCNM Master of Science Degree in Holistic Health.

ENROLL ONLINE NOW PhDHH: $6,150.00* Discount: -$900.00 Course with discount: $5,250.00 Enrollment fee: $75 Total Price: $5,325.00 *The $1500 credit for NC, MH, and HHP already taken or a one time $1000 credit for any single program already taken will be applied during enrollment processing, if applicable. As well the enrollment fee will be refunded. This discount will not be combined with other discounts. Credits may be given for applicable previous college work as determined by transcript evaluation. 1st Payment: $2,175.00 (incl. $75 enrollment fee) 2nd Payment: $1,610.00 (incl. $35 admin fee) Due 1 month after enrollment. 3rd Payment: $1,610.00 (incl. $35 admin fee) Due 2 months after enrollment. Total Price $5,395.00 ENROLL BY MAIL or call 1-800-605-6520 When choosing the payment plan option, you authorize GCNM to charge the next two payments automatically to your credit card. Or you may include post-dated checks dated for one and two months after your enrollment date for the second and third payments.

ENROLL ONLINE NOW BSHH, MSHH, PhD HH 11,249.00* Discount: -$900.00 Course with discount: $10,349.00 Enrollment fee: $75 Total Price: $10,424.00 *The $1500 credit for NC, MH, HHP already taken or a one time $1000 credit for any single program already taken will be applied during enrollment processing, if applicable. As well the enrollment fee will be refunded. This discount will not be combined with other discounts. Credits may be given for applicable previous college work as determined by transcript evaluation. 1st Payment: $4,215.00 (incl. $75 enrollment fee) 2nd Payment: $3,140.00 (incl. $35 admin fee) Due 1 month after enrollment. 3rd Payment: $3,139.00 (incl. $35 admin fee) Due 2 months after enrollment. Total Price $10,494.00 ENROLL BY MAIL or call 1-800-605-6520 When choosing the payment plan option, you authorize GCNM to charge the next two payments automatically to your credit card. Or you may include post-dated checks dated for one and two months after your enrollment date for the second and third payments.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Holistic Health Program Curriculum

HH601: Research Project: This doctoral level course expands on the master’s level Research Methodology and the doctoral level Advanced Research courses. It covers the practical implementation of theoretical methods. It requires the Holistic Health Degree student to apply previously learned research methodology to develop a clinical trial and gather data to prove or disprove a hypothesis. Knowledge acquired in this course will prepare the student to apply advanced research skills to actual situations. Information gained from a research trial can be applied to their holistic health practice improving the quality of care.

HH602: Advanced Research: This doctoral level course, Advanced Research, is a continuation of the Research Methodology master’s level course. It covers the steps involved in planning and conducting research. These steps will include identifying a researchable question and the appropriate methodology to address that question; exploring the principles of ethical research; and developing a research trial. Knowledge acquired in this course will prepare the Holistic Health Degree student to develop and conduct a research trial and apply information gained from their research trial to their holistic health practice improving quality of care.

HH603: Naturopathy Program: Naturopathy is a comprehensive approach to healing that draws upon nature and the healing instinct of the body to achieve and maintain wellness. Naturopaths, through various natural methods such as detoxification/cleansing, magnetic therapy, etc., help clients eliminate toxins and strengthen all systems of the body in order to achieve optimal health. Most Naturopaths choose to work in individual private practice. However, additional career paths include: writing health articles or books; holding natural health seminars or workshops; working with other natural health practitioners; working in a health club or weight loss clinic; operating a health food store or other natural health related business

HH604: Dissertation: This course is the culmination of the degree program curricula. The Holistic Health Degree student synthesizes an important aspect of holistic health via the dissertation writing process.

Books and Course Materials Included
in Doctor of Philosophy in Holistic Health Program

Designing Clinical Research: An Epidemiologic Approach, 3rd Edition, by Stephen B Hulley, et al: Designing Clinical Research has set the standard for providing a practical guide to planning, tabulating, formulating, and implementing clinical research, with an easy to read, uncomplicated presentation. Updated chapters incorporate current research methodology, with an updated syllabus for conducting a clinical research workshop. Emphasizes that common sense as the main ingredient of good science.

Introduction to Research: Understanding and Applying Multiple Strategies, 3rd Edition, by Elizabeth DePoy, and Laura N. Gitlin: This clearly written, easy to understand book demystifies the research process and provides a rational foundation from which to critique and understand research designs and applications in health care and human service settings. It explores multiple research strategies, proposing that naturalistic and experimental type research strategies have equal value and contribute in complementary and distinct ways to the science of practice. Content in this edition has been significantly expanded and updated to reflect changes in the field, specifically in areas of ethics, informed consent, practice efficacy, and proposal writing.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Sixth Edition, by American Psychological Association: Style manual for writers, editors, students, educators, and professionals across all fields. Provides clear guidance on grammar, the mechanics of writing, and APA style. Includes examples, new guidelines and advice, and more.

Combining Old and New : Naturopathy for the 21st Century, by Robert J. Thiel: This book has been adopted as a text by several naturopathic schools and explains what modalities are used by naturopaths. Discussions of light and color; air, ozone, and breathwork; sound and music; magnets and electricity, acupressure and reflexology, fasting; foods and diet; natural and synthetic vitamins, enzymes, Herbology, homeopathy and much more are included.

Philosophy of Natural Therapeutics (1919), by Henry M.D. Lindlahr: Eloquent and passionate about his theories, Dr. Lindlahr outlines the principles and practical applications of nature cure to create a comprehensive philosophy of natural therapeutics. He considers the role of diet, natural remedies and preventative therapies as well as other practical ways to maintain and promote physical, mental, and spiritual well being. Well ahead of its time, this test highlights the interdependency of humankind, offers methods to prevent disease, and lays down the basic natural laws upon which health depends.

Nutritional Balancing and Hair Mineral Analysis, by Dr. Lawrence D. Wilson: This is the most complete and readable book available on tissue mineral analysis, by a medically trained practitioner with 20 years experience. Nineteen chapters cover the test procedure, physical and emotional ailments, and correction of mineral imbalances through diet and lifestyle modification, nutritional supplements, and detoxification procedures.

Your Body Can Talk: How to Use Simple Muscle Testing to Learn What Your Body Knows and Needs : The Art and Application of Clinical Kinesiology, by Susan L. Levy, and Carol Lehr: In this text Levy and Lehr describe in detail clinical kinesiology (CK) , which tests the body’s energetic field. Although a recent discovery, CK draws heavily on centuries old traditions and identifies changes in the body before they appear physically. Treatments consist primarily of improving nutrition, identifying problems arising from food allergies, supporting the immune system, eliminating antibiotics and other powerful drugs, and avoiding unnecessary surgery.

Science and Practice of Iridology, by Bernard Jensen: This comprehensive and classic text offers a system of analyzing and caring for the body through drugless and nature cure methods. Dr. Jensen presents the science of analyzing body ailments by studying the markings or signs in the iris of the eye. This text is illustrated with black and white charts and photos, as well as ten pages of full color plates of the eye.

Iridology Flashcards, by Frank Navratil: These beautiful and laminated flashcards show clear iris, pupil and sclera signs with an explanation on the back. They are an excellent resource if you are learning or practicing iridology and a useful tool for explaining health problems to clients.

Light: Medicine of the Future: How We Can Use It to Heal Ourselves NOW, by Jacob Liberman: Dr. Liberman is at the cutting edge of enlightened technology, blending physics and metaphysics to their best advantage. This book integrates scientific research, clinical experience, and Dr. Liberman’s insights to show how light energy is profoundly capable of influencing the healing process. Discussions regarding the use of light in the treatment of various cancers, depression, stress, visual problems, PMS, sexual dysfunction, learning disabilities, and the human immune system are included.

Color Medicine: The Secrets of Color/Vibrational Healing, by Charles Klotsche: A text book and how to handbook, this book presents an encyclopedia of vital fascinating information, charts, diagrams and tables as well as methods of treatment and technical advice. Color Medicine marks a new frontier in the world of alternative healing.

Tune Your Brain: Using Music to Manage Your Mind, Body, and Mood, by Elizabeth Miles: Music can play a big part in your moods, your motivation, and your success. Filled with practical applications for everyday use, Tune Your Brain unites brain-body science with the wisdom of the world’s cultures to access the musical tools needed for peak performance in all areas of life.

Vibrational Medicine: The #1 Handbook of Subtle-Energy Therapies, by Richard Gerber: This combination of ancient wisdom and new science is the definitive introduction to health care for modern times. Dr. Gerber explains current theories about how various energy therapies work and offers readers new insights into the physical and spiritual perspectives of health and disease. Vibrational Medicine has gained widespread acceptance as the textbook of choice for the study of energetic healing and alternative medicine.

The Healing Energy of Your Hands, by Michael Bradford: This book demystifies the art of energy healing. Beginning with a basic explanation of the nature of healing energy, illness, and the role of the mind in the healing process, Bradford offers techniques so simple that anyone, even a child, can work with healing energy.

Healing with Magnets, by Gary Null: This up to the minute guide will introduce you to all the essential principles of magnetic healing along with documentation from the latest and most scientific studies on the subject. Testimony of clinicians experienced in magnet healing and case histories are included.

Magnet Therapy: the Gentle and Effective Way to Balance Body Systems, by Ghanshyam Singh Birla and Colette Hemlin: This book presents the history and science of this fascinating subject, explaining in clear language why magnets increase oxygenation in the blood, reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reduce pain, enhance cellular regeneration, and may even inhibit tumor growth. The authors detail several methods for treating symptoms ranging from asthma to toothaches, and weigh the benefits of such products as magnetic necklaces, magnetic belts, and magnetized water, as well as traditional bipolar magnets. Readers will find information on how magnet therapy fits into the contexts of Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, and how it can be used in conjunction with acupuncture. Complete and with case studies and resource listings, Magnet Therapy is the comprehensive guide to one of the world’s oldest—and newest—proven healing systems.

Acupressure's Potent Points: a Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments, by Michael Reed Gach: The technique of using acupressure to relieve pain has been around for 5000 years and even predates acupuncture. Acupressure’s Potent Point covers more than forty ailments and symptoms, from allergies to wrist pain, providing pressure-point maps and exercises to relieve pain and restore function.

Reflexology: health at your fingertips, by Barbara Kunz and Kevin Kunz: The first fully illustrated guide on the ancient art of reflexology, this book explains how reflexology works and how to do it. Pressure applied to "reflex" points on the hands and feet restore corresponding body parts by stimulating natural self healing powers. Reflexology features step-by-step sequences, incredible photographic foot and hand reflex charts, and unique computer generated artworks to show which reflexes to press and which techniques to use. Visualizations and mediations are suggested throughout, to enhance the healing treatments. This book is an invaluable guide for home users or reflexology students.

The Biology Of Belief: Unleashing The Power Of Consciousness, Matter And Miracles, by Bruce H. Lipton: Stunning new scientific research shows that genes and DNA do not control our biology; that instead DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell, including the energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts. Using simple language, illustrations, humor, and everyday examples, Dr. Lipton demonstrates how the new science of Epigenetics is revolutionizing our understanding of the link between mind and matter, and the profound effects it has on our personal lives and the collective life of our species.

Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine, by Candace B. Pert: The author’s pioneering research on how the chemicals inside our bodies form a dynamic information network, linking mind and body, is not only provocative, it is revolutionary. By establishing the biomolecular basis for our emotions and explaining these new scientific developments in a clear and accessible way, Pert empowers us to understand ourselves, our feelings, and the connection between our minds and our bodies in ways we could never possibly have imagined before.

Chiwalking: The Five Mindful Steps for Lifelong Health and Energy, by Danny Dreyer and Katherine Dreyer: In ChiWalking, Danny and Katherine Dreyer, well known walking and running coaches, teach the walking technique they created that transforms walking from a mundane means of locomotion into an intensely rewarding practice that enhances mental, emotional, and physical well being. Similar to Pilates, yoga, and T'ai Chi, ChiWalking emphasizes body alignment and mindfulness while strengthening the core muscles of the body.

Yoga for Stress Relief (With The Dalai Lama), DVD: Yoga for Stress Relief is the most comprehensive Yoga DVD ever created with over 20 routines to address mental, emotional and physical stress. It also includes an UNPRECEDENTED 30 minutes of instruction on meditation from the Dalai Lama! Never before has a DVD revealed how to overcome dozens of common physical, mental and emotional stress related conditions through the ancient science of yoga.

Qi Gong for Cleansing, DVD: Qi gong combines a passive awareness with an active healing intention. With this DVD you will learn simple moves to detoxify your entire body, recharge, and heal through slow stretches and breathing exercises.

The Tao of Natural Breathing: For Health, Well-Being, and Inner Growth, by Dennis Lewis: Along with breathing practices designed to open the three primal energy centers, this book defines natural breathing; provides a clear, illustrated description of the physiology of breathing; and offers suggestions on how to use spacious breathing both in times of stress and in everyday life.

The Encyclopedia of Bach Flower Therapy, by Mechthild Scheffer: Scheffer covers the history, philosophy, and background of flower therapy and discusses each of the 38 flower essences. The results of Scheffer's years of study and clinical practice are reflected in the information on remedy preparation, interview questionnaires, checklists, tables for selecting remedies, and evaluation sheets for therapeutic use, as well as appendixes containing FAQs and a list of resources.

Advanced Bach Flower Therapy: A Scientific Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment, by Götz Blome: The uniqueness of this book is that it goes beyond working with individual remedies and gives over 200 combinations of essences.  These combinations are tailor made to make them more effective for specific conditions.  This book is an invaluable addition to the practitioner’s natural health library.

The Aromatherapy Bible: The Definitive Guide to Using Essential Oils, by Gill Farrer-Halls: This comprehensive illustrated reference contains all the information needed to work aromatherapy's magic. It includes complete instructions for skin and body treatments; recipes for creams and lotions; remedies to overcome negative emotions; advice on psychic cleansing; and techniques to enhance meditation and massages of all kinds.

Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate and Heal, by Valerie Gennari Cooksley: In this book, Cooksley demystifies the ancient art of aromatherapy with modern examples of real life cures and offers a complete guide to using and blending essential oils for maximum benefits. In addition, the author offers her special soothing solutions and healing blends culled from more than fifteen years of professional practice.

Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies, by Phyllis A. Balch: Complete coverage of Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs make this volume entirely comprehensive, and thorough scientific references lend it an authority. Prescription for Herbal Healing is a must for any herbalist and includes information on more than 200 herbs and herbal combination formulas, and discussion of more than 150 common disorders and the herbal therapies that can be used in treating them.

Planetary Herbology, by Dr. Michael Tierra: A major work integrating the herbal traditions of the East with those of the West. This practical handbook and reference guide is a landmark publication in this field. For unprecedented usefulness in practical applications, the author provides a comprehensive listing of the more than 400 medicinal herbs available in the west, classified according to their chemical constituents, properties and actions, indicated uses and suggested dosages.

Putting It All Together: The New Orthomolecular Nutrition by Abram Hoffer and Morton Walker: In this expanded, and thoroughly revised edition, the authors discuss orthomolecular medicine and treatment, the functions of all major nutrients, a comprehensive antistress supplement program, and show the way for a longer, healthier life.

Prescription for Natural Cures: A Self-Care Guide for Treating Health Problems with Natural Remedies Including Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Bodywork, and More, by James Balch and Mark Stengler: This text provides a complete natural Rx for each condition, giving you a proven, natural, customized prescription that may include supplements, herbal medicine, homeopathy, aromatherapy, Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy, bodywork, natural hormones, and other natural cures in addition to nutritional advice. Organized by problem from A to Z, this invaluable guide features easy to understand discussions of the symptoms and root causes of each health problem, and down to earth descriptions of each natural remedy.

An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants, by Mary Bove: Dr. Bove places particular emphasis on strengthening the immune system, and offers essential information on managing allergies and avoiding the damaging overuse of antibiotics.

The Detox Book: How to Detoxify Your Body to Improve Your Health, Stop Disease, and Reverse Aging, 2nd Edition, by Bruce Fife: Toxins build up in the body faster than they can be removed, contributing to premature aging and chronic and degenerative diseases. Fife, a nutritionist, naturopath, and co-director of an alternative health center, provides a comprehensive handbook of detoxification therapies, including healthy nutrition, fasting, juicing, oxygen and heat therapies, exercise, and kidney and liver cleansing.

Complete Book of Juicing: Your Delicious Guide to Youthful Vitality, by Michael T. Murray: This excellent juicing and nutritional resource reveals how specific juices can help combat cancer, resist aging, relieve arthritis, reduce high cholesterol, lower blood pressure, treat kidneys stones, treat ulcers, and much, much, more. You will also be provided with detailed nutritional information for each recipe plus a safe and effective guide to fasting with juices.

Raw Juices Can Save Your Life: An A-Z Guide, by Sandra Cabot: Dr. Sandra Cabot has taken raw fruits and vegetables containing restorative, pain relieving, and disease fighting properties and combined them into simple juice concoctions that diminish or cure 65 common ailments. With detailed instructions for proper juicing, an extensive A to Z juicing guide, and a handy table of the healing properties of juices, this delicious little handbook is a perfect introduction to the advantages of using natural food remedies to improve your health.

Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process, by Kjell Erik Rudestam and Rae R. Newton: The authors write from the position of the ideal mentor, presenting the issues doctoral students would like their chairpersons to discuss with them, yet rarely have done. Additionally, the student perspective is integrated into the text through numerous examples from a wide range of disciplines.

GCNM Workbooks:

- Research Project
- Advanced Research
- Naturopathy Module 1 – Overview of Naturopathy
- Naturopathy Module 2 – Analytical Studies
- Naturopathy Module 3 – Iridology
- Naturopathy Module 4 – Vibrational Medicine
- Naturopathy Module 5 – Light, Color, and Music Therapy
- Naturopathy Module 6 – Body/Mind Connection
- Naturopathy Module 7 – Botanical Studies
- Naturopathy Module 8 – Natural Therapeutics and Wellness
- Naturopathy Module 9 – Detoxification and Healing
- Naturopathy Module 10 – Applications
- Naturopathy Final Examination and Supplemental Materials
- Dissertation

Questions and Answers

Can I take extra time to complete the degree programs?

The amount of time varies from student to student. Some finish in four years or sooner while others may take much longer to complete their studies. There is no set time limit, so you can take as long as you like. However, we do feel that in order to maintain your momentum it is best to study on a regular basis and set aside a specific time each day to devote to your Holistic Health Degree programs.

What are the legal implications of practicing Holistic Medicine?

The Bachelors Degree in Holistic Health Program dedicates an entire lesson to the legalities of holistic practice in the United States. The Masters Degree Program in Holistic Health Program focuses on the legalities of Homeopathy practice, while the Doctor of Philosophy in Holistic Health Program highlights the legal details of Naturopathy practice. We’ll teach you all the right tools to protect yourself and offer disclaimer forms to have signed by your clients.

We are also happy to report that on September 24th, 2002, California Governor Gray Davis signed into law the most important Health Freedom bill in world history - California SB 577. The bill makes health care "wide open." Doctors of Holistic Health, Holistic Health Practitioners, Homeopaths, Naturopaths, Herbalists, Nutritionists, etc., are now free to offer services without harassment.

California, the fifth largest stand alone economy in the world, has for some time led the nation in percentage (estimated at 75%) of health care dollars spent on "Alternative Medicine." Now, that percentage is expected to increase.

What’s the difference between conventional and holistic medicine?

Focus of conventional medicine is to treat the disease or symptoms, using harmful chemicals with possible deadly side effects. Holistic medicine treats the whole person and works on strengthening the body’s innate healing ability through the use of herbs, nutrition and other holistic healing modalities.