Sunday, October 17, 2010

GCNM: Is It Worth It?

From GCNM

I have had a few people ask me how I feel about Global College of Natural Medicine. As you can see from the image above, I give GCNM a Three Star rating out of Five. Let's see if I can give a good explanation about the reasons I am giving it a three rather than a five. I'll share with you some of the positives along with the negatives.

I have used several of the books that they provide for the HHP program. Especially The Optimum Nutrition Bible, Alternative Medicine The Definitive Guide, and A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions. As well as the Dr. Weil Seminars. However, I rarely refer to the Text Modules provided by GCNM. I think this is because they are very bias towards the personal agenda and opinions of GCNM. And personally my opinions differ in several ways. They seem to be very against Western Medicine in general. I believe there is a place for both Holistic Health and Western Medicine. It's finding the balance that is the trick. I feel that this is one of our missions as HHP, to help people find a good balance for their needs.

I also realized in the middle of my studies that I probably would have enjoyed the Nutritionist program rather then the Holistic Health Practitioners program. I tend to lean towards healing through quality nutrition rather then through herbs and alternative therapies as my first line of defense. If I did want to focus on herbs and alternative therapy, GCNM's HHP program does NOT meet the needs I would have in order to truly use and create herbal remedies on my own or practice any of the alternative therapies such as hair, tongue, and nail analysis. When I have wanted to create remedies, or wanted to analyze finger nails, I have had to turn to the Internet to teach me the process and for photos. GCNM's text greatly lacks detail in HOW to combine herbs properly. They teach which herbs are synergistic together. But there is not enough detail on literal measurements and technicalities of this process. Even with the book The Herbal Medicine-Makers Handbook I still feel unprepared to really use herbs efficiently. In my opinion I spent WAY too much money for how much I have had to refer to the Internet throughout my studies.

I have used GCNM's text and teachings as a guideline or an outline for my studies. The true learning has been through hours and hours... and hours, of research on certain subjects. Also, through trial and error. In one way I have a unique perspective. I have been able to use my personal health (good, bad, and ugly) as my guinea pig and research agenda. I won't go into detail, lets just say that I am familiar with many physical ailments on a personal level. But I'm getting off of the subject. My point is that I feel that GCNM has only been a small part of my study agenda. Although, they have given me resources that I otherwise would not have had.

I will wrap this review up with this, GCNM provides quality education. Is it THE BEST? Probably not. But I honestly wouldn't know, because I haven't tried the other options out there. Has it been worth it for me? Like I said in the beginning I give it a Three Star Rating out of Five.

8 comments:

  1. thank you! This really helps narrow it for me. As far as I am concerned, I think I will be going through GCNM to get my Nutrition certification and Master Herbalist certification. I have researched many MAnY other schools like this, and this is by far the cheapest one for as good, if not better, reading materials and hopefully application. Thanks so much for doing the review, I really enjoy your blogs. Stay well! :)

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  2. Another question though...what are you doing with your education now? Are you using your HHP certification now in some way? Thanks

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  3. Hi there, I have been researching various schools for a while now and I keep going back to GCNM. In a google search of reviews I came across your blog and I love it! Thank you for the great information about GCNM (and everything else). I will definitely be back and I hope you feel better!
    Ellen

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  4. Thank you so much fot this information. I am excited to begin this program. It is good to hear what could come.

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  5. I also came across your blog upon researching reviews for GCNM.I am looking to get my Bachelors with them and use it in connection with a cosmetology degree to possibly open a health spa. Another option of mine would be the phd program after the bachelors program and work to help women with Endometriosis and possibly wounded combat veterans such as my husband. Do you have any input on that? We will be moving to CA when he is out of the military and I might be able to find an actual school to go to out there instead of GCNM but for now thats the best option I can find.

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  6. Very helpful and quite a coincidence that I would find your blog because I am choosing between Holistic and Nutrition. I have been thinking about going the naturopathic path, i finished 3 and a few months of M.D. but personal life got in the way and that was many many years ago.
    Thank you and be well.

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