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.

Update: Final Stretch With GCNM

I say that I am in the final stretch of my GCNM schooling. This may be the case when it comes to the date. However, I wish I could say I was closer to complete when it comes to the course work. I've completed all of my workbooks and the quizzes. I've completed all of the in person Case Studies. I've read the things that are required. I have listened to the Dr. Weil Seminars twice. And I have posted several Forum Responses. Now that I write it down, it looks like I may be doing better then I feel like I am doing.

Now I'll list those things that I still need to complete. Technically I have about three more months until I need to have everything wrapped up and sent in. I have half of the Anatomy Coloring finished. This is one of the most monotonous and time consuming parts of the course work. It does give a good picture of the anatomy. But I can't promise I'll remember very much of it. I'm in the middle of writing down the answers for the Dr. Weil Seminars. I can't believe I didn't fill in the answers as I listened to it the previous TWO times I listened to them. I have the book report to complete. The Thesis. Case Studies to complete. The Final Exam. And the Herbal Remedy to make. Luckily I have an idea of what I am hoping to make. I plan on writing about the Course Book titled The New Optimum Nutrition Bible by Patrick Holford. This has been the most useful book by far that I have from these studies.

So how am feeling about my experience with GCNM (Global College of Natural Medicine)? I think on a scale from 1-10, 1 being "I want my money back!" and 10 being "OUTSTANDING" I give it a 5. I have certainly learned a lot. However, I believe that the course work was only a small foundation for what I have learned. I have done a lot of personal research outside of my coursework as well. So overall I feel prepared to answer questions and give advise. The one section that I feel is sorely lacking in the Holistic Health Practitioner course is more information on exactly HOW to make different Herbal Remedies. They give information. But I think more is required to help us understand the details of it all more clearly.

On a personal note, I realized half way through my studies that I probably would have been happy with the Nutritionist Course rather then the Holistic Health Practitioner course. I find that I am not as likely to use herbs as I am to advise someone to use quality vitamins and Omega 3s. But in the end I'm sure I won't regret the studies.