The Diploma Program in Natural Therapies & Spiritual Studies combines essential teachings in natural healing, nutrition, prayer, digestion, herbalism, and world religions to create a complete dynamic for physical and spiritual well-being. Interested students can progress beyond this program to the Bachelor’s Program in Holistic Ministries for a more complete education in natural therapies and spiritual studies to prepare for a life in the healing ministry.

The Diploma Program in Natural Therapies & Spiritual Studies consists of the following seven courses:

1. Introduction to Natural Therapies. In this course, students will learn the basic principles of holistic healing, as well as get a brief introduction into a range of alternative therapies. Texts: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2^nd or 3^rd edition by James & Phyllis Balch (Avery Publishing; NY). 3 credits.

2. Fundamentals of Nutrition. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Major nutritional myths; orthomolecular nutrition. Texts: Nutrition Made Simple by Robert Crayhon (Evans Publishing; NY); Life Without Bread by C. Allan and W. Lutz (NTC/McGraw Hill; Ill); Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Balch & Balch. 6 credits.

3. Digestion. How digestion is the key to good health. The digestive process. The importance of stomach acid, enzymes, and probiotics. Digestive disorders and how to heal them naturally. Text: TBA***********************. 3 credits.

4. World Religions & Spiritual Traditions. This course will introduce the major religions of the world, tribal religions, and neo-pagan traditions, showing the distinctive teachings of each. The course will then progress to demonstrate what all religions have in common and how to implement these universal spiritual principles in a practical way into our lives. Texts: The Religions of the World by Huston Smith (Harper; 1992); Spiritual Traditions (Sterling Publishers; 2000) by Timothy Freke. 6 credits.

5. Whole Foods Cooking: Traditional food preparation techniques to maximize nutritional content of food and ease its digestion. Course includes all food groups and meal components. Text: Nourishing Traditions (New Trends Publishing; D.C.) by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig; TBA*******************. 3 credits.

6. The Power of Prayer & Meditation. An exploration of the scientific validity of prayer & meditation in helping oneself and others overcome disease and experience the Divine. After exploring in a general sense how prayer can positively affect others, the course will then examine a specific prayer system in action to demonstrate how one can actually "do" prayer correctly for maximum benefit. Texts: Healing Words by Dr. Larry Dossey (Harper Collins; 1993); Kahuna Healing by Serge Kahili King (Quest Books; 1983). 3 credits.

7. Basic Herbology. Herbal terminology; chemical constituents of herbs; medicinal uses for over 60 herbs; developing formulas for specific needs; herbal contraindications. Texts: The Herb Book by John Lust (Bantam Books; NY); Herb Contraindications & Drug Interactions by Francis Brinker (Eclectic Institute; OR). 6 credits.