Integrative Health Studies

The Integrative Health Studies (IHS) concentration takes an integrative (mind, body, and spirit) approach to health and wellness. It includes the study of therapies that have not been regarded as standard within the mainstream of medical care, including acupuncture, conditioning of immune function (psychoneuroimmunology), traditional Chinese medicine, shamanism, Ayurvedic (East Indian) medicine, and Native American medicine. Additional alternative health practices that are studied include meditation, nutrition, energy medicine (therapeutic touch, healing touch, and energy channeling), and many others. The mind/body therapies play a prominent role and are rapidly being integrated into health care settings; these therapies include imagery, hypnosis, biofeedback, meditation, psychotherapy, mindfulness, health coaching, and the expressive therapies such as music, dance, art, and indigenous ceremony as healing interventions.

Students explore spirituality and healing, including research on prayer and meditation as healing modalities. Students are educated in how to effectively perform research into these modalities, as well as learning about their indications, contraindications, benefits, and use. In order to earn the IHS Concentration, students must complete at least two of the following courses at the master’s level, and at least three at the doctoral level:  IHS 4030, IHS 4045, IHS 4050, IHS 4090, IHS 4120, IHS4125 Spirituality and Health, IHS4130 Mindfulness and Meditation in Health.  Students are also encouraged to take core-skill set courses, such as IHS 4101, IHS 4102, IHS 4105, IHS 4106, IHS 4110, and IHS 4115.  In addition, students in IHS may apply courses from the Graduate College of Mind-Body Medicine toward the IHS concentration requirements.

To speak to an admissions counselor, call 800.825,4480 - or email admissions@saybrook.edu.