dstim-degree-objectives

American College of Natural Medicine, Doctor of Sacred Traditional and Indigenous Medicine

Doctor of Sacred Traditional & Indigenous Medicines (D.S.T.I.M.)

(Dean of Graduate Natural Medicine: Prof. Anthony James MSc.(Clinical Herbology), D.N.M. (C), N.D. (T), M.D. (AM), D.O.M. (Acu), D.P.H.C. (h.c.), Ph.D. (I.M.), Ph.D. (Hospitaller Medicine h.c.), D.M.M., R.A.A.P., U.T.T.S., MSGR./CHEV., Ordained Native Bishop Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church of the East in Brazil, Dean, Professor, Director of Education and Traditional Medicine

GENERAL DSTIM Degree COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES

The Florida State D.O.E. will authorize the 1134 class hour/D.S.I.T.M. Doctor of Arts Degree, Commission on Independent Authorized N.A.I.C. Seminary: American College of Natural Medicine.

The entire course of study prepares one to practice Spiritually based Sacred Traditional, Indigenous, and Natural Medicine and to be able to practice legally.

The D.S.T.I.M. program is also designed to prepare students to apply to various national and internationally recognized associations for natural medicine for recognition, registration, authorization, and licensure (N.A.I.C., LCHT Legal Shield, F.N.M.B. (First Nations Medical Board-Tribal Healer) or  S.M.O.C.H.). To ensure continued career success, the graduate will continue to learn new and current information related to techniques, trends, and methods for career development in natural medicine and related fields. The graduate will consider this continuing education a fundamental part of professional growth and development.

Please note! The D.S.T.I.M. Degree program is designed for an average student to satisfactorily complete the program in 8 to 12 months from the start date. The program is self-paced, online, and distance learning, requiring a disciplined approach. A.C.N.M. is super generous in that we give you a maximum of 24 months of access before the enrollment access ends. Beginning month “#25”, there will be a flat rate of $185.00 per month until you graduate, suspend for non-activity, or Voluntary withdrawal, whichever comes first. Please see the A.C.N.M. College Catalog PDF on the Home Page for specific policy details.

IMPORTANT NOTE! This D.S.T.I.M. Diploma/ Doctor of Sacred Arts degree program allows the Authorized Practitioner, Therapist, Minister / Clergy Practitioner to begin legally practicing now (Under N.A.I.C. Tribal Org Authorizations). It lays the core prerequisite for our more advanced Post-Graduate Doctoral Programs: D.S.I.I.(Doctor of Sacred Integrative Immunity),  D.S.N.M. and Ph.D. Ayurveda Medicine.

Doctor of Arts: Sacred Traditional & Indigenous Medicines (D.S.T.I.M.) Program Studies and
Traditional Indigenous Medicines Curriculum Purpose, Goal, Learning Objectives, and Competencies:

 Four Semesters: Online Resource Library:

  1. Indigenous and Traditional Sacred Medicine origins and practices.
  2. Classical Indian Ayurveda (Specific and detailed area of emphasis)
  3. Advanced Ayurveda Medicine: 180 lessons/ 300 hr.. Course included!
  4. SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Therapy (Prerequisite Live or Online: Not Included in Full Tuition… At additional cost.)
  5. Traditional Native American and Indigenous Aboriginal Medicine: 101
  6. Traditional Native American and Indigenous Aboriginal Medicine: 102
  7. Naturopathic Medicine, Practitioner Intensive (Required for Naturopathic Physician Registration)
  8. Filipino Healing (Ablon/ Hilot)
  9. Folk Medicine (Southern/ Appalachian Traditions)
  10. Yunani/ Islamic Medicine
  11. Monastic Renaissance Medicine
  12. Norse Indigenous Medicine/ Viking Medicine
  13. Shamanism/ Plant, Herb Sacrament, and Transcendental (Religious) Medicines
  14. Spanish Colonial Medicine (In America)
  15. W.I. Indigenous Healing/Caribbean Traditional Medicine
  16. AFRO-CARIBBEAN MEDICINE
  17. Biblical-Based Indigenous Medicine
  18. D.S.T.I.M. Legal Guidelines for Holistic Alternative and Complementary Providers

Our teaching approach gives the practitioner more than an affordable alternative to new educational vistas by combining resident studies and distance learning.

Traditional Naturopathic Medical Overview for Traditional and Indigenous Practitioners qualifying for Optional National Board Certification or Independent State Licensing:

Traditional Naturopathic Module 1: Introduction to Naturopathy and its Principles

  1. Overview of Naturopathy
  2. History and Development of Naturopathic Medicine
  3. Comparison between Orthodox and Naturopathic Medicine
  4. Naturopathic Principles and Philosophy

Traditional Naturopathic Module 2: Cellular Health and Homeostasis

  1. Intro: Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
  2. Cellular and Molecular Basis of Life
  3. Cells and Tissues
  4. Molecular Biology and Genetics
  5. Exercise: Explore the role of genetics in naturopathic medicine, deepening your understanding of its significance.
  6. Homeostasis and Physiological Processes:
  7. The Concept of Homeostasis
  8. Physiological Feedback Mechanisms
  9. Integration of Bodily Systems
  10. Exercise

Traditional Naturopathic Module 3: Skin, Bones, Muscles, and Ligaments

  1. Introduction: An overview of the Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary Systems
  2. Skeletal System: Structural intricacies of the human body’s frame.
    1. Anatomy:
    2. Teeth and Oral Health
    3. Bone Health
  1. Muscular System:
    1. Anatomy: Understand the structure and function of muscles.
    1. Managing Strength: Learn about natural strategies to enhance muscle strength.
    2. Treating Muscles and Ligaments: Acquire insights on how to address common muscular and ligament issues using naturopathic principles.
  1. Integumentary System (Skin)
    1. Anatomy: Examine the detailed structure and crucial functions of the skin.
    2. Naturopathic Skincare: Learn about holistic practices to maintain skin health.
    3. Treating Skin Conditions: Get equipped with knowledge on how to handle common skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, cuts, and broken skin, using naturopathic approaches.

Traditional Naturopathic Module 4: Circulatory and Nervous Systems

  • Introduction
  • Circulatory System
    1. Heart Health and Physical Activity
    2. Nutrition, Stress Management, and Lifestyle Modifications for Heart Health
  • Nervous System: Learn about the complex network that coordinates the body’s actions and sensory information.
    1. Anatomy: Explore the detailed structure of the nervous system.
    2. Brain Health
    3. Gut-Brain Axis
    4. Neuroplasticity
    5. Mind-Body Connection
  • Integumentary System (Skin)
    1. Anatomy: Examine the detailed structure and crucial functions of the skin.
    2. Naturopathic Skincare
    3. Treating Skin Conditions

Traditional Naturopathic Module 5: Hormones and Reproductive Health

  1. Introduction
  2. Endocrine System: Explore the system that regulates body processes through the production and secretion of hormones.
    1. Anatomy: Grasp the detailed structure of the endocrine system.
    2. Balancing Sex Hormones
    3. Thyroid Health
  3. Reproductive System
    1. Anatomy: Gain insight into the detailed structure of the reproductive system.
    2. Fertility: Discover the naturopathic approach to supporting and enhancing fertility.
    3. Menopause: Learn about the natural transition of menopause and how to support women through this phase with naturopathic strategies.
    4. Prostate Health: Uncover the significance of prostate health and naturopathic ways to maintain it.

Traditional Naturopathic Module 6: Energy, Elimination and Immune Systems

  1. Introduction
  2. Digestive and Urinary Systems
    1. Anatomy
    2. Supporting The Liver
    3. Caring for the Gut
    4. Elimination Systems
  1. Respiratory System
    1. Anatomy
    2. Sinus and Respiratory problems
    3. Nose Breathing vs Mouth Breathing
  1. Immune System
    1. Anatomy
    2. Strengthening the Immune System

Traditional Naturopathic Module 7: Energy, Elimination and Immune Systems

  • Introduction: Embark on your journey through the vast landscape of nutrition and the intricate processes of metabolism.
  • Macronutrients and Micronutrients
  • Metabolic Processes and Interactions
  • Water and Hydration

Traditional Naturopathic Module 8: Detoxification and Naturopathic Approaches

  • Intro: Overview of Detoxification and Naturopathic Approaches: Set the stage for your exploration of detoxification and its significance in maintaining health.
  • The Role of Detoxification in Health
    1. Types of Toxins
    2. Detoxification Pathways
    3. Exercise
  • Detoxification Techniques:
    1. Naturopathic Diet and Food Supplements
    2. Fasting and Cleanses
    3. Lymphatic Drainage
    4. Chelation Therapy
    5. Breathing Techniques
    6. Exercise

Traditional Naturopathic Module 9: Physical Therapies and Hydrotherapy

Introduction: Begin your exploration of the vital physical therapies utilized in naturopathic practice and the profound effects of hydrotherapy on health and well-being.

  • Religious Therapeutic Massage
  • Yoga
  • Reflexology
  • Hydrotherapy

Traditional Naturopathic Module 10: Physical Therapies and Hydrotherapy

Introduction: Begin your exploration of the vital physical therapies utilized in naturopathic practice and the profound effects of hydrotherapy on health and well-being.

  • Religious Therapeutic Massage
  • Yoga
  • Reflexology
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Naturopathy Module 11: Botanical Medicine and Homeopathy includes:
  • Introduction: Begin your exploration of two powerful, time-honored disciplines within naturopathic medicine – botanical medicine and homeopathy.
  • Botanical Medicine:
    1. Delve into the basics of botanical medicine, learning about herbal classifications and actions.
    2. Master the skills required in herbal preparations and administration, along with gaining knowledge on commonly used herbs and their applications.
    3. Engage with a series of exercises designed to provide hands-on experience in this field.
  • Homeopathy:
    1. Get an introduction to the intriguing world of homeopathy, understanding the nuances of homeopathic remedies and potencies.
    2. Discover the process of case taking and remedy selection and familiarize yourself with commonly used homeopathic remedies and their applications.
    3. Engage with exercises to deepen your understanding and hone your practical skills in homeopathy.

Traditional Naturopathic Module 11: Naturopathic Lifestyle Management

  • Intro: Overview of Basic Lifestyle Requirements for Health
  • Diet and Exercise:
    1. Physical Exercise
    2. Healthy Eating
  • Rest and Relaxation:
    1. Sleep
    2. Relaxation
  • Environmental Factors and Personal Hygiene:
    1. Environmental Factors
    2. Personal Hygiene

Traditional Naturopathic Module 12: Drug, Food, and Supplement Interactions

  1. Intro: Overview of Drug, Food, and Supplement Interactions
  2. Actions and Side Effects of Conventional Drugs:
    1. Major Classes of Drugs
    2. Accessing Information on Pharmaceuticals
    3. Summary
    4. Exercise: Research a specific drug and its potential interactions to deepen your understanding.
  3. Food, Drug, and Supplement Interactions:
    1. Nutrient-Drug Interactions
    2. Supplement-Drug Interactions
    3. Food-Supplement Interactions
    4. Summary
    5. Exercise

Traditional Naturopathic Module 13: Red Flag Symptoms and Referrals

  1. Intro: Overview of Red Flag Symptoms and Referrals
  2. Identifying Red Flag Symptoms:
    1. Red Flag Symptoms in Various Systems
    2. Assessing Urgency
    3. Summary
    4. Exercise
  3. Referral to Conventional Care:
    1. When to Refer to Conventional Care
    2. Building Collaborative Relationships with Conventional Healthcare Providers
    3. Summary
    4. Exercise: Develop a referral plan based on a case study to practice your skills.
  4. Managing Client Expectations and Support:
    1. Advising Clients on Treatment Outcomes and Discomforts
    2. Supporting Clients During Change and Monitoring Progress
    3. Summary
    4. Exercise

Traditional Naturopathic Module 14: Naturopathic Assessment and Treatment Plan

  1. Intro: Overview of Naturopathic Assessment and Diagnosis: Set the stage for your exploration of the critical aspects of naturopathic assessment and treatment planning.
  2. Taking a Naturopathic Case History:
  3. Lifestyle Assessment
  4. Physical and Emotional Assessment
  5. Nutritional and Biochemical Assessment
  6. Summary
  7. Exercise
  8. Naturopathic Assessment and Evaluation:
  9. Test Interpretation and Application
  10. Forming a Naturopathic Assessment
  11. Developing a Treatment Plan
  12. Summary
  13. Exercise

Traditional Naturopathic Module 15: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Naturopathic Practice

  1. Intro: Overview of Legal and Ethical Considerations: Set the stage for your investigation of the legal and ethical aspects of naturopathic practice.
  • Professional Codes of Practice:
    1. Scope of Practice and Professional Standards
    2. Confidentiality and Informed Consent
    3. Summary
    4. Exercise
  • Legal Requirements and Responsibilities:
    1. Regulations and Licensing in Naturopathy
    2. Malpractice and Liability
    3. Summary
    4. Exercise
  • Ethical Decision Making:
    1. Ethical Principles in Naturopathic Practice
    2. Navigating Ethical Dilemmas
    3. Summary
    4. Exercise

These are not ordinary courses with ordinary content. Each class is designed to be a life-changing ascent toward becoming a physician of Sacred Natural Medicine (Sacred Nature Cure/ Traditional Naturopathic Medicine (ANMA) i.e. No Drugs, No Surgery).

Purpose:

The core Traditional & Indigenous Natural Medicines (Medicine of Hope-Monastic Medicine) Religious Therapeutics, Humanitarian Aid Mission Services, and Social Work curriculum will provide students with the opportunity to begin acquiring an understanding of the unique role of the Doctor of Sacred Traditional & Indigenous Medicines (Native American Traditional Indigenous medicine N.A.T.I.M.-Sacred Nature Cure) family practitioner and Pastoral Counselor, and the basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to care for patients of all ages.

Students will gain these abilities by engaging in structured learning activities, both outpatient and inpatient. Students must take calls, attend conferences, and read suggested literature. These will represent a core of behaviors encompassed by the Doctor of Arts in Traditional & Indigenous Medicines/ Traditional Monastic family minister/ practitioner/ Licensed Clinical Holistic Therapist, Licensed Pastoral Counselor and Humanitarian Aid Mission Services and Social Work, which prepare them for a unique role in patient management, problem-solving, counseling, and coordination of health care and Humanitarian Aid Mission Services for the individual and the family unit.

Goals:

1. Refine basic clinical skills essential to practice in a primary care setting. Specifically, students will be able to:
Demonstrate interviewing skills as well as physical examination skills.
Communicate with the patients effectively.

2. Acquire the knowledge and skills to perform standard traditional and indigenous medicine ministerial physician procedures. They will know the indications, contraindications, and complications.

3. Use a spiritually-based family medicine approach to diagnose and manage common illnesses seen in a family medicine setting. Students will have appropriate knowledge and should be able to organize information, document data, differential diagnoses, treatment, and plan.

4. Develop sensitivity to their patients’ psycho-social, familial, socioeconomic, and community aspects.

5. Learn the importance of interaction with other physicians and specialists. Students will understand the concept of family medicine and the rewards and demands of family physician life. They will also show that they know the importance of continuity of care, coordination of care with other consultants, and cost-effective approaches to treating patients.

6. Fulfill the diverse and demanding roles of a minister, clergy, and religious/ pastoral Traditional and indigenous medicines counselor- Holistic physician, Humanitarian Aid Mission Services under the authority of N.A.I.C. Legal Shield Licentiate-License/ F.N.M.B. (First Nations Medical Board-Tribal Healer) or SMOKH, serving the health and well-being needs of indigenous, native, and non-native populations using both traditional and elegant evolving and scientific methodologies.

NAIC Legal Shield LCHT Holistic License 

NAIC Logo

American College of Natural Medicine Logo

SMOKH- Sacred Medical Order of the Knights of Hope

Priory of Saving Grace Ministry

Learning Objectives (Core Competencies):

A. Systems-Based Practice

1. In general, to demonstrate knowledge of the health care system and understand how to use resources to provide optimum patient care effectively.
2. Specifically, to demonstrate:
You are a cooperative and effective healthcare team member (Sacred Holistic Medicine).
Working with the health care team in guiding patient management. (Sacred Traditional & Indigenous Holistic Medicines)
We are handling day-to-day responsibilities adequately.
Seeking responsibilities and making an effort to fulfill them.
They are being appropriately attentive to detail.
Knowledge of patient/ communicant management duties relating to systems issues, system resources, and regulatory affairs (e.g., engaging ancillary health care providers, safe care, formulary, Holistic, Homeopathic, and Herbal). (Sacred Holistic Medicine)

B. Professionalism

1. To demonstrate a commitment to professional responsibilities and sensitivity to a diverse patient population.

2. Specifically, to demonstrate:
Respect and honesty.
Compassion for patients/ communicants.
Respect for patient confidentiality.
Acceptance of criticism and feedback.
Motivation to learn and improve.
Good work ethic.
Punctuality.
Preparedness.

C. Interpersonal Skills and Communication

1. In general, to demonstrate effective information exchange and teaming with patients, their families, and other health professionals.
2. Specifically, to demonstrate:
Awareness of the relevance of psycho-social factors, cultural diversity, and support systems to healthcare.
Application of this knowledge in the care of individual patients.
Good communication skills and rapport with patients/ communicants, families, other health care ministers, counselors, professionals, staff, and supervisors.

D. Patient/Communicant (Relationship) Centered Care

1. To demonstrate compassionate, appropriate, and effective care for treating and promoting health problems.
2. History, specifically to demonstrate:
Ability to elicit a complete and accurate history.
Ability to report essential data from records.
Ability to formulate a relevant and accurate assessment and plan.
3. Physical Examination, specifically to demonstrate:
Knowledge and references to perform an efficient, accurate, and thorough examination using indigenous and traditional assessment protocols, including aspects of differential diagnosis.
Ability to report significant abnormalities.
4. Written History and Physical; Specifically to demonstrate:
Ability to document an accurate, well-organized, and legible history and physical.
Ability to document comprehensive and systematic assessments.
5. Progress Notes; Specifically to demonstrate:
Ability to document a legible and informative note that reflects the patient’s problems.
Ability to document an analytical assessment of the management.
6. Oral Presentation, specifically to demonstrate:
Ability to give a focused presentation that includes all the essential information.
Understanding is achieved by the appropriate selection of facts. Minimal use of notes.
Good eye contact and clear and understandable spoken English.

E. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

1. In general, to demonstrate appraisal and assimilation of scientific evidence, evaluation, and improvement of patient care.
2. Improvement in Practice, specifically to demonstrate:
Ongoing reading about current clinical problems.
Appropriate access to clinical information and online resources.
Ability to apply indigenous, traditional medical evidence to clinical scenarios.
Ability to supply cognitive knowledge to clinical care patients.
Progressive learning from previous errors.
3. Improvement in self-directed learning, specifically to demonstrate:
Self-assessment, motivation, and initiative.
Improvement with feedback.
Attempt to meet set goals.
We are preparing in advance.
Appropriate reading.

F. Tenets of Sacred Traditional and Natural Medicine and Wellness

1. To demonstrate appropriate knowledge of established and evolving indigenous and traditional medicine approaches, including bio-medical, clinical, and cognate sciences, and apply this knowledge in patient/ communicant care.
2. Knowledge base; Specifically, to demonstrate:
Good fund of knowledge and understanding, including population-based and evidence-based traditional and natural medicine.
Ability to ask insightful questions.
Meaningful participation in discussion and decision-making.
Knowledge of basic pathophysiology.
Good understanding of the diagnostic approach.
3. Problem-solving, specifically to demonstrate:
Integration of relevant primary and clinical scientific knowledge and clinical judgment.
Ability to elaborate appropriate differential diagnoses and therapeutic approaches.
4. Subject-specific;
Knowledge of the evaluation and management of common psychological and behavioral issues seen by traditional natural, indigenous medicine practitioners (e.g., anxiety, depression, eating disorders, developmental delays, learning disabilities, substance use, and addiction).


Knowledge of traditional, Holistic, Indigenous (U.N.- WHO defined), Humanitarian Aid Mission Services, social Work, Native American, and Bible-based Holistic nutrition and nutritional health.

Understanding of “end of life” issues, palliative care, and hospice care., sensitivity to psychological, socioeconomic, cultural, and community aspects of patient care, understanding of the continuity of care, cost-effective care, and coordination of care with other ministers, clergy, medicine persons, counselors, naturopaths/ nature cure, physicians, and consultants.

The above listed are in addition to those learning objectives and competencies acquired in the undergrad prerequisite programs, including but not limited to Native American Healing and Medicine, Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as Indigenous Traditional Native, Natural and Tribal Medicines, Biblical or medicine principles of religious, sacred and or ecclesiastical origins and Red Cross Approved or Authorized Adult CPR-AED, First Aid Certification. The CPR-AED Certification must be current or renewed as a requirement for issuing an A.C.N.M. Diploma and N.A.I.C. Legal Shield Licentiate license for Holistic Services.

NAIC Legal Shield LCHT Holistic License 

N.A.I.C. ACNM Accreditations, Approvals, and Recognitions

Educational Programs Accredited/ Recognized by the State of Florida D.O.E., N.A.I.C., and A.N.C.B.

It is approved for Qualification for A.N.C.B. Naturopathic National Boards for Traditional Naturopaths! Click here for the Approval Letter.

If you want to start more simply and with less cost and commitment… Consider one of our other great educational programs:

SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Professional Online/ Distance Learning Certification Program. (164 hrs. No in-class hours)

1) (CTP1) Certified Thai Yoga Practitioner Program ( 164 CE hours.)

2) (A.L.C.) Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counselor Certification/ Ayurveda Lifestyle Consultant (650 CE Hours)(Meets or exceeds Association of Ayurveda Professionals of North America- A.A.P.N.A. Guidelines for Membership)

3) (TCP) SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Teacher Certification Program (1028 CE hours: The most comprehensive Thai Yoga teacher training in the country)

Programs at http://ThaiYogaCenter.Com

Call or write to us today!

N.A.I.C. Inc.( American College of Natural Medicine/ Thai Yoga Center)

(706) 358-8646

Native American Indigenous Church (N.A.I.C.)