Discover the Future of Wellness: Notre Dame of Maryland University Launches New School for Integrative Health

Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is making waves as the first comprehensive university in the U.S. to establish a dedicated school for integrative health. They just merged with the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH), bringing in an exciting mix of programs, faculty, and students.

President Marylou Yam highlighted that this merger represents the first time in over 50 years that two private, four-year degree programs in Maryland have combined forces, adding about 500 graduate students to NDMU’s community.

This new school offers more than 20 online graduate degrees and certificates focused on integrative health and wellness. Among them are programs centered on nutrition, wellness coaching, herbal medicine, Ayurveda, and yoga therapy.

Yam expressed confidence that these new offerings will complement NDMU’s established health programs, enriching students’ educational experience. Christina Sax, previously the provost at MUIH, will take the helm as the new dean.

Integrative medicine combines traditional medical practices with innovative therapies. The World Health Organization describes it as an evidence-based approach to health that incorporates both biomedical and complementary medicine techniques.

For instance, integrative care may involve acupuncture, massage, meditation, and dietary supplements. These practices can complement mainstream medical treatments rather than replace them.

Interesting trends show that the popularity of complementary health approaches is on the rise. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, the percentage of people using at least one of these therapies jumped from 19.2% in 2002 to 36.7% in 2022.

This shift indicates a growing acknowledgment of the role alternative therapies can play in health care. As more individuals seek holistic wellness, institutions like NDMU are stepping up to meet this demand, integrating these methods into educational curricula.

In a world increasingly focused on personalized health, the rise of integrative programs reflects changes in public perception and the ways we think about wellness. NDMU is paving the way for future health professionals to explore these new avenues.

For more information on integrative medicine, check out the World Health Organization’s [definition](https://www.who.int/health-topics/traditional-complementary-and-integrative-medicine#tab=tab_1) and insights from the [National Institutes of Health](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/news/press-releases/nih-analysis-reveals-a-significant-rise-in-use-of-complementary-health-approaches-especially-for-pain-management).

Stay tuned as this new school develops and plays a role in shaping the future of integrative health education.

Source link