Updated Jan. 24, 2022

Even if your primary practice is within the fields of massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic, training in adjacent and related medical studies allows you to take a holistic approach to care. It also paves the way to make your practice even more effective, allowing your clients to find added value in the treatments you offer.

The integration of functional nutrition with your massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic practice satisfies the whole-body approach and belief that our body systems are complex and interdependent. The whole-body approach — or functional medicine — does not divide the body into multiple systems, but rather looks for “the root cause of a collection of symptoms.” Integrating holistic practices can greatly benefit your clients and patients on their journeys toward wellness.  

If you believe that whole, real, and nutrient-dense foods are medicine to the body and you have a passion for teaching others how to live healthy and active lives, then becoming a nutritionist may be the best career path for you. If so, it’s important to understand what nutrition programs offer and what things you should consider prior to applying.

Holistic nutritionists seek to bring health and vitality to people’s lives by balancing the body, mind, and spirit — a whole health approach. The focus is on improvement in health through consistent healthy eating on a daily basis and healthy and mindful living. Recommendations are made based on the uniqueness of each individual, particularly the differences in biochemical makeup and personal heritage.

Wes Harwood is an instructor at CLIMB who teaches Bio-chemistry Foundations, Pathophysiology of Structure and Nerves, Pathophysiology of Metabolism and Immunity in the Functional Nutrition program and Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support in the American Heart Association and cardiology classes taught at PCC Institute for Health Professionals.

Dr. Jerome Craig teaches in the Functional Nutrition program.

Manda Draper is a nutritionist who graduated from the Masters of Science in Nutrition program at the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM). Manda is the coordinator for the Food as Medicine Institute. She teaches the FAME series, a 12-week, community based, cooking, and nutrition course. Prior to completing her masters degree, Manda served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo, West Africa. As a Food Security volunteer she created a nutrition and feeding program for mothers with malnourished children. Manda’s passion is to encourage the growth and wellness of local communities through cooking and nutrition education. Manda will be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from April- September while maintaining an entirely whole foods based diet.

Heather Pratt is a natural born foodie with a passion for the medicinal effects of food. She is a Master Nutrition Therapist and is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition and has been helping people to improve their health with nutrition for the past 10 years. She works for Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage as a Nutrition Writer and regular contributor to the Natural Grocers Health Hotline Magazine, where she educates staff and customers alike on how to use food and supplements to enhance their health. She also teaches nutrition classes to the public and offers individual nutrition counseling.

Susan Barendregt is a Functional Nutritionist and is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She has also earned a degree in Statistics and a certificate in Massage Therapy. Susan is a former Vice President and member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. She has been a practicing functional nutritionist since 2006.