Training
My training and what “holistic” means
Here I explain where I trained, how the course is structured and how holistic health coaching differs from classic nutrition counseling.
The Akademie der Naturheilkunde
I did my certification at the Akademie der Naturheilkunde, a distance-learning school for health professions. By its own account the academy is eduQua-certified, and the course in holistic nutrition and health counseling is approved by the ZFU, Germany's State Central Office for Distance Learning.
Holistic health coaching is a counseling service. My focus is on prevention and on supporting the body in finding its natural balance. I do not treat illnesses.
How the training is structured
The course has six modules that build on each other, plus a practice module with case studies. It ends with an online exam.
- Body and organ systems IBasics of anatomy, cells, circulation, breathing, liver, gallbladder and kidneys.
- Body and organ systems IIDigestion, immune system, hormone system, back and oral health.
- Metabolism and nutrition IMetabolism and the basics: carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
- Micronutrients and nutrition IIVitamins, minerals, trace elements, secondary plant compounds and food science.
- Intolerances and digestionSugar, milk, intolerances and allergies, gut health and skin.
- Nutrition across life stagesNutrition in pregnancy, childhood, older age and sports, plus stress management.
- PracticeCase studies for applying what was learned.
What does “holistic” mean?
The word “holistic” comes from the Greek “holos”, meaning “whole”. Holistic means not reducing a person to a single topic, but looking at body, daily life, habits and environment together.
Holistic health coaching or nutrition counseling?
| Nutrition counseling (typically) | Holistic health coaching | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Food and drink: food choices, amounts, nutrients | The whole daily life: nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, rhythm and environment |
| Approach | Often concrete recommendations or plans for a specific question | A shared review and small steps that fit your life |
| Goal | Solve a nutrition question, for example with an intolerance | Anchor well-being and healthy habits in the long term |
| Role | A specialist gives recommendations | Support at eye level, you decide |
In my coaching, nutrition is an important building block among several.
When medical care comes first
With any illness you should see a doctor first, especially with conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or eating disorders, with pregnancy complications and with severe or persistent symptoms, if needed with medically prescribed nutrition therapy. My coaching can complement that but never replace it.
Good to know: in Germany the title “nutrition counselor” (Ernährungsberater/in) is not legally protected, and qualifications vary widely. So always ask about training and qualifications. Mine are listed above.