Final up to date: 2026 | This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. If you enroll through my link and use the code FITNESSISTA, you’ll stand up to $250 off and I could earn a fee at no further price to you.
Hiiii associates! I hope you had a beautiful weekend and that you just’re having fun with the morning. At the moment I needed to talk about certainly one of my favourite matters: IHP.
In case you’ve been following alongside right here for some time, you recognize that I’ve spent years constructing out my diet and health teaching apply and that I’m somebody who genuinely loves studying. I’ve collected a variety of certifications through the years (Precision Diet, NASM Private Coach, Weight Loss Specialist, Ladies’s Health Specialist, Corrective Train Specialist, 200-hour yoga RYT, and extra), and every one has added one thing significant to the way in which I work with purchasers.
However there was at all times a niche.
Working with diet purchasers on-line, I saved working into conditions the place I knew one thing deeper was happening – a hormonal imbalance, a intestine concern, a mineral deficiency – and all I might do was refer out. Suggesting particular labs or decoding take a look at outcomes is just not inside the scope of apply for a diet coach or private coach. I’d added different practitioners to my group who might run these exams, however as my on-line apply grew, I needed to have the ability to do that work myself.
That’s what led me to the Integrative Well being Practitioner (IHP) certification, and after finishing each Stage 1 and Stage 2 (over 100 hours of coursework, persevering with schooling, and a few very difficult exams later), I may give you an intensive, trustworthy image of what to anticipate.
Curious about Enrolling? Start Here.
Use code FITNESSISTA for $100 off Stage 1, or $250 off each ranges.
IHP Certification Assessment: What I Discovered, What It Prices, and Is It Price It (2026)
What Is the IHP Certification?
The Integrative Health Practitioner certification was created by Dr. Stephen Cabral, a Board Licensed Physician of Naturopathy, founding father of EquiLife and the Integrative Well being Practitioner Institute, and creator of the worldwide bestseller The Rain Barrel Impact. (In case you haven’t learn it but, get it. It’s free!) After practically 20 years, over 600,000 pages of analysis, dozens of certifications within the pure well being area, and over 1 / 4 of 1,000,000 non-public consumer periods…. Dr. Cabral is the true deal.
I’d been following him on Instagram for a few years and had him as a visitor on the podcast earlier than I enrolled. After we wrapped up the podcast, I knew I needed to be taught as a lot as I might from him, and when the partnership got here collectively, I took it as an indication that the timing was lastly proper.
This system is constructed on 7 integrative disciplines:
Ayurvedic medication – the science of life and body-typing
Bioregulatory medication – the science of self-healing and rebalancing
Chinese language medication and herbalism – unlocking nature’s therapeutic knowledge
Japanese philosophy – utilizing the thoughts to heal the physique
Conventional naturopathy – “proper dwelling” to reverse sickness
Orthomolecular medication – nutritional vitamins and minerals as medication
Practical medication – state-of-the-art lab testing to uncover underlying root causes
Every part is taught by Dr. Cabral himself, and I genuinely loved the way in which he presents complicated data, making it accessible and simple to implement. His real-world scientific expertise is invaluable, and it comes by in each lesson.
The Two Ranges: What’s the Distinction?
IHP Stage 1: The DESTRESS Protocol
Level 1 focuses on Dr. Cabral’s DESTRESS methodology: a root-cause way of life framework constructed round Weight loss program, Train, Stress administration, Toxin removing, Relaxation, Emotional steadiness, Supplementation, and Success mindset.
Every lesson runs about half-hour, and Dr. Cabral contains urged studying, complementary podcast episodes, and tons of client-ready handouts and sources all through. The total Stage 1 course can take round 6 months relying in your tempo. It’s tremendous complete.
I liked Stage 1. I discovered myself studying one thing helpful from each single lesson. But it surely’s the big-picture basis and it builds your framework and vocabulary. The appliance actually is available in Stage 2.
Need the total breakdown? Learn my full IHP Level 1 review here.
IHP Stage 2: Practical Labs
That is the place issues received actually thrilling for me. Throughout every module I saved pondering: that is precisely what I need to be taught. That is how I need to assist my purchasers.
Level 2 is sort of completely centered on practical medication labs. You learn to advocate particular residence lab exams, analyze outcomes, and recommend motion plans primarily based on what you discover.
Right here’s what’s coated:
Meals Sensitivity Testing: IgG reactions to 190 meals on a scale from not vital to excessive. These are sensitivities (not allergy symptoms) and might present up as complications, joint ache, pores and skin rashes, poor temper, and extra.
Parasite and Micro organism Stool Testing: key intestine micro organism and parasite markers linked to mind fog, low vitality, physique ache, and complications.
Natural Acids (OAT): an analysis of intestinal yeast and micro organism that may contribute to fatigue, conduct points, immune dysfunction, and extra. Many individuals with persistent sickness and neurological points present up right here. I run this take a look at with purchasers virtually each single day.
Omega-3 Testing – your Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, which has actual implications for coronary heart well being, irritation, temper, vitality, pores and skin, and muscle and joint ache. (Enjoyable reality: analysis reveals that when Omega-3 ranges within the blood attain 9% or extra, the danger of sudden cardiac demise drops dramatically. That alone was eye-opening.)
Adrenal Hormone Testing – estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol patterns all through the day.
Thyroid Adrenal Hormone Testing – provides testosterone, DHEA, thyroid markers (T4, T3, TSH, TPO antibodies), insulin, A1C, and vitamin D. Weight reduction has much more to do with hormone steadiness and metabolism than most individuals understand.
HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Evaluation) – a foundational lab utilizing only a hair pattern that appears at mineral ranges, electrolytes, and poisonous heavy metals, and provides perception into how your physique is responding to emphasize and whether or not you’re a sluggish or quick oxidizer.
Observe: these labs are usually not meant to diagnose, stop, deal with, or remedy any illness, however they supply extremely particular and actionable details about your particular person physique. I really love this side of the labs; we’re on the lookout for underlying imbalances however nothing scary.
About two-thirds of the way in which by Stage 2, I noticed that if I saved making an attempt to grasp each module earlier than shifting on, I’d by no means end, since you might actually spend a lifetime going deep on any certainly one of these exams. One of the best ways to essentially be taught this materials is to do it: learn actual outcomes, re-watch the related module as you undergo every marker, and maintain layering in podcasts, books, and persevering with schooling. That’s nonetheless how I method it.
For the total Stage 2 breakdown, learn my IHP Level 2 review here
How A lot Does the IHP Price?
Pricing can change, so I at all times advocate checking present enrollment particulars instantly.
That mentioned:
Stage 1 is the lower-cost entry level, with cost plan choices obtainable
Each ranges collectively is the place the larger funding (and greater low cost) is available in. I believe that Stage 2 is ABSOLUTELY value it. (Price saying right here that I’m at the moment working my means by Stage 3 and loving each second)
Use code FITNESSISTA for $100 off Level 1, or $250 off both levels
IHP additionally periodically runs enrollment specials, so it’s value maintaining an eye fixed out if timing is an element for you.
For context on worth: the practical lab coaching alone – one thing only a few coach-level certifications supply at this depth – would price considerably extra if pursued by particular person programs or scientific coaching packages.
What I Truly Love Concerning the IHP Program
It fills an actual hole in conventional well being teaching. As a diet coach and private coach, there’s a tough ceiling on how deep you may go together with purchasers. The IHP certification – particularly Stage 2 – gave me instruments to truly get to root causes, not simply supply basic way of life steering.
Dr. Cabral is genuinely one of many good ones. In case you observe him on Instagram or take heed to his podcast, you already know this. He’s extremely educated, however you may also simply inform that he’s a genuinely good one that actually needs to assist folks heal. That comes by in each lesson.
The help construction is superb. There’s a non-public Fb group for IHP candidates and licensed practitioners, stay Zoom Q&A calls, and – for Stage 2 graduates who full an extra mentorship program – they’ll even refer purchasers to you instantly. The handouts and sources are one other enormous plus; Dr. Cabral shares the precise protocols he makes use of in his personal apply, which makes it simple to begin implementing with purchasers straight away.
Self-paced with lifetime entry. No cohort deadlines to emphasize over. You’ll be able to transfer rapidly when life permits and decelerate when it doesn’t. (Because of this it’s taken me 18 years to finish Stage 3 lol.) They’re additionally continuously including new modules, handouts, and content material to the platform.
You don’t want a well being background to begin. We now have IHPs who utterly modified careers due to this program, and in addition bodily therapists, nurses, docs, private trainers, and dental professionals. It actually spans backgrounds.
The mission behind it’s stunning. The concept is that you just heal your self after which go on to heal others. That’s one thing I consider in utterly, and it’s been further significant to me as I’ve been alone therapeutic journey.
What I’d Inform You to Know Going In
The teachings require your full consideration. This was my solely actual frustration: Dr. Cabral goes into a variety of data (much more so in Stage 2), and I felt like I wanted to be at my desk taking notes, not listening on a stroll or throughout a commute. The upside is it forces you to truly soak up the fabric, however you may’t blast by it as rapidly as you would possibly need to.
It’s not a scientific credential. The IHP doesn’t provide the authority to diagnose, deal with, or prescribe. That is true of all well being teaching certifications, and it’s one thing to go in figuring out. You’re working inside the scope of a well being practitioner, which continues to be significant and impactful; it’s only a completely different lane than medication.
You’ll must buy your personal insurance coverage after Stage 2. Most grads undergo an organization like Different Stability. It’s pretty simple to arrange, but it surely’s an ongoing price to issue into your planning. (I believe I pay about $160/12 months)
It takes actual time. Stage 1 usually takes round 6 months; Stage 2 can take 6 months to a 12 months. There’s no shortcut, and actually, that’s acceptable for the quantity of fabric coated.
Is the IHP Price It in 2026?
For me, 10000% sure.
I need to be trustworthy about why, although. I got here to this already working within the well being area, with a particular hole I wanted to fill and a real ardour for such a work. IHP stuffed that hole. I’ve been ready so as to add a brand new layer to my 1:1 teaching, work with members of the family and associates utilizing these instruments, and deepen my very own therapeutic course of with information I didn’t have earlier than. (The timing was further significant for me personally. Coping with some surprising well being problems with my very own made the practical lab materials really feel extremely related.)
I’ve additionally been the one that was informed “nothing is improper” or “you’ll simply should stay with it” by a number of physicians. I do know firsthand how a lot it issues to have somebody in your nook who thinks in root causes, who doesn’t hand over on you when customary labs look “regular.” That’s the form of practitioner I need to be, and IHP gave me actual instruments to get there.
In case you’re a well being skilled on the lookout for one other option to serve your purchasers, or in case you’re somebody who needs to heal your self after which assist the folks round you, I genuinely can’t advocate this program sufficient. I’d do each ranges, particularly if practical labs are your purpose. That’s the place the true magic occurs.
Take a look at the IHP program and use code FITNESSISTA for as much as $250 off
I solely advocate packages I’ve personally accomplished and consider in. Enrolling by my hyperlink helps this weblog at no further price to you.
Fast FAQs
Do I would like a well being background to enroll?
Nope! This system is open to everybody: profession changers, well being professionals, and genuinely curious folks alike.
Can I simply do Stage 1?
Sure. Stage 1 is its personal certification. But when practical lab work is your purpose, you’ll need each ranges. I’d begin with Stage 1 to ensure the fabric resonates, then proceed to Stage 2. (If you buy each on the identical time, the pricing is best, although.)
How lengthy does it take to complete?
Stage 1 is usually round 6 months at a snug tempo; Stage 2 is analogous or a bit longer. There’s no time restrict, so you may go at no matter tempo works to your life.
What can I really do with this certification?
You’ll be able to add practical well being teaching to your current apply, create new 1:1 or group choices, use it to deepen your personal private well being information, and contribute to content material you create. Stage 2 graduates even have the choice to obtain consumer referrals by the IHP community.
Is there group help when you’re going by it?
Sure! The non-public Fb group is energetic and genuinely useful. And Dr. Cabral’s podcast (The Cabral Idea) is an ongoing useful resource that I nonetheless use repeatedly.
Check out the details here and my code is FITNESSISTA to your low cost
Have questions in regards to the IHP that I didn’t cowl right here? Drop them within the feedback. I learn each single one and am pleased to assist!
xo,
Gina
I’ll be updating this publish yearly to replicate any modifications in pricing, curriculum, or program particulars.
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