Homeopathy works under the premise of Similia Similibus Curantur , or "like cures like." Practitioners of this system believe that to cure an illness, you must be exposed to a small amount of the substance that would cause that illness in a healthy person. This remedy, as it is called, is a diluted form of the substance, so much so that it might not even be detectable by scientific means. It works by encouraging the body to develop its own natural defenses.
History:
A German physician is responsible for putting homeopathy to work in a practical way, although this kind of healing was used in the time of Hippocrates and before. It was 1790, and Dr. Samuel Hahnemann was translating a medical book from English to German when he came upon a remark made by the author that cinchona bark cured malaria because of its actions in the stomach. Not happy with such a vague answer, Hahnemann ingested a small amount of cinchona juice for a few days. He began to experience symptoms of malarial fever! This sparked an idea, and after some more experimenting, he reconfirmed the Law of Similars, which states that the same medicines that are to cure an ailment in sick people could make a healthy person sick. Modern childhood immunizations work off the same principle, as children are often infected with a weakened form of the virus to help them develop immunity to it.
Typical Treatment:
Homeopaths work from a private office. On the first visit, which can be lengthy, the provider will assess your physical condition and ask questions about your medical history and that of your family. Expect this to go quite in-depth, as a homeopath uses a wide range of information to decide how you should be treated. Be prepared for blood work. After the initial assessment, you will be prescribed one or more homeopathic remedies. On follow-up visits, the provider will discuss with you how the treatment is working and modify it as necessary.
Conditions Treated:
Asthma
Cough
Diabetes
Eczema
Epilepsy
Fever
Fibromyalgia
Heartburn
Headaches
Hypertension
Indigestion
Infertility
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Menopausal symptoms
Migraines
Pharyngitis
PMS
Sinusitis
Tonsillitis
Vertigo
Benefits:
There are no unpleasant side effects with homeopathic medicines.
Homeopaths treat the whole person, physically, mentally and emotionally, and each remedy is customized.
Homeopathic medicines treat the underlying conditions causing symptoms, not the symptoms themselves.
You cannot overdose on homeopathic medicines.
Side-Effects/Contra-Indications:
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before use.
You might find your symptoms get worse before they get better. This is because the body will exemplify symptoms before purging them.
Educations/Schools:
While the United States offers homeopathy in nontraditional schools and through correspondence schools, homeopathy enjoys a more mainstream existence in Europe and Asia. European students spend three to six years in programs of undergraduate or postgraduate study. In India, students take 5.5 years to finish a homeopathy education. There are over 150 colleges and homeopathic hospitals in India.
Degree/License offered: Professional Homeopath Diploma, Certificate in Classical Homeopathy.
Length of study: 2-3 years to complete training, although some schools offer a 1-year course for emergency personnel.
Process of Study: In this field, the emphasis is on flexibility, so many offer weekend or monthly classes, and plenty of independent study. After the first two years, some schools offer a mentorship program or supervised training.
Cost/Financial Aid: Students of homeopathy can expect to pay up to $4,200 per year for tuition, in addition to seminar fees. Grants and loans are possible through private foundations.
Research:
In India scientists are researching homeopathic remedies for Diabetes and systemic effects, Cervical Erosion, Gastroenteritis, Acute Bronchitis, Depression, Diarrhea and Schizophrenia, to name a few.
In the U.S., the NCCAM ( National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) sponsors a number of studies to learn about homeopathy and Fibromyalgia, Brain Deterioration, Strokes, and Dementia. They are also studying cadmium as a remedy to see if it can prevent prostate damage.
Requirements vary by state. In Connecticut, Nevada and Arizona, medical doctors can be licensed for homeopathy. California, along with thirteen other states, licenses naturopaths. In some states, licensed practitioners may use homeopathy to treat patients.
Average Salary/Hourly Rate:
Clients of homeopaths usually have to pay out of pocket for their care. The first visit is necessarily more expensive than subsequent visits. For 60-90 minutes, clients pay $150-$250. Follow-up visits are $50-$100, so the average hourly rate is $125-$150.
