A homeopath will get to know you really well. She’ll learn what you like to eat, how you sleep and if you argue with your spouse. She’ll even discover what you dream about.
That’s why you’ll want to find someone you can work with. You’ll need someone who shares your basic outlook on life, or at least someone who’s open minded.
Finding a Certified Homeopathic Practitioner
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For instance, our family has been using homeopathy for nearly 20 years. The practitioners I’ve worked with have encouraged me to buy my own homeopathic remedy kit, and to learn as much as I can about this form of healing. They want their patients to be informed.
Most homeopaths are very kind and tolerant. I believe it takes a special type of person able to think outside of the standard medical box. Then, they devote years to learning a discipline that gets little respect in mainstream scientific circles.
There’s not much monetary compensation, relative to the amount of work needed to learn homeopathy. Many homeopaths must supplement their income with teaching, writing and giving talks. Dispensing remedies isn’t profitable. Unlike drugs, these cost pennies per dose. Also, the goal is wellness. Ideally, your client won’t be needing your services forever.
But even if you find a practitioner you “click” with, you’ll probably want to ask a few more questions. Please understand I am not a professional homeopath. So everything you read here is my personal opinion only, and should not be considered medical advice.
Where to Find a Homeopathic Practitioner
Homeopathy is a real form of medicine. But you’ll have the best chance of successful treatment if you work with a homeopath who works well with you. That’s why you may want to also learn more about homeopathy.
Unlike the conventional doctor/patient relationship, your homeopath is more like a partner, one who gets to know you, as well as your family members.
Homeopathy was developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the 1800’s. It very individualized. It’s based on the principle of “like cures like.” So, someone suffering from a toothache, for instance, will need a remedy made from a poisonous substance that normally causes toothaches. Because the remedy is so diluted, the poison is gone, but its energetic imprint remains.
Since there are hundreds of remedies, you’ll need to take exactly the right one to receive healing benefits. That’s why you’ll need a skilled practitioner. Here’s how to find the right homeopath.
Where to Find a Good Homeopath
Whether you’re trying to find a plumber, an electrician, a dentist or a homeopath, the first place to start is by asking your family and friends. It’s quite possible someone you already know has some information.
Also, alternative medical specialists tend to cross refer. So if you already have a chiropractor or an herbalist you trust, perhaps they can recommend someone.
Another source is your local health food store. The people who shop there are often fighting, or recovering from, a chronic health problem. So they may be eager to share the name of someone who has helped them with the person working behind the counter.
Many major cities also have homeopathic colleges that can recommend a teacher or a former student. You can also contact the National Center for Homeopathy for the name of a homeopath near you. The center’s website also has a database of US practitioners.
Homeopathic “Wet” Doses or “Dry” Doses
Some practitioners prefer dry doses. Others prefer “wet” doses, where a homeopathic pellet is diluted in water.
This certainly isn’t the most important factor to consider when choosing someone to work with. But it’s something to consider. (I prefer a homeopath who is fully knowledgeable about wet doses. It’s believed this is a superior form of healing.)
Homeopaths tend to prescribe on symptoms and not necessarily by diagnosis. So your actual medical condition is not as relevant as your overall health.
If you have a chronic illness, or a frail constitution, you’ll want to work with someone who respects that, and who believes in gentle healing with a lot of follow-up care.
Ideally, you want someone who treats every patient in a very individualized manner, and who has worked with all types of patients, young and old. Some people do much better with remedies in a lower-dose than what is standard prescribing. (I am one of them.)
For instance, one homeopath I consulted wanted to give my eight-year-old daughter, who was physically weak as a child, a very high-dose “dry” remedy. (It’s been shown that dry pellets, especially in high doses, are more likely to cause a temporary aggravation of symptoms.) Our current homeopath knows better than to prescribe this way.
Good Books to Learn About Homeopathy
I’ve been blessed with wonderful teachers. The two homeopaths I’ve worked with the most have been very willing to share their knowledge. I think they believe an informed patient is a better patient.
They’ve shared their insights, as well as how various remedies work. In addition to our conversations, I’ve also studied up on homeopathy. Oftentimes, I don’t even need to call our homeopath, because I can find the right remedy myself. Here is an excellent book for beginners. Don’t be put off by the title. The rich remedy descriptions you find in this book can be applied to adults as well. This is a very easy-to-use book for beginners. It was my first homeopathy book and I still use it.
Homeopathic Medicine for Infants and Children
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Quick Facts About Homeopathy
- Homeopathy works on the principle of “like cures like.” Many of the remedies are made from toxins, diluted to the point where none of the original substance is present.
- At the turn of the century, at least one-third of all physicians in the United States were homeopathic doctors.
- Some medical centers in the United States are named after Dr. Samuel Hanneman, who founded modern homeopathy.
- Homeopathy was developed in Germany during the 1800’s.
- India has many homeopaths and some of the best homeopaths in the world are Indian.
Here is another book if you’d like to learn more about homeopathy. It’s written by a mother who used homeopathy to cure her son of autism. After reading this book, I felt much more comfortable picking the right remedy. It was at that point that I needed to start calling my homeopathy less frequently, because I was often able to find the right remedy myself. This book showed me what I had been doing wrong.
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Does Your Homeopath Accept Phone Calls After Hours
This is extremely important. Sometimes strange symptoms, or even new symptoms, can appear during the course of treatment. It may mean a particular remedy is no longer needed, or you need to adjust the potency and the frequency in which is given. This may also indicate you should try a new remedy.
Sometimes, it may even indicate a break in treatment may be the best plan.
Also, many variables can affect what remedy is required. If you develop a cold or flu symptoms during treatment for a chronic condition, it will cloud the picture. You’ll want to be able to contact your homeopath to see how to proceed.
One thing I’ve found invaluable is having my own remedy kit. The symptom picture can change so quickly. Although your homeopath may be willing to mail you remedies, this can take several days. This isn’t a good solution if you need a remedy immediately. Shown here is a great beginner’s kit, containing the most commonly recommended remedies.
Homeopathic Remedy Kit for Beginners
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Homeopathic Remedies for Chronic Illness
If you have a chronic condition, you’ll probably want to work with a practitioner who tells you to put one pellet in water and then shake, or succuss, it before you take it.
Each time the remedy is shaken, it becomes a little bit stronger. This allows for gentle and gradual healing because you’re never taking the exact same potency. Taking too many doses of the same potency can lead to a temporary aggravation of your symptoms. Good homeopaths strive to avoid a severe escalation of symptoms.
Sometimes, though, a little flare-up after taking a remedy is a very good sign. It means better health will follow.
However, there are some instances in which remedies may, and should, be given dry. One scenario is when you are taking a low-potency “cell salt” to balance the minerals in your body. Another may be when a strong, healthy person can tolerate a dry dose, which may sort of “jolt” the body into health.
Homeopathy and New Age
Some, practitioners, though, also use divination as a means of selecting the right remedy. I’m not sure what, exactly, this entails. Our family’s homeopath does not do this.
As a Catholic, this is against my religion. so I need to work with someone who doesn’t employ these techniques. Most homeopaths will tell you upfront that this is what they do, before booking an appointment.
However, homeopathy in and of itself presents no religious conflict for me. It is a well-established medical system that has greatly helped our entire family.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not meant to diagnose‚ treat or cure any disease or medical condition. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take homeopathic remedies unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
Photo Credit: slyv1rob1/Bigstock.com
For Additional Reading
National Center for Homeopathy