In order to understand what homeopathic practitioners do when treating patients one must first understand what a homeopath is. In every essence of the word, a homeopath is a person that treats “like with like.”
The term “homeopathy” is based from the Greek words homeo (similar) and pathos (suffering and / or disease). The very first primary principles associated with homeopathy were formulated by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700′s.
The practice of homeopathy is dependent on the notion that disease symptoms can be remedied by minute dosages of substances which produce similar symptoms in healthy people.
Homeopathic practitioners understand the relationship between human anatomy, physiology, pathology, chemistry, naturopathy, microbiology, and psychology. Frequently, such practitioners are medical doctors though not all.
Homeopathy involves the matching of a patient’s symptoms to a corresponding natural remedy. During the initial visit, the homeopathic practitioner will assess the patient and use this assessment as a guide for treatment. This appointment is essential since the course of treatment will rely on a holistic approach to not only the ailment but the patient’s entire being.
In most cases, a homeopathic remedy is given at the end of the consultation, though in some cases additional research may be required. Follow-up visits typically include discussion on how the patient feels so that the practitioner may assess the treatment’s progress. From time to time, adjustments may be made to the course of treatment.
The most common homeopathic remedies include natural substances derived from animals, plants, or minerals. Popular therapies include red onion, arnica (mountain herb), as well as stinging nettle plant. Remedies are prepared by diluting the natural substance through a series of steps. Such remedies can be taken via liquid, pellet, and tablet dosages.
People today make use of homeopathy for a variety of health issues, from wellness and prevention, to the treatment of illnesses and conditions such as allergic reactions, bronchial asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, clinical depression, intestinal disorders, ear infections, mild to severe headaches, and skin breakouts.
Homeopathic Practitioners Licensing and Certification:
At this time there is presently no uniform licensing or professional standards for the practice of homeopathy within the United States, the accreditation of homeopaths differs from one state to another.
Typically, a homeopathic practitioner is licensed in a medical profession, such as conventional or osteopathic medicine. Homeopathy is also an element of the medical education and learning for naturopathy.
Homeopathic methods are considered less invasive than allopathic methods, though often they can be used together. Many allopathic physicians will not employ homeopathic methods in their treatment programs while others find it complementary. Physicians that do learn about homeopathic methods will often get a degree in homeopathic medicine and thus become a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine or a Licensed (or certified) Homeopath.
Homeopathic programmes provide me a range of choice in helping my family health.Most of the homeopathic medicine is base on plant herbs. Therefore, less use of ready made chemical.For me it tremendous discovery! Thanks! For the symbiotic relationship with nature.
I’m just a simple “patient”. I started trying some homeopathic things from Boots in the mistaken belief that they are somehow older natural remedies. They didn’t work for me. Just a sample of one. But when i read Ben Goldacre’s “Bad Science” and learnt that homeopathy is just an invention of some German bloke, in the 18th century whose basic academic qualifications are questionable, I realised I’d been fooled by clever marketeers. (and as a marketeer myself I feel doubly foolish as a result). You should read Ben Goldacre’s book. You’ll see that homeopathy is an industry just like mainstream pharma, but without the regulation and scrutiny. Yet Ben argues that not enough is being done to investigate the real benefits of the placebo effect, and in that respect homeopathists have a role to play – if they want to help people rather than just rip them off.