Practicing Homeopathic Medicine Online

According to a New York Times article published on 10/6/20009, the future of health care is online. But even as consumers attempt to ferret out health information online, as of October 2009, only about 266,000 homeopaths offer online consultations---and their practices tend to be located outside of the United States.

Homeopathy and the Internet

• Homeopathic medicine has devoted fans. At the turn of the 20th century, homeopathy thrived along with corner drugstores, elixirs and herbal compounds. As times have changed, what once was a popular form of medicine in America has become much less well known. Enter the Internet: Cyberspace is unique in making the world smaller. Even the most obscure practice can be found through an Internet search.

Considering Practicing Homeopathy Online

• Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, would most likely be shocked at the practice of homeopathy over the Internet. A purist, he advocated the practice of homeopathy to be carried out via particular methodologies. But just as with most practices, adaptation and innovation has come into play.

  One of the most important principles of homeopathy is the focus on treating the "whole person." Homeopathy is an individualized system of medicine.---the word "homeopathy" (homeo + pathos) means "similar sickness." Due to this concept, many homeopaths have been reluctant to embrace Internet technology and practice homeopathic medicine online. Seeing a patient in person can provide crucial insight in discerning the proper remedy selection. Odor, for example, is not something that can be picked up over the Internet.

  But as one online homeopathic Internet provider states on her website, "Distance consultation does not differ from personal consultation as far as method is concerned. It is necessary to describe with precision what the eye cannot see. A photograph of the person is helpful; it would give an idea of the patient's appearance, his/her expression." Internet technology continues to improve and due to these developments, more homeopaths will increasingly take advantage of these tools and offer online services.

How to Start - Online Homeopathic Practice

• 1. First, be a qualified homeopath. Case-taking online will present unique challenges that a newcomer will be wise to avoid.

  2. Practicing online requires savvy use of Internet technology, so let us review a few helpful tools:

  - A reasonably fast Internet connection. The Internet is known for speed. If it takes potential clients minutes to upload the information on your site, it can spell lost clients. Make sure your landing pages open up easily. Avoid large graphic files on your website.

  - Consider including a disclaimer and a clear description of your online service.

  - Develop a questionnaire to aid in the consultation process. This will allow more time to direct the focus of the consult.

  - Consider using an online chat service so clients can follow up with email or easily reach the practitioner. Consider:
  Providesupport.com
  Skype.com
  Craftysyntax.com -- offers free open source chat software
  Livezilla.com -- offers freeware chat software

  - Webcams offer the possibility of a visual connection and are included in newer computers. They can also be purchased for as low as $29.99.

  7. If you want a quick start to consulting online, consider signing up with an online advisory service such as Liveperson.com, or Hpathy.com, which offers homeopaths an online software platform for providing online consultations.