What Is a Homeopathic Practitioner?

Started more than 200 years ago by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, the practice of homeopathy focuses on stimulating the body's own natural healing properties. A homeopathic practitioner refers to an individual who is trained extensively in the practice of homeopathy and is qualified to administer natural, non-invasive homeopathic remedies.
  1. Principle of Homeopathy

    • While conventional medicine focuses on suppressing symptoms of illness, homeopathy focuses on the overall wellness of the patient. Physical, mental and emotional states are all evaluated during a homeopathic diagnosis and taken into account when deciding upon an appropriate course of action. In homeopathy, disease is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the body's energetic vital force. When a homeopathic remedy is prescribed, it is selected in order to target the well-being of the entire individual, not just the symptoms they are experiencing.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    • Homeopathic remedies present a safe and natural alternative to conventional medication. About 80 percent of homeopathic remedies are derived from plant life. They are prepared by grinding the active ingredient and mixing it with alcohol and water and allowing it to steep, which forms a tincture. As alcohol or water is added, these tinctures become increasingly potent. A homeopathic practitioner is able to identify the proper dosage and remedy that is needed to bring healing. Generally taken on an empty stomach, homeopathic remedies are usually given in drops or tablets underneath the tongue.

    Conditions Which Are Treated

    • Homeopathic practitioners are trained to help persons with almost any medical condition, whether it is chronic or acute. Conditions such as acute bronchitis and food poisoning may be cured in a short time using a homeopathic remedy. When given the correct homeopathic remedy, common children's ailments such as ear infection, cough and sore throat may be healed quickly and dramatically. Under the care of a homeopathic physician, pregnant women may be given remedies that help with a healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery.

    What to Expect

    • Before the first appointment with a homeopathic practitioner, you will be required to fill out a lengthy, comprehensive health-history form. It may take several hours for the homeopathic practitioner to evaluate your answers, meet with you and select the proper homeopathic remedy that is best suited for your overall needs.

    Required Education

    • To become a homeopathic practitioner, three to four years of training is required. Homeopathic training programs teach homeopathic philosophy, case-taking, analysis, the study of homeopathic reference books known as repertory and materia medica, which refers to the medicines used in homeopathy. A homeopathic practitioner does not need to receive an M.D. to become a homeopathic practitioner.

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