Skeptical but Curious Asks
June 21, 2006
“When I looked up homeopathy on the internet I found a whole bunch of stuff. Different methods, different schools, so many associations etc. How can I have confidence that the treatment I am receiving is wholesome, credible and effective. The reason I ask is that I have seen so much diversity in my experience within traditional medical practice.” Skeptical but Curious.
by Marilyn Freedman
You probably have done more research on homeopathy than I did when I became as a homeopathic patient over 12 years and then when I decided to pursue it as the profession of choice. It is confusing. The issue of regulation which is looming in Ontario is creating a whirlwind for all of these different method prescribers, schools, and associations, scrambling to maintain homeostasis. But, the world is changing, and they are trying to find their feet.
With regulation the practice, schools, and associations will become more homogeneous.
I can speak to classical homeopathic practice because that is what i believe in, and know. Classical homeopathic philosophy has its roots in ancient medicine first recorded by Pythagorus, then Hippocrates, Paracelsus, and Stahl, among others. It was finally revived and made practical by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700’s. Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine. It is a scientific method of healing. The Organon, (a practical guide for the homeopathic practitioner), materia medica, various homeopathic repertories, books on homeopathic therapeutics, books on constitutional prescribing, are only some of the books which you will find on a homeopath’s shelves. In fact, homeopaths have long been referred to as ‘doctors of the book’. To be a classical homeopath is to learn botany, bio-chemistry, zoology, psychology, homeopathic drug actions, constitutions and temperaments, pathology, the periodic table, and the list goes on. It is hard to practice homeopathy. It is time consuming. That is why it is not practiced by many, nor is it practiced by many successfully. In Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world homeopathy is recognized and is a vital part of the health care system.
There are homeopathic clinics and hospitals in England, India, and other parts of the world. Homeopathy in Ontario was regulated until 1970. In fact there were 5 seats taken by homeopaths on the board of the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The science, methodology, provings, experience, and cures, are documented in over 200 years of classical homeopathic medical works. Therefore, it seems to me, that the route most travelled and successful would be the classical route.
A classical homeopath will only prescribe one remedy at a time. An advanced classical homeopathic prescriber will give the remedy in solution.
Lastly – do what you do when you have to find a lawyer, accountant, dentist, or contractor – go with your instincts.