Education requirements and laws that govern homeopathic medicine greatly vary depending on your geographic location, so one of the first things you need to do is to determine the regulations that govern the location where you intend to practice. In most cases, before advertising yourself as a homeopathic practitioner, you will need to prove that you have undergone some type of training. There are many schools and certification programs available for those who want to become a homeopathic practitioner, in addition to college degree programs in alternative medicine.
Homeopathic medicine is believed to have been developed in Germany during the early 1800s. It is based on a concept called the “principal of similars,” which puts forth the idea that cures for illnesses can be achieved by exposing a patient to substances that cause similar types of symptoms when given to those who are healthy. For instance, because onions cause tearing eyes and nasal draining, onions are commonly used in homeopathic medicine to treat those exact same symptoms. Those seeking to become a homeopathic practitioner would have to master long lists of both symptoms and their related remedies.
In the United States (US), homeopathy is not recognized as a medicine, so little is done to monitor education. In fact, homeopathic practitioners in the US run the risk of being charged with practicing medicine without a license. If you plan to practice in the US, you should make sure you have a full understanding of the legal restrictions associated with the practice of homeopathic medicine. Many European countries are much more open to homeopathic practices.
Schools that offer certification in homeopathic medicine usually cover a wide variety of topics related to homeopathic treatment, and even allow the practitioners to specialize in individual areas of health. Some of the different areas of study include homeopathic nutrition, fundamentals of homeopathy, and using art to treat illness. Students will be encouraged to grasp an understanding of homeopathy, and learn how to dilute substances used in the treatment.
Probably one of the most mainstream ways to become a homeopathic practitioner is to get a bachelor’s or master’s degree in alternative medicine. This course of study involves many different types of alternative medicine including acupuncture, herbology, and homeopathic medicine. In these degree programs, you will also likely explore hypnosis, massage, and chiropractic studies. In addition, having a college degree will likely give you a great advantage over those who have only completed a certificate program.
Once you have finished your training to become a homeopathic practitioner, you will need to establish your practice. Many people use websites devoted to their practice as a direct way to advertise to potential customers. A great many people turn to the Internet when looking for alternative medical treatments, so it is a good idea to make sure your new practice has a prominent virtual presence. You might also try to establish a working relationship with other alternative practitioners in related fields as a way to encourage patient referrals.
